Everyday Logos

This was the topic of Mike Erre’s lecture at the Lumen Conference this past Sunday at Mariner’s Church in Irvine.  When I first saw the title of his lecture I was very intrigued because I myself have a baby with Down syndrome.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I know from experience that Mike is a very gifted teacher, so my expectations were high.

After Mike was announced, without a word he came on stage and began playing ball with his 2 year-old son, Seth, who has Down syndrome.  As they played, a screen projected behind them; flashes of words began to stream. The first statement read: “He will be called many things:” Then one-by-one words flashed on the screen: “handicapped,” “disabled,” “abnormal,”  “slow,” “retarded.”   Then these questions: “But is he”?  “Or are we?”  That moment was filled with a lot of emotion for myself, and as I could tell, for the rest of the audience as well. 

After a couple of minutes Seth went to sit with his mom in the audience as Mike paralleled our modern day society with that of Hellenistic Greece.  He argued that the Greeks tried to attain the perfection of humans. Those that were most valued in Hellenistic society were men and women that were beautiful, intelligent, and powerful.   He further argued that those that were least valued were the weak, the disabled, the “abnormal.”  He cited several of the ancient Greek Philosophers including Socrates who spoke about what should be done in Hellenistic society with these latter individuals.  All of them agreed that these should be cast aside, thrown into slavery, or thrown out of the city and left to die. And so he posed the question “Is Hellenism alive today?”

As he asked us to contemplate this question he held up several popular beauty and health magazines, pointed out our obsession with cosmetic surgery, and the reality that our culture has girls starving themselves so they can try and measure up to “airbrushed beauty.”  He also informed his audience that in our culture 92% of women abort their babies after being given a diagnosis of Down syndrome.  Also, new medical research has now made it possible for doctors to do a simple blood test on women during the first trimester of pregnancy that will let them know whether or not their baby has a triple 21^st chromosome (Down syndrome) http://childrenshospitalblog.org/will-babies-with-down-syndrome-slowly-disappear/.  These all seemed to point towards the evidence that our culture does hold beauty, strength, and perfection as a pretty high standard. Lastly, he asked his audience what the response of God’s people should be. 

Therefore, the theology of Down syndrome is that we need to know that every person has worth and is significant because we are all created in the image of God.  Our worth in God is not found in “function,” but is found in our “humanness.”  His conclusion was that the people of God need to love people the way they are; if we are not doing this then we have not been the “body of “Christ” to anyone. The church should be the place where we pronounce the death of the Hellenistic view of humanity.   He reminded his audience that everyone has limitations, handicaps, and imperfections of some sort, and we shouldn’t outcast anyone based on these.

He ended his lecture the same way he began it—with Him and his son playing ball.  This time the words on the screen flashed: “I will call him many things:” “Adorable,” “Blessing,” “Loved,” “Appointed,” “Chosen,” “Son.”

People were captivated, they were moved, and hopefully they were convicted–I know I experienced all of these.

Listen to Mike’s lecture: http://www.experiencelumen.com/?page_id=137

–Suzette

In the midst of a trial it may be natural for one to think that God does not love them, or that God is unfair.  In our marriage my husband and I have been in the midst of trials where we have contemplated whether or not we were being made to suffer because of some past sin we had committed that God was punishing us for, or that God didn’t love us anymore, or that God was just downright unfair to us.  However, as I was reading 1 Peter today I was reminded of the trials that Christians face and the reason for them.  Peter tells us that there is great joy that lies ahead for us even though at times we may have to endure a little suffering along the way (1 Peter 1:6).  Peter tells us the reason why we must endure these trials: “  These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure” (1 Peter 1:7, NLT). 

Think back to a time when you were experiencing a trial.  When you made it through to the other side did your faith pass the test?  Did it prove to be “strong and pure”?    Don’t worry if the answer to this question is “no.”  God loves make-up tests!  He will keep testing and building our faith through trials.  When we fail, let’s not be too hard on ourselves because we will have another opportunity for success.  When we succeed it is an amazing and overwhelming feeling of how strong our faith has become! With success we are then able to appreciate James’ statement: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials… (James 1:2). 

Peter and James knew the tremendous rewards that await us when we persevere through trials and when we allow God to transform us through them. We have the free will to give up, but trust me there’s nothing like pushing through with God’s strength and receiving the blessing of faith and endurance!

–Suzette

Ok, so it’s been a very long time since Gina or I have posted anything to our blog.  Our studies at Talbot, our families, marriage, having babies, etc. have totally consumed our lives.  However, it happens to be winter break right now, so I thought it would be a good time to add a few new posts.  Please forgive our loooong break in posts; that is if anyone is still following our blog. 

