Book Review: Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth

I just completed a 13-week small group study of Richard J. Foster's book: Celebration of Discipline: The Path To Spiritual Growth. Foster's premise in Celebration is that we live in a culture that is marked by superficiality and materialism and which teaches a doctrine of instant satisfaction. These influences impede our ability to experience a life of relationship and intimacy with God. Therefore, in order to experience a life of relationship and intimacy with God, we need liberation from these cultural influences and our ingrained habits.

Celebration teaches 12 spiritual disciplines that we can exercise to help us draw nearer to God. These include:

The inward disciplines: meditation; prayer; fasting; study;

The outward disciplines: simplicity; solitude; submission; service; and
The corporate disciplines: confession; worship; guidance; celebration.

Celebration was originally published in 1978 and is now in its third edition. It is one of those rare works that has maintained its freshness and relevance for decade after decade. Beyond being a well written book, the longevity of Celebration may be credited to three primary factors: (1) Foster has recovered practices for growing closer to God that have been proven to be effective for centuries, but which to one degree or another have been lost in contemporary Christianity, and has communicated these practices through a practical guide; (2) many Christians continue to desire a closer relationship with God; and (3) Celebration is accessible to ordinary Christians: people who have jobs, raise children, etc.; for incorporation into ordinary life.

I highly recommend this book. I foresee personally rereading Celebration annually. Although an easy read, Celebration is packed full of relevant biblical references, insightful quotations, and great advice. Celebration is based on sound biblical teaching.

Celebration is a great book for use with a small group. If you are interested in using Celebration for a small group study, available are a very well done DVD and study guide based on the book. However, the study guide does not overlap substantially with the book, so I recommend purchasing the book and the study guide.

Jesus Came to Save Sinners

God's love of mankind is so profound and undeserved, that for some of us we have trouble accepting His grace and mercy because of personal shame or guilt that clogs us up deep inside. Consciously or unconsciously, our self-esteem may be so low because of our past or present situation that we simply cannot process how a good and all knowing God would want anything to do with us. Sure Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (John 5:32), but does that really include even me?

Before we answer that question, let's take a look at the case of the apostle Paul (f/k/a Saul of Tarsus). Paul was born a Jew in Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia (modern day Turkey). However, Paul was educated in Jerusalem into the Jewish sect of the Pharisees by a leading member of the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:34; 22:3), the same body of religious leaders that handed Jesus over to the Romans for execution.

As a Pharisee, Paul personally was a leading persecutor of the early Christian Church. (Acts 26:9) Paul admitted that he locked up many of the early Christians in prison and personally voted for their execution. (Acts 26:10). Paul was present and approved of the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. (Acts 8:1) Luke reports that Paul was “ravaging the church, and entering house to house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” (Acts 8:3) Paul was so notorious as a persecutor of the Church that initially after his conversion to Christ, the disciples in Jerusalem were afraid to meet with him, not believing that Paul had truly converted. (Acts 9:26).

In the scheme of things, if anyone was unfit for God's compassion and mercy, who would argue that Paul fit that bill. After all, he was directly attacking God's church and His people and was an accessory to murder. Although any one of us from time to time may suffer from regrets or guilt for past acts, I cannot fathom the guilt that Paul must have felt when Jesus revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus and asked “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4)

Yet, God forgave and healed Paul and used him to carry the Gospel of Christ to Roman pagans throughout the Mediterranean area. So inspired was Paul that his letters to the early Christian churches have been included in New Testament. Paul came to recognize that God could use him, perhaps like no other, as an example of the depths of the patience and mercy that Christ Jesus shows for those who turn to Him. (1 Tim 1:16).

So, we can confidently answer the above question “yes”; God can forgive any sinner, no matter what his or her situation. And if God can forgive us, then we, having confessed our sins to God and given our lives to Christ, should forgive ourselves.

God does not cause us to commit sin or do evil, but if we turn to him, he can heal us and use us for His good works. Whether it is the man with a history of failed marriages who becomes a mentor to other men facing marital issues, or the recovering alcoholic who leads an AA group, or the persecutor of the church who goes on to be arguably its greatest evangelist, God has good plans for every one of us.

God is sovereign and there certainly are limits on our finite abilities to understand all of God's plans for us. Paul understood this when he wrote: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Rom 11:33) However, despite the mysteries of God's ways, Christians can trust in God with assurance that He will protect and keep us. As Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

We Matter to God

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out....” (Is 42:3; Mt 12:20) In the ancient Middle East, a reed was used for measuring and for support; once its straightness was lost by bending or cracking, it was of no further use. Likewise, a strip of linen cloth used as a lamp wick, if it smokes, is of no use for giving light and is simply a source of noxious smoke. In either case, common sense would demand that both be replaced, the reed being snapped and discarded and the wick extinguished.

