Oasis Christian Fellowship | Meigs County, Ohio

Post-Passion Thoughts

Well, just got home after seeing The Passion of the Christ and I thought I would have a lot to say, but I don't. There isn't much you can say after watching it. I think everyone just needs a few hours to themselves afterward... that would probably be the most appropriate way to come away from it.

I will say this... if you have not yet been to see the film, DO NOT GO SEE IT FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE. There is none. This is the reason why I think the film is getting such mixed reviews. It is not an entertaining picture. If you are interested in the story of Christ, and are curious about him, and would like to know more about Christianity... then go see it. Otherwise, I would not recommend it. You will only find yourself with all of the others who have missed the point, and wonder if it was really necessary. I can actually understand, after seeing the film, the point of view of a person who isn't really interested in believing in Christ or being a Christian. I can understand why they might have a problem with the movie. Outside of the Gospel, the movie would be extremely undesirable to me.

I do have several thoughts that came to me while watching the film. Just some of the interesting theatrical elements and liberties that I thought were significant... but I will wait to share them another time. Right now I am exhausted. All I did was sit and watch the film... but in some strange and erie way, I felt like I was there... as part of the crowd.

+ + + It was me, Lord Jesus. I confess. I hate the thought of me putting you through what I just saw. But I know I did. Thank you for the visual reminder. Thank you for the power of art. Tonight I am drawn to a deeper affection for you. I love you. + + +

Obligatory "Passion" Post

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 NIV

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:11-16 NIV

For the most part I have abstained from writing about the film The Passion of The Christ because there has already been so much said on all sides of the issue that I wonder if there really is anything new a person could bring to light. Of course the answer to my query is "no, there is nothing new under the sun." But since it has become such a phenomenon in our culture this week I will share my thoughts. They begin with the scriptures above, so if you did not read them carefully, go back and do so now.

Every time I turn on a major news network and listen to debates over Mel Gibson's film it does nothing but solidify the truth of God's Word for me. Everyone is missing the point. Even most Christians, I believe, are missing the point of this film. The most prevalent debate is about stirring up "anti-Semitism"... definition: hostility toward, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews or Judaism. Not only is that a foolish thing to consider... it just isn't going to happen... but even more so, I believe it is a waste of breath for a Christian to try and argue with someone about this. Late last night on ABC Nightline I watched Ted Koppel interview several church leaders from both Catholic and Evangelical churches, a number of Jewish leaders, and a few scholars who were not believers. Obviously the church leaders were adamantly for the film and trying to deflect the criticisms of the Jewish leaders and the scholars. One of the scholars made a comment that further proved the apostle Paul's point. He said something like this (not a direct quote, but close), "When Christians go to watch this film it is going to make them angry when they see how Christ was treated. Whether historically accurate or not, such gruesome portrayal is going to stir up anger at who was responsible. Now who are they going to be angry at? Are they going to be angry at God? Of course not? Who is their anger going to be directed toward? It's going to be toward the Jews." And of course, the Christian leaders went around and around in an unending web of debate with this "scholar."

But it's meaningless. Until the spirit of God penetrates the heart of these people they will never understand. Everyone misses the point. Unbelievers ask the question, "Who is to blame for Jesus' death?" And they are dumbfounded when Mel Gibson, or another Christian answers, "We all are responsible." They don't get it. They are worried about anger and anti-Semitism. But what they don't understand is that this film is not going to stir up anger within the Christian. It's actually very much the opposite. It will stir up a deep love for Christ. You see, the reason the scholar misses the point is because he sees Christ much differently than I do. I see that horrific act of violence and death and recognize that it was his (Christ's) plan to begin with. He did it because he loves me. He did it because he loves the person hitting him in the face and the person driving the nails into his hands. And when the Spirit of Christ enters a person their only response is to react in the same way he reacted. With love and obedience. But it takes the Spirit to understand things of the spirit. The film makes sense to a Christian. It does not, however, to someone who does not believe in Jesus Christ. To the person who does not believe, all that is seen is a physically violent, unnecessarily gory and racist film. To see it only in the physical is to terribly miss the point. And we must understand that the "physical" is the only way a person who refuses to open their heart to Christ is capable of seeing this film.

But I am afraid that even many believers in Christ are, too, going to miss the point because of the physical nature of the film. It is true that Jesus took the punishment for all the sins of all the world. It is true that the punishment he received was an extremely gory, bloody event. It is sad to watch. But it isn't the point. The punishment was not what Jesus was weary of. The thorns, whips, and nails were not why he withered in the Garden of Gethsemane and cried out to God to "remove this cup" from him. What you see in Mel Gibson's film is what the last 12 hours of Christ's life on earth (before the resurrection) physically LOOKED like. But if that is all you see... if that is what makes you upset... if that is what makes you cry... then you've missed the point.

