What I should have said

Quiz time. What where the three broad categories I presented on Sunday? You had to think about it didn’t you. That’s why ABFs are teaching the same book as I am preaching from. It is easy to sit in the pew and then walk away and not remember what the preacher said. To tell the truth, it took me a moment to remember what I preached myself. James says this, 

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  James 1:22-25.

The evil one wants nothing more than for us to be hearers and not doers. What’s wrong with loving the things of the world? What harm is there with a little indulgence, a look, a taste, or a forbidden touch? Nothing at first. Sin always presents itself as good, desirable, and innocent. Surely, no one will get hurt? But sin is like rust, it corrodes, just a little at first. A little brush will remove it, but if not taken care of, the rust will eat all the way through until there is nothing left. Sin will eat your heart out in the end. 

I know what you’re thinking. A lot of unbelievers live in a perpetual love of the world and seem to flourish. If living meaningless and empty lives is fulfilling, then yes, but what is sown in the flesh dies with this world. What is done for God abides forever. It’s the little things for God that are important, a drink of water, an unpaid bill, encouragement, and yes, the preaching of the gospel. “Whatever we do for these little ones,” Jesus said, “we do for him.”

Look around today. Ask yourself, “what little kindness can I show someone in the name of Jesus?” Write a note, make a call, send a text or email. Maybe it’s forgiving someone a transgression, mending a relationship, confessing a sin, or loving an unlovable. Loving the world and the things in it, is to be blind to all the opportunities to love. They’re right in front of you. Go ahead, you can do it. I’m just saying.

Quiz time. What where the three broad categories I presented on Sunday? You had to think about it didn’t you. That’s why ABFs are teaching the same book as I am preaching from. It is easy to sit in the pew and then walk away and not remember what the preacher said. To tell the truth, it took me a moment to remember what I preached myself. James says this, 

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  James 1:22-25.

The evil one wants nothing more than for us to be hearers and not doers. What’s wrong with loving the things of the world? What harm is there with a little indulgence, a look, a taste, or a forbidden touch? Nothing at first. Sin always presents itself as good, desirable, and innocent. Surely, no one will get hurt? But sin is like rust, it corrodes, just a little at first. A little brush will remove it, but if not taken care of, the rust will eat all the way through until there is nothing left. Sin will eat your heart out in the end. 

I know what you’re thinking. A lot of unbelievers live in a perpetual love of the world and seem to flourish. If living meaningless and empty lives is fulfilling, then yes, but what is sown in the flesh dies with this world. What is done for God abides forever. It’s the little things for God that are important, a drink of water, an unpaid bill, encouragement, and yes, the preaching of the gospel. “Whatever we do for these little ones,” Jesus said, “we do for him.”

Look around today. Ask yourself, “what little kindness can I show someone in the name of Jesus?” Write a note, make a call, send a text or email. Maybe it’s forgiving someone a transgression, mending a relationship, confessing a sin, or loving an unlovable. Loving the world and the things in it, is to be blind to all the opportunities to love. They’re right in front of you. Go ahead, you can do it. I’m just saying.

Shoe Shopping

Shoe shopping. I don’t like shopping in general, but shoe shopping is even worse. All I need is something that will cover my feet, fit like a glove, and be comfortable all day, as well as look good for Sunday. Surely I can find something like that at Payless. Rebecca keeps me from buying the cheapest shoe, because I loathe shopping I would settle for the cheapest shoe that won’t fit any of my requirements, and in the end I wouldn’t be happy. Amazon has failed me because I can’t try online shoes on. We need a replicator. I would rather be in the basement putting up closet doors.

So today is slated to spend the majority of the day driving to some far away panacea to find, not just one, but the perfect set of shoes to meet my daily needs.  There is no such thing as one shoe to rule them all. Dress shoes for Sunday. Everyday shoes for work. Athletic shoes to make me feel good since I am not athletic (there is hope that I might exercise). In the end (thank you Rebecca) I will come home with the almost perfect (nothing is perfect) set of shoes.