–Suzette

In  our culture, so much emphasis and pressure is put on investing in our retirement.  We spend much time wondering what type of an IRA we should open, how much should we be putting in our 401k every month and so on.  However, as we have seen in recent weeks, we can invest in those accounts for many years and then wake up one morning, and much of it is all gone–it has depreciated!   

So, let me encourage you, and myself, to invest in an ERA (eternal retirement account).  This account never depreciates!  We can  invest in it everyday.  We do this by intentionally living our lives in such a way that is pleasing to God.  How do we know what is pleasing to God?  It’s all in the Bible.  Therefore, the first step in opening an ERA is by opening the Bible.  You have a difficult time understanding it?  That’s ok, so do many people.  Therefore, there are aids such as commentaries, lay leaders in the church, elders, and pastors.

The bttom line, there is no excuse not to be investing in our eternity.  Sometimes a deposit can be as simple as a smile, or a word of encouragement to someone.  A deposit can also be those times when we hold our tongue and we completely give our troubles over to God.  We also invest in our ERA during those quiet moments of prayer.

–Suzette

Lord, please help us to see the resources that You have given us, and the wisdom to know how to invest them for eternity.  Amen

Sometimes we don’t recognize when God has answered our prayers because our prayers are not answered in the way in which we expect them to be.  I recently experienced this myself in that I have been praying for peace over this last year, and when God finally brought peace I didn’t recognize it right away.  In fact, at first I thought that the situation that God had allowed to happen was just another trial; however, I came to realize that it was not a trial but it was the peace that I had been praying for. 

So next time it seems that God is not answering your prayers, stop and listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who whispers, “Trust that I cause all things to work together for good to those who love Me.  And remember that My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts are higher than your thoughts.”     

(Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:9)

–Suzette

…and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  Luke 18:31

God called Jesus Christ to what seemed absolute disaster.  His life was an absolute failure from every standpoint except God’s.  But what seemed to be failure from man’s standpoint was a triumph from God’s standpoint, because God’s purpose is never the same as man’s purpose.  – My Utmost for His HIghest Calendar

“The signs and wonders seekers waiting in line under the hot Los Angeles sun for the best seats in the Galen Center got more than they bargained for. They came to USC’s sports stadium last weekend to see their hero Todd Bentley and to receive a promised impartation of God’s anointing. But what they got was a dud of a meeting inside and some unanticipated reproofs, rebukes, and exhortations on the outside.” -www.inthedays.com

Read more: http://www.inthedays.com/false-prophets/false-prophet-flops/

Thursday, July 24, 2008, was the most devastating day of my life. The unimaginable happened.

We never think about our children leaving this earth before us. But it happened when my son Christopher was suddenly called to heaven.

At first, I couldn’t comprehend the news. It was like the worst dream I had ever had, and I wanted to wake up. But I couldn’t. Friends and family were immediately at our side – loving, hugging and holding us.

But in the end, there are no answers for a situation like the loss of a son.

In accepting God’s will, Job said:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21 NKJV)

Click on the link to read the entire article:  http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=71204

 

Last week in our bible study of Romans there was some question about why Paul says “the Jew first” in 1:16 and 2:9. We know that God is impartial so why does Paul say to the Jew first? Even though God is impartial is there an order? Jews then Gentiles? And if so why? These were the questions that we were grappling with.

I asked Dr. Ted Martinez of Talbot School of Theology my questions. One of the classes Dr. Martinez teaches at Talbot is Romans. Dr. Martinez’s position on the matter is that Paul uses “first” in 1:16 to underscore the priority of bringing the gospel to the Jews first because they had the gospel first (Romans 1:1-4). Dr. Martinez maintains that the Jews “should have been more knowledgeable about the gospel by virtue of their knowledge of the Old Testament.” Unfortunately, most of the Jews did not realize that the gospel their prophets preached and wrote about was fulfilled in Jesus.

Dr. Martinez gave me a modern day example. He says that the priority of bringing the gospel to the Jew first is like our priority today to evangelize the Roman Catholics as opposed to Muslims, agnostics, atheists, etc. Roman Catholics have knowledge of Jesus, His divinity, His death and resurrection, etc. However, they lack knowledge that salvation comes through grace by faith in Jesus, not by works. Dr. Martinez argues that it is logical for us to bring the gospel first to them since they already have so much knowledge about Jesus.

In regards to “the Jew first” being used in 2:9 Dr. Martinez says yes it is true that God is impartial (2:11). And every person, male or female, Jew or gentile, are responsible for their own actions. The expression “the Jew first” as it pertains to this verse could be translated “especially the Jew” or “the priority given to the Jews.” The reason for this is because of the advantage s and privileges that the Jews had been give (3:1ff.; 9:3-5; 11:13-24). “They, of all people, should have known better; they of all people will therefore be judged” (Dr. M). Dr. Martinez points out that this is fair because God is fair, and with much privilege (which the Jews had) comes much responsibility “(which the Jews for the most part squandered).”