The most horrifying part of the event of Christ's death was not the blood... it was this: the fact that "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" 2 Corinthians 5:21. And in other words, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed" 1 Peter 2:24. The thing that we must realize in watching this film is what happened in the spiritual realm while Jesus was taking the pain of the nails. The physical pain alone would have been bearable. In fact, if it were just about the physical pain there would be no reason for a movie like this. Lots of men had been crucified in that day. Lots of men had faced death bravely. It wasn't about the physical stuff you see. It was about the fact that for the first time in the eternal life of the Christ, he was feeling what it was like to be completely separated from God. He cried, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"–which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46. God had forsaken him because of what 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 1 Peter 2:24 says. For the first time in his life, Jesus was covered with sin. All sin. Of all the world. Mine. Yours.

You see, "sin" was the scariest thing. Not nails. But many people will miss that point. If they have not come face to face with their own sin and accepted the grace that Jesus was on the cross to offer, then all they will see is a man being brutally punished. They will miss the point.

Please don't miss the point of this film... you who "have the mind of Christ." And please stop trying to argue with people about the point. Pray that God reveals Himself to whoever doesn't get it. It's the only way things will change. Otherwise, just accept the fact that the presence of Jesus Christ in the world today has the same potential to stir up the same amount of trouble as when He was on this earth 2000 years ago.

I love to tell the story...

Today I read about a woman named Catherine Hankey. Catherine, or Kate, grew up in London in the early 1800s. Early in life she developed a deep evangelistic concern, and she loved to lead Bible studies. She would invite people to come and hear the stories of Jesus. But at age 30 she experienced a serious illness and was unable to continue teaching and had to take time off to heal from the illness. While she was bedridden for a year, she began to write poems, and one of them became the words to the old hymn, "I Love To Tell The Story."

What intrigued me about Kate's story is the fact that although the circumstances of her life kept her from doing what she loved to do most, and was perhaps given a special calling by God to do, she still found a way to do it. Her body may have been bedridden, but she could not be stopped from telling the story she loved most. She was a 19th-century example of the heart of the apostle Peter, who said that he could not help but tell about what he had experienced with Christ(Acts 4:20). Do you know any 21st-century examples of that same heart?

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true. It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story--more wonderful it seems than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story--it did so much for me, and that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story, 'tis pleasant to repeat. What seems each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard the message of Salvation from God's own holy Word.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, 'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Chorus: I love to tell the story! 'Twill be my theme in glory--to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Here is the download file for clips of Sunday's gathering.

I love to gather...

I love to gather with my church family and worship. Today was such a fun time for me. It was awesome to have Amy Perrin lead the band today. She is definitely someone who was created to lead people in worship of God. She was so easy to follow. Her passion for Jesus was evident. And most importantly... we hardly noticed her. Sometimes the hardest thing for a worship leader to do is get out of the way so everyone can look at Jesus instead of the worship leader. Amy did just that. She prepared a beautiful table, and then invited us to come and eat with God.

We also had a new sound tech in training today... "100-ft Mike." Looks like he picked up the job description quite well. I'm actually really pumped about the idea of having a sound tech in the back of the room. It will be such a huge help for us. Thanks to all who desire to serve in that way (by the way, if you'd like to learn how to operate the sound equipment just let me know. I will be planning a training day soon.)

The band had a great time of practice this afternoon. Chad Dodson sang us a new worship song he wrote (inspired by one of our "Donkey" conversations). It is incredible. Can't wait for everyone else to hear it.

Soon... maybe even tonight still, I will have some clips from this morning's gathering that will include the testimonies given by Sharon, Lindsay, Des, Cara, and Bill... and perhaps a few sound bytes of Amy leading worship.

on the road

Tonight I am spending the night on the opposite end of the state. I am blogging from Louie Weber's house in Wauseon (northwest Ohio). Just getting ready to get a few hours of sleep. Had some great conversation and coffee with Louie, Vic, and Brian this evening. I'm looking forward to sharing time with their staff meeting tomorrow morning.

There are many things I want to communicate in the next few days... exciting things. Things the Lord is laying on our hearts for Athens. Some very wise and affirming words Louie shared with me this evening regarding focusing on "giving life/bringing life" to people wherever you are, rather than focusing so much on "planting a church." The very same idea and vision you've heard me reiterate many times of "BEING the church" instead of "going to church", or even, "creating church." Basically living with open eyes and a readiness to have church wherever you may happen to be. Of course, these also may be planned times and places... but the heart of the matter is giving life... not creating an order of service.