Did you know the word shoe is mentioned four times in the Bible (ESV). Ezekiel and Luke talk about shoes in the context of joy and celebration. It’s putting on your Sunday best and looking your good for people to see. The fourth account is in Ephesians, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace,” (Ephesians 6:15). Shoes in this context are about being ready to travel, being on the road, being steady and secure so that you can be an instrument of the gospel of peace. Shoes are a part of the armor of God, and they have both a defensive and offensive function.

They are defensive because you plant them in the ground so that the enemy can’t push you back. No matter how hard he tries he can’t unsettle you because of the gospel of peace. The cross has defeated him, the resurrection rendered him powerless. The shoes of the gospel stand against his lies with truth, against bitterness with love, against discord, with unity, against violence with patient endurance, against hatred with forgiveness, and against darkness with light.

They are offensive because you take a step and plant your foot. Take a step and plant. Take a step and plant. The kingdom of God is advancing, one step at a time. The gospel of peace transforms lives, gives hope, and instills purpose. The enemy strikes and we advance. With the gospel we grant forgiveness, offer love, extend mercy, and lavish grace. The enemy is disarmed because hatred has no teeth against the back drop of God’s divine love. The gospel of peace triumphs with every step. Now that’s the kind of shoes I’m looking for. I’m just saying.

I have a particulate set of skills

“If you are looking for ransom I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.” One of the greatest lines in cinematic history. Or st least one of my favorites. I think of it often because I don’t have all that many skills.

I spent half of my afternoon trying to put up closet doors in my basement. First, the instructions didn’t match the parts, secondly the doors were too long, and thirdly, I don’t have any particular skill when it comes to construction (and yes I put closet installation in the category of construction). Out with the instructions and onto YouTube (that may be my skill). I had to cut the doors (they were hollow, another youtube showed me how to fix that), figure out the hardware and glue everything together. I finished one side. I don’t want to start the other side until I see if I did an adequate job with the first side. I like working with my hands, and as long as the finished product doesn’t  come with guarantees, then I’m good. I  think the closet is going to work. Now on to the door to the furnace room, the new door is too long.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10.

It is a comfort to know that God is the master craftsmen. Looking at creation we can see the detail and creativity the runs throughout all of nature. His consistsncey and perfection is magnificent, and man, as much as he has tried, cannot duplicate it’s intricacies. However, His craftsmanship in us is not the physical body, but the character and purpose for which we have been created. Each of us is given good works in which we are to walk.

For sure, we have been given the task to share the gospel and see people come to know Christ, but that is just the beginning. We have a good work to accomplish, and the thing about good works is that they are for other people. Each day we are tasked with a good work that is uniquely ours. Visiting someone in a nursing home, watching someone’s children so they can have a break, opening the door for so someone, saying kind words to your spouse, or forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply. The exciting part is that we don’t know ahead of time what that good work is. Each day is an adventure, and we are to look for opportunities to do a good work, and be surprised at which one it is (it’s seldom the same).  

Our good works will often go unnoticed and unappreciated, but that’s ok. We don’t do them for the recognition, but for the glory of God. That’s the way it should be since he is the one who created us for those tasks. I’m just saying.

Seasons Of Faith — What I Should Have Said

We all go though seasons of faith. I remember the spring when everything was new. I finally found a place to belong, friends who cared for me, and a purpose for my life. As difficult as it was to step out of my shell I wanted to be a witness for Jesus, so I used what l loved for Christ. As a theatre student I learned skills that helped me train junior high students in making and performing puppetry. We traveled to churches and camps sharing the gospel. Even when I went to bible college I wanted to be active in ministry. Jesus was coming back soon, and I wanted to be found faithful. We prayed for God to reveal himself in miraculous ways, because we didn’t want to miss out on anything God had for us. It was a time of great expectation.

But Spring turned to summer and I was in my first full time ministry. I soon learned what it meant to be misunderstood, disagreed with, and disillusioned when people’s problems got in the way of the gospel. It was a time of learning that the gospel was for the people who had problems. God had called me to the ministry and though I was a little more cautious, I believed God had something big for me to do. I delved into the Word, wrote devotional material, spoke at camps, discipled students, and led missions trips. They were the golden years of ministry when everything grew and I had a clear vision of what God wanted for me, until I didn’t.