The bruised reed and smoldering wick are metaphors for the weak, damaged and vulnerable people in society. This imagery teaches us that Jesus does not condemn, discard or give up on the weak, damaged or vulnerable, even though common wisdom in our results oriented society might give up on them or deny them further opportunities to succeed. To the contrary, Jesus loves and sees the potential in every human being, even those who are lost, sunk deep in ignorance or immorality. I like how one woman described it: “He recognized 'flower beds' in lives deemed ugly.” Jesus, himself, said emphatically: “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

It is comforting to know that we all matter to God and, even when we stumble or encounter a personal setback, we have a Lord who loves each of us, does not give up on us, and can rescue us. Therefore, we must never give up on ourselves or on God.

The imagery of Mt 12:20 also provides a strong lesson to Christians who are not, at the moment, weak, damaged or vulnerable: We must learn to perceive the worth of every human being, even where it might be hidden beneath the ugliness of sin. It was Christ who said: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40)

Whether today you are one of the weak, damaged or vulnerable in this world, or are a servant of Christ praying for his grace to see every child of Adam through His eyes, words cannot adequately describe how fortunate all of us are to have a God who loves every one of us.

Philanthropy

I just returned from Maundy Thursday worship.  The theme tonight was Jesus’ example to the disciples of how they should keep His commandments to love God and neighbor – through service.  Jesus’ entire earthly ministry was characterized by service.  In a real sense, He was the world’s greatest ever philanthropist.  The word “philanthropy” is derived from the Greek word philanthropia, which means “love of mankind”.   In Paul’s letter to Titus, Paul used the word philanthropia to describe Christ. (Titus 3:4) Thus, it is clear that as Christ’s disciples, Christians are called to be philanthropists. 
 
I invite you to join me in this prayer:  Holy Father, please move each of us through your grace and the Holy Spirit to be philanthropists with the gifts You have given each of us, that we may be your hands on earth to relieve suffering in this world.

Why read the Bible?

For Christians, we are encouraged to read and study the Bible. Usually, the more, the better. But what are we looking for in our reading and studying of the Bible? Is it history, theology, doctrine, ethics, dos and don'ts, tips for better living, truth? I would agree that truth and knowledge are revealed in the Bible and, more than that, with careful study Biblical truth and knowledge can even lead to wisdom. Without marginalizing the value of truth and knowledge that are present and accessible in the Bible, is there anything else we can or should be looking for?

Job said: “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.” (Job 23:12)

David wrote: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97) “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"  (Psalm 119:103)

Paul wrote: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2) And, “[f]inally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil 4:8)

In his book, Imago Christi: The Example of Jesus Christ, John Stalker shared a friend's beautiful devotion to the Bible: “'Oh, to come nearer to Christ, nearer to God, nearer to holiness! Every day to live more completely in Him, by Him, for and with Him.'”

In these writings, one can sense an intimate relationship that is possible between God and man, nourished by scripture. Is it possible through reading scripture to create space in the heart to encounter God?  In those moments, can God touch the heart, search the conscience, pour out his love, reveal his will?  Can assurance, forgiveness and healing be received?   

I would answer my own questions “yes”.  I believe there is something more, something richer than truth and knowledge, that we can experience through our study of the Bible:  we can draw closer to God and He to us. 

Jesus told his disciples to “abide in my word, [if] you are truly my disciples.” (John 8:31). Here the word “abide” reflects the notion of an indwelling or internalizing of Christ's word in the disciples. Thus, the Christian not only seeks to understand and agree with the the teachings of the Bible, but through the study of the Bible the Christian seeks a union with Christ.  As this union growns, the character of Christ begins to manifest itself in the life of the Christian.  In union with Christ, we experience God's love and peace. 

If you are looking for a closer connection with God, I invite you to try devotional Bible study.  For me, I find devotional Bible study very effective. Devotion is a daily time when I slow down, remove distractions, orient myself to God prayerfully, and relate my study to my life. I find this time very nourishing.  The practice of Bible devotion has been around for a long time and there are a lot of good devotional materials available.  If other forms of Bible study are not working for you, I recommend you try devotional Bible study.  Good luck and may God bless you.

What does it mean to be “born again” and why does it matter? (Part 4)

In the first three posts, we briefly examined the Biblical basis for the term “born again”, what it means to be born again, and how a person can be born again. In this post we will discuss why it matters that a person be born again – that is, born of God.

The simple answer is that we cannot save ourselves from God's judgment, no matter how good, or religious or ethical we think we are.  Apart from God's grace, we are all guilty of sin. Sin separates us from God.  However, there is good news:  No matter how good or bad I may think I am, if I am born again, my sins are forgiven and I enter into a new and infinitely better life – a new life presently in relationship with God with an eternal future in God's kingdom.