More on that later.

I also want to say that I had a very cool visit this morning with a new friend and brother, Les Hayman. I was in Pomeroy and so I wanted to stop in and introduce myself and affirm him in his vision for "Common Grounds," and we ended up talking for almost an hour. Our hearts beat very much to the same drummer. I anticipate a continuous relationship between his fellowship and Oasis. We have much in common.

There is so much to be excited about this week. This Sunday's gathering at the Legion Hall will be a perfect time for testimonies and open sharing... which is precisely what we are planning to do. The majority of our time will be hearing from those people who went to the CIY conference in Cincinnati last weekend... but I may have to share what God is doing in my life as well.

If you come, bring your story... if you want to share it you are certainly welcome to. Either way, we'll have a good time together.

wisdom from Thomas Merton

Taken from No Man Is An Island

“Self-contemplation leads to the most terrible despair: the despair of a god that hates himself to death. This is the ultimate perversion of man who was made in the image and likeness of the true God, who was made to love eternally and perfectly an infinite good—a good (note this well) which he has to find dwelling within himself!

In order to find God in ourselves, we must stop looking at ourselves, stop checking and verifying ourselves in the mirror of our own futility, and be content to be in Him and do whatever He wills, according to our limitations, judging our acts not in the light of our own illusions, but in the light of His reality which is all around us in the things and people we live with.”

valentine's weekend

When April and I were leaving Cincinnati yesterday to come back home we decided to stop at the Kenwood Plaza to eat dinner and peruse through Barnes & Noble. We happened to find some movie gift certificates in our car that were given to us as a gift over two years ago. So, we saw 50 First Dates while we were stopped. Didn't get back home until after midnight, but we had a great time together. It's been a long, long time since just the two of us have gone to see a movie together. It was a nice Valentine's Day date.

This morning's words from Amy Hoffman can be heard here. You can also find it under "Teachings on Holidays," titled "Valentine's Day." She did a great job. Since we had worship intermixed with the teaching and communion you can hear a few of our songs from this morning. Be sure to check out Chad's saxophone solo on "Amazing Grace." The sax is such a great instrument for worship. Plus, when you have a sax in your band you can call people "cat."

Have a good evening.

CIY Believe Report

Quick blog from Cincy. First session of conference went well. Having good time. Good coffee. Donatos Pizza. Waffle House in the morning. Starbucks during morning session. Men getting lost... won't ask for directions. Women coming to the rescue. Funny stories in the hotel room. Encouragement. Testimonies. Fellowship. Love.

Sleep.

meaning in oddness

Around our house we are getting ready for the weekend. We're going to be all scattered out. The kids are going to be with uncle Jared and aunt Stefani for a couple days. April and I are going to Cincinnati, then back here for Sunday. On Sunday some Oasis people will be gathered in Cincinnati for the CIY Believe Conference while others of us will be gathered at home. It's going to be a full weekend of worship, encouragement, and challenge in both places.

It has been so refreshing to see many new faces in our gatherings and home church meetings. One thing I am constantly reminded of is the fact that worship is, in and of itself, evangelism. The outward expression of worshiping Jesus will naturally draw people to Jesus. What I mean is this... one of the best ways for an unbeliever to become a believer is to see/experience other people worshiping Jesus. Often what happens is they look around and are blown away by what they see. There is nowhere in their life where they see anything like this... a group of people singing and praying, with all their heart, body, and soul. They look at their friends who invited them to come to the gathering. And they look at a community of people who shouldn’t be together, because they don’t look alike, they aren't all in the same economic bracket, they have different interests. And from all those different people they hear one voice being lifted up to God. The presence of the Holy Spirit is there, and I believe one thing that happens is they are faced with a crisis. Their minds are in a deep place (and they like it but they don't know why). They may be thinking, “I’m encountering God right now... and... what am I going to do about it?” In that moment God meets them face to face and calls for a response. Many of you reading this have experienced God like that.

In my "seeker sensitive" days, I used to think that we shouldn't create an environment where people would have to do things that would be "unusual" for them. I mean, where else do people sing together in public, other than at a baseball game, and only then it's to the tune of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"? But now, however, my feelings are much different... that’s exactly why we should sing, why we should pray for people, why we celebrate communion, why we should baptize people. Because of MEANING... the very thing people are looking for. Meaning. It all means something. The very “oddness” of what we do is important. Community has to have its markers. So, worship is one of the major marking points of our community. Yes, it's all about God, to God, and for God. But part of being about God has to do with identifying ourselves as the church.