There is a moment during the Summer of Faith when you hit a wall. You wonder if it is worth the effort. Temptation knocks at your door. The mess of people’s lives seem deeper than the gospel’s ability to transform. Your enthusiasm shifts from high octane to an empty tank, and you are faced with a choice. Were you wrong? Is he coming back? Is there any power? It is a defining moment when you feel caught between two worlds and all you want is a word from heaven, one confirmation that you are on the right path….and there is silence. 

It is in the fall of our faith that the reality of our relationship with God deepens. What we thought was silence was a whisper, speaking gently of his grace and mercy; his compassion and forgiveness. If we seek Him he is found, not in the spectacular, but in the simple, humble service to others. The Spirit speaks to my spirit reminding me that I am his child. In this season of faith I have learned that the long obedience isn’t a concession but a discipline as I wait on the Lord. 

I have not already attained it, but this one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind me, I press on to take hold of that which is in Christ Jesus. To know him through the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his suffering, and in the likeness of his death. To know Him and to make Him known. That has always been my calling. 

What season are you in? Which ever it is God has something wonderful for you. So don’t grow weary, but be filled with the Spirit, for He will guide you to all truth in Jesus. I’m just saying…

Forged In Fire

A certain young man (RD) got me watching Forged in Fire. A tv show about blacksmiths who compete in making knives and swords. It is really fascinating. So much so, I decided to build my own forge. Plus Mark Newton has one and it inspired me as well. It’s not as much about making knives and swords, as much as it is about making the forge, heating it up, and  making something unique and creative. 

The forge heats metal to a point before it melts but is still malleable. Then you pound it into shape and keep heating it and beating it until your finished. At the same time you immerse it into water which somehow hardens it. There is a lot of science behind it. In the end, if done right, especially in the hands of a master, you get a strong weapon. The key is master craftsman. I am sure my first attempts will be interesting, but that is the challenge, not to have it perfect the first time, but to try and then try again, and be better next time.

Life is a lot like making a knife. You know the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The idea comes from the forge. The more you heat it and cool it the stronger the metal becomes. But not always. A lot depends on the metal, the heat, and the technique in shaping the metal. In the wrong hands what doesn’t kill you will maim you. Fortunately we are in the hands of THE Mastercraftsman. Our Heavenly Father allows trials in our lives because they produce something, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” James 1:1,2. 

As much as we would like to shortcut the process, the kind of character we desire doesn’t happen in a green house. I was watching a video where plants were grown in a green house. While the plants were young the gardener takes a broom and lightly sweeps over the young shoots, simulating wind. Wihout the constant resistance they wouldn’t grow strong and survive in the real world. To build character we need constant resistance. I personally don’t like the idea, but understand it’s necessity. Though it is hard, I would rather go through adversity and grow strong than to live in a greenhouse and live an anemic life.

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 1:6,7. I’m just saying.

Old Friend, father of my faith

Larry Pritchet got in touch with me the other day. I know, the name doesn’t mean anything to you, but for me it is rich with memory and fondness. I called him, as she asked, and the first thing he said was, “Paul I remember you as that 16 year old kid who came into my office and asked how he could be saved. From there you became a leader in the youth group.” We reminisced for a while, caught up with family. He had followed my ministry carrier over the years. Lary has just retired.

Humility and loving is how I remember him. He never raised his voice and patiently listened as I came up with some new idea for the youth group. He didn’t accept every idea but he did a few, and one in particularhe supported  financially. I trained and traveled with junior high students as a puppet troupe. I don’t remember being officially “discipled” by him, but the weekly bible studies in youth group, and the gentle encouragement to minister and reach out was effective with me. He was in charge of youth as the Associate Pastor, a Youth Pastor before there was such a thing.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also,” (2 Tim. 2:1,2).  Leadership is about seeing the potential in others and passing on to them what Christ has passed in to us. Larry did this faithfully throughout his ministry career, and he won’t rest until he is in the arms of his savior.