Now the skeptic might respond: “I am happy or content with the life I lead now;” or “I have personal, financial or relationship issues that religion can't fix;” or “Even if I change, I don't think my life will change much because most of the people I live and work with are not believers;” or “I am an ethical and moral person, and I don't think a just and loving God would send a person like me to hell.” I will respond to the skeptic from a Christian's perspective.

The Christian undergoes a profound change in character affecting virtually all aspects of his or her life. This change in character is first activated by the personal relationship the individual enters into with God through Jesus Christ; from there the individual's character is transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit working within the individual as he or she follows Christ in discipleship. This inside transformation of the individual expresses itself outwardly through what the Bible sometimes refers to as “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22), namely, through the capacity for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These character traits are gifts from God, which come about through the individual's relationship with God, and differ substantially from how they are conceived or expressed in the secular world. I will explain this difference using the example of the gift of love.

Most people, Christian and non-Christian, could probably agree that love is a good thing and that the world would be a better place if more love was present in it. Love is central to God's order also: Jesus' purpose for coming to Earth and his entire earthly ministry were built on God's love for humanity, and Jesus' commandments to us are to love God with all our heart and, secondly, to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Mat 22:37-39) Christian love has God for its primary objective, and expresses itself in obedience to God's commandments. More than that, it is the capacity given to Christians to love others the way God loves us.

Therefore, Christian love, whether exercised toward other Christians, or toward people generally, is not an impulse from feelings, it does not always flow from natural inclinations, nor does it invest itself only upon those who will respond reciprocally. Christian love seeks the welfare of everyone, without expecting anything in return (Rom 15:2), and seeks to do good to everyone, especially those who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6:10) There is freedom in Christian love. There is no score-keeping; no expectations of reciprocation; and no worry of being taken advantage of. The Christian sees the other person just as God sees that other person: as a person worthy of God's love.

As I indicated above, the capacity for Christian love, as with any of the fruit of the Spirit, are gifts from God exercisable through the Holy Spirit, which dwells in the heart of the Christian. It is beyond the power of the human will to live this way. On the other hand, for the individual who accepts Christ's invitation for a relationship and submits to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, that person can exercise these traits in powerful ways that will benefit the individual as well as those in contact with him or her.  And more than that, through a new life and a new reality under God's dominion, the Christian will receive the vision to see what Nicodemus what unable to see.

What does it mean to be “born again” and why does it matter? (Part 3)

In Parts 1 and 2, we reviewed the Biblical basis for the phrase “born again” and very briefly examined what it means to be born again. In this post we will examine how a person can be “born again.”

The Gospel of John Chapter 3, verse 16 provides a good starting point: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The Apostle Paul elaborates in Romans Chapter 10, verse 9: “If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” There are two vital elements in these verses on which I will elaborate: The born again person (i) believes that (ii) Jesus is Lord.

I will begin with Jesus' title as “Lord.” “Lord” is not a commonly used term today, but it was commonly understood by the peoples living during the era of the New Testament writers. As applied to Jesus, the term “Lord” was used variously to signify Jesus as “Master” (in the sense of a supreme authority), “Savior” (as from God's judgement), and even “God.” Thus, when the believer declares that Jesus is Lord, he or she submits to the lordship of Jesus over that person's entire life. Put another way, the believer willingly agrees to becomes a disciple of Jesus through a personal relationship with the risen Lord.         

The second vital element to being born again is to “believe” (or when used as a noun, to have “faith”) in Jesus that by his death and resurrection the believer receives forgiveness for sins and eternal life. This entails the realization that God loves us very much and wants us to live in relationship with Him; but without God's initiative, we are hopelessly captive to sin and are spiritually disconnected from God. When I confess Jesus as my Lord and believe in my heart that He died on the cross for my sins and was raised from the dead, my sins are forgiven and I enter into a loving relationship with Him. Actually, it is so much more than that, but we will have to wait until the next post to elaberate on the gift of salvation. For remainder of this post we will look closer at what it means to have faith in Jesus.

Paul wrote that you must “believe in your heart.” (Rom 10:9)  This is more than an emotional feeling or response.  The word “heart” is used in the New Testament to refer to the center of a person's inward life: his or her moral nature, spiritual life, desires, affections, perceptions, etc. Therefore, to believe in one's heart is to hold that belief in the entire sphere of a person's mental and moral activity.  That “belief” or “faith” that the believer holds in his or her heart is trust and confidence in the mercy of God through our Lord Jesus. This trust and confidence opens up the believer's heart to God's grace, which frees the person from the bondage of sin and spiritual darkness and works a new creation in that person connected to God through a personal relationship.

The gift of a new eternal life connected to God is both unearned and undeserved, yet it is the greatest gift we could ever receive.  In the next post, we will examine why this new life rooted in Jesus matters, especially in the here and now.