Why am I writing these things to you? Because I believe people in our neighborhoods and cities are looking for more than a "feel good" experience or a one-time, get some answers and go, drive-thru church experience. If they come with you to a house church meeting, or to a worship gathering, or to a conversation over coffee at a local cafe... they are anticipating something meaningful, something sacred, something that will in some way connect them with the Almighty God of the Universe... whom they may or may not even believe exists as of yet.

And it's there they continue their journey with God (God had been seeking them for some time)... but begin it in a community of love and worship.

validation

Took the whole family to Donkey yesterday evening. Brock and I played chess. He's just learning, but picking it up rather quickly. Made some fresh guacamole and salsa last night... a treat for the Thomas house church. Of course we sampled some first.

Over the last week I have had a word come up in two or three conversations... and I'm thinking about it again this morning. It's the word "validation." Why is it that we constantly need to be validated? It doesn't matter who you are, everyone seems to have a need to be validated. We seek validation in lots of ways and means. Before I go any further, some definitions for validate, validation, etc. are: "to establish the soundness of"; "to be marked with an 'official' sanction"; "effective and binding"; "justification"; "confirmation."

Over the years I have been, or felt, validated by a number of things: [1] Athletic ability... Playing, or now coaching, sports has always been a way for me to gain the attention of my peers. I have always felt validated by athletic ability. [2] A large, high profile youth ministry... We were the church everyone was talking about. People visited our youth programs to "take notes." There is a feeling of validation when you are on the "cutting edge" of church culture. [3] Invitations to speak at national conferences... The feeling you get when you arrive in a city and kids stare at you... they know who you are because they have seen your face in the brochures, on the wb sites, etc. Then you speak before the thousands, and afterwards everyone is doting all over you, wanting to talk to you. There is a feeling of validation that comes with a taste of fame. [4] Being rebellious... What? I'll explain. There is a warped sense of validation that comes when you feel like you are stirring up trouble for the sake of righteousness. Because although you stand in the minority of a new and profound way of thinking or doing, you are certain there are others out there who are experiencing a similar paradigm shift and that you will find them. [5] Preaching... I get a sensation out of delivering a message to an audience. There is a feeling of validation, especially when I know it has touched someone in a special way. [6] Playing music/leading worship... These are two diffierent things, but they often come together for me. Watching a group of people connect with their Creator through the music I am playing and the songs I am leading send chills of validation down my spine every time. [7] My wife and my kids... All the ways they say I love you, I need you... are an immediate source of validation for me.

I'll stop there... although I could go on. But here's the problem.

All of those things provide NOT validation... but a sense, a feeling, of validation. Sensation and actuality are two very different things. I have lived much of my life for the sensation... overlooking actuality. How do I know? Because validation should be a permanent thing. How can I be validated one day, and then "unvalidated" the next? But it happens when you are living under a false sense of validation. If I am the enemy and I want to make you feel "unvalidated" then all I need to do is begin removing everything in your life that makes you feel validated until you are left standing alone and feeling worthless, meaningless, insignificant... all feelings of someone who does not feel validated.

Of my list of things above only a few still remain. Therefore I still have to fight against the false sense of validation and instead, embrace the real thing. So what is the real thing? Is there a real thing? If so, where does it come from? One place... Jesus. We need to constantly be reminded that our validation is in Christ, and Christ ONLY. Whenever we begin to seek validation in something other than Jesus (i.e. people, kids, husband, wife, job, school, ministry, church, etc...) then we will never see ourselves the way God sees us. We will always find ourselves disappointed or frustrated about something... or looking for something else to validate us. I have a friend who calls these endless searches "digging empty wells." We dig one over here, looking for water that will satisfy, but it comes up empty, so we move over there and dig another, only to eventually find it empty as well, and the quest continues... forever, unless a well that never runs dry is found. The sad things is, there is pleasure in the digging, because you actually think you are going to find something. You are excited because you are certain "this is it!" But that pleasure soon subsides and you are left with another empty hole in your life. Some people have lives filled with empty holes. Holes of seeking validation.

I know I've done it. I still do it. I want to be noticed. I want people from all over the country to read my blog, comment, and invite me to come and speak at their church... thinking that somehow that will validate me once again.

Those things are great if they happen... but they don't define me anymore. I used to be defined by baseball, then I was defined by my youth ministry, then I was defined by my preaching, then I was defined by my wonderful wife and children, then I was defined by being a jackass, rebellious freak who goes against the flow... but what do I do after all of that??? What defines me now? Well, I could try and stir something else up. I could create another reason to feel validated.

Or I could just love Jesus and let Him love me.

And BE validated.