Now it is my turn to pass the batton, and over the years I have attempted to just that.  The work isn’t over, there are still men and women with potential to move mountains. I’m looking for just a few who are looking to move, through the power of the Spirit, the hearts of men. I’m looking for fishers of men. It won’t be easy,  it it will be meaningful. Pray with me, for faithful men.  I’m just saying..

And Windy Has Stormy Eyes

Hurricanes are a terrifying force of nature. Having spent hours in traffic evacuating from Hustin to avoid a Hurricane that didn’t pass though the city, I was not going to do it again unless it was a level 4 or above. Sure enough the next year a level 3 was coming through Houston a i said, “Batton down the hatches we are not going anywhere.” My dog had a nervous breakdown and Rebecca said, “never again.” The boys and I thought it was cool. The wind howled, trees bent in half, objects flew throug the air, and water rose almost to the house. Then nothing. The eye passed directly over us and the wind changed direction, and it happened all over again. The aftermath was worse than the storm, with electricity out for weeks and food supplies short. 

This past week the wind was horrible. Garbage cans blowing across the field, my grill is lying in the middle of the yard, and poor Porthos and his bathroom routine. All because of this unseen force of nature. It really goes to show you how powerless we are. I think that makes Jesus’ command to the wind so much more astonishing. He didn’t just make the wind stop, he controlled the uncontrollable!

The  Bible uses wind in three ways, 1. A picture of judgement, 2. As emptiness, 3. As a force of nature. When in the context of Jesus’ life he is always the one in control over it, no matter its use. The winds of life blows through our lives, and we are faced with temptations and sin, pain and suffering, discipline by God, and the emptiness that comes through hardships without answers.

We face the reality of an unseen battle that rages in the spiritual areana. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” Ephesians 6:12.

It isn’t easy to stand against the wind. Sometimes it seems like a gentle breeze, and we can handle it in our own strength. At other times with out an anchor, we will be blown away. In both situations we need a Word from the Lord, to speak against the wind, and bring calm. So we hit our knees,

“do not be anxious (when the winds begin to blow), but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, (that calms the storms of life) [and ] surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6.

I’ve collected my trash cans, will gather up my grill, and put back together my garbageben. The wind will not have mastery over me, because I know to whom I belong, and no force of nature (or spiritual force) can separate me from God’s love, I’m just saying...

Looking For Signs And Wonders, But Missing God’s Love

Can you imagine being discipled by the Apostle John. I mean, he was one of the first to perform miracles after Jesus’ ascension. After the resurrection, he and Peter healed a man at the Temple, “But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God,” Acts 3:6. That is so dramatic. Tradition has it that John was burned, but not consumed, and survived the torture without harm. They couldn’t kill him so they sent him to Patmos, an isolated island.

You would think that when he addressed his disciples that he would instruct them in the same miraculous gifts that he had, so that they too, could endure persecution. Instead, he warns them against false teaching and antichrists. As we have looked at on Sunday Morning, there was an element that had crept into the churches and were  preaching the false doctrine of Gnosticism. Remember, the Gnostics didn’t believe in sin and that they possessed a secret knowledge, that could be attain if you followed their teaching.

The same is happening around the world today, among churches in every country and every city, even here in  Bluffton and Pandora. It goes by different names, “The Apostolic Movement,” “The Word of Faith Movement,” “Rhema Movement,”  and “Signs and Wonders Movement.” They hold to doctrines that seem legitimate, ones that everyone should want to be a part of, a movement of the Holy Spirit.

If you are like me you want to see God move in miraculous ways. We pray for the sick to be healed, and wayward children delivered from Satan, drugs, and darkness. Then comes someone with the answers. They say they can teach you to have miraculous gifts, heal people, and even raise people from the dead. “Speak The Word and it will happen, as long as you have the right kind of faith,” “The Spirit will speak to you new truth, that the Bible doesn’t even reveal to us.” Their Enthusiasm is intoxicating and when they worship it is alive and fresh.

“Surely, God didn’t say you can’t touch the fruit.” “Look it is good to look at, and it will make you wise.” Sound familiar? It’s from the Garden of Eden and it is the temptation of of Eve. The serpent offered her more knowledge, more beauty, more, taste, more and more and more. Who can say more is bad? 

The signs and wonder movement is new Gnosticism, and it tugs at our heart, and our desire to experience God in a powerful way. John Edwards was a rising star in the Word of Faith a Movement. He graduated from the premier Word of Faith Seminary, grew a small church plant to 2000 members, and he had it all; the visions, the declared prophecies. He writes, “it was the tradition at our church to meet at four in the morning to pray for two hours. For many years I prayed, believed and confessed miracles, signs and wonders for our ministry. But not much happened along those lines. In fact, I buried a lot of people over the years, including my daughter that died of a brain tumor, at the age of fourteen.” He continues, 

I was constantly perplexed that the message of faith and healing that I was preaching did not seem to work in the lives of the congregation. It seemed like we had all of the same experiences, trials and tribulations as the other church folks around town. I was for sure that there should be a clear distinction between the people of the Word and the denominational people. We had revelation knowledge of the Word. We had a leg up on the Body of Christ. We had the Holy Ghost, prayed in tongues and most of all we had the word of faith message that was full of Godʼs victory, prosperity and healing power. But there was really no difference between us and them. By them, I am referring to the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Assembly of God churches that we as word of faith people thought were missing out.

Modern day Gnosticism is real and we need to be on our guard. When the Apostle John exhorts us to seek the Father he does it through simplicity of faith, and the manifestation of love. There is more transforming power in the simple act of of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, then in all the signs and wonders of false teachers. I’m just saying.

John Edwards identifies 31 facts about the Word of Faith Movement, if you are interested they are as follows. 

31 FACTS ABOUT THE WORD OF FAITH by John Edwards.

The following are a few facts about the dangerous and deceptive Word of Faith Movement which is sweeping the Body of Christ with itʼs lies and faulty theology:

1) The Word of Faith heresy is a hybrid religion that is a blend of New Age ideas and Charismatic excesses.

2) It was founded by a Baptist Preacher that was heavily influenced by the mind science teachers of his day including Mary Baker Eddy. He brought in many New Age and Mind Science teachings and blended them with scripture twisted out of context.

3) The Word of Faith Theology was further developed by a man that claimed at least eight visitations from Jesus Christ. In each of these visits this preacher was given extra revelation and extra biblical insight.

4) This preacher boasted for years that he walked in Divine health although he was being treated for heart disease with medication.

5) This preacherʼs message was a blend of the Word of God and his visions. He often taught the Word of God in light of his visions.

6) This is very similar to the Prophet Joseph Smith that claimed extra revelation through visits from Jesus and God as he founded the Mormon church.

7) Most of the highest regarded Word of Faith teachers have not been to a legitimate seminary. Most of them were self taught from listening to tapes from other Word of Faith teachers.

8) The Word of Faith Movement is anchored on one passage of scripture that is found in Mark 11T23-24. In this passage Jesus used a common, everyday Jewish hyperbole to teach his inner circle Apostles to believe in the power of God. The Word of Faith preachers have distorted the Greek text and the meaning of this passage to build an entire religion that revolves around faith and words as a means to obtain health and wealth.

9) Although the Word of Faith leaders do extensive teaching on faith and healing, it does not bear fruit in their own lives. Many of them died of tumors, cancer and heart disease.

10) Although the Word of Faith teachers love to minister from the 91st Psalm about Godʼs prophetic protection of the Messiah, they themselves live in constant fear and have numerous body guards and ushers.

11) The Word of Faith Message is centered on the prosperity scriptures that were meant for Israel under the Old Covenant. They emphasis tithing and sowing seeds as a means to obtain wealth. The Word of Faith Movement is obsessed with wealth and materialism and the worship of money.

12) The Word of Faith leaders teach that Jesus was wealthy although the scripture is very clear that he was not.

13) The Word of Faith leaders place thousands of well meaning believers under extreme pressure and condemnation by telling them outlandish and half true testimonies.

14) The Word of Faith leaders do an enormous amount of teaching on submission to authority, walking in love, and staying away from being offended. This produces a fearful cult like atmosphere in their churches. It keeps people from expressing hurts and concerns. It makes