Honestly, I had never thought about the priority of evangelism before now. However, logically it does make sense that we should be evangelizing Roman Catholics because of their vast knowledge of Jesus. Unfortunately, Catholicism teaches a doctrine of “making righteous” as opposed to being “declared righteous.” To be justified as Paul teaches in Romans 3:21-5:21 is to be declared righteous and pronounced not guilty. Justification is a forensic term, a term used in a court of law. It means that once we have been justified, declared righteous and pronounced not guilty, we can never be tried again for our sins. We are free from trying to earn righteousness; as a matter of fact, there is nothing that anyone can do to earn it. We are justified by the blood of Christ; salvation is a free gift through grace by faith in Jesus.

–Suzette

“One may practice one’s religion in private; however, once a religious person comes into the public arena, there are limitations in how the expression of their religion impacts others,” she had said.

Individual residents also now are beginning to realize the potential of the new law, which was approved by the legislature with a declaration that it is needed for “public safety” so it is not subject to any vote of the people.  www.wnd.com

Read more: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=68060

“NEW DELHI: With Democrat senator Barack Obama busy in the run-up to the US presidential polls, a group of well-wishers in the capital have decided to send him a symbol of his lucky charm, Lord Hanuman, to help him emerge victorious.

Obama’s representative Carolyn Sauvage-Mar on Tuesday received a gold-plated two-feet-high idol which she will pass it on to the Obama after it is sanctified. “-www.inthedays.com

Read more: http://www.inthedays.com/doctrines-of-devils/obama-to-get-hanuman-idol/

Is this what we want in the White House?  It just makes me think of what happened to the Kingdom of Israel when they started worship false Gods and Idols from other lands.  God took their blessing away.  -Gina

America remains a nation of believers, but a new survey finds most Americans don’t feel their religion is the only way to eternal life — even if their faith tradition teaches otherwise.

The findings, released Monday in a survey of 35,000 adults, can either be taken as a positive sign of growing religious tolerance, or disturbing evidence that Americans dismiss or don’t know fundamental teachings of their own faiths.

To read the entire article go to : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25334489

“You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.  He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.”  Colossians 1:7,8 (NLT) (emphasis added)

After reading Suzette’s last posting about loving the unlovable, I came across Colossians 1:7,8 recently during a daily devotion.  What struck me was the phrase “that the Holy Spirit has given you” in regards to loving others.  Sometimes I feel so hopeless because I admit there is a part of me that doesn’t always easily love others and doesn’t always want to put forth the effort.  It sounds like an insurmountable task to me, especially when it’s someone that I can’t easily love.  However, when I read this verse it hit me like a ton of bricks.  It was what I call a “duh” moment.  Of course it’s difficult to love others because we are sinful, imperfect people.  But, when we let the Holy Spirit work in us, he gives us the needed and commanded ability to love others, which we cannot do on our own.  Let us start by praying and asking God to work in us, change our hearts, and let the Holy Spirit help us to love others and show God’s love, which is the most perfect and complete love .

-Gina

This week I have been challenged to love the unlovable.  In Luke Jesus said this about loving those who don’t love us: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”  

As Christians we are a reflection of Christ.  The things we do and say put God on display to the rest of the world.  Think about what a huge responsibility this is.  I have to ask myself all the time if my actions and my words are turning people towards or away from Christ. 

This week I have been doing and saying things that could not possibly turn anyone towards Christ.  In the area of loving someone who is not so lovable I have fallen short.  I have not reacted to this person as Jesus would.  So I challenged myself this morning by asking myself, “What can I do to show love to this person?”

 First things first, I had to swallow my pride.  Next, I had to see this person as God sees them—beautifully and wonderfully made.  Another thing I had to do was to pray that God would change my heart (it was pretty hard) and that He would bless this other person as well.  Finally, I had to take an action step by writing this person a letter of apology for my actions and my words. 

Let us remember that love is an action word.  1 John 3:18 says, “Little children let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”  Love is not just all about feelings; sometimes the feelings are there and sometimes they are not.  However, as Christians we are called to a higher standard of showing love to those who don’t love us.  I’m not at all suggesting that we should be phony about it; but that our actions of love to others is done out of our love for Jesus and out of His example that while we were still sinners and enemies of God, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

–Suzette

“A new Colorado law is helping homosexual activists achieve their goal of forcing Christians to teach biblical condemnation of homosexuality only behind the closed doors of their sanctuaries.”

Read more:  http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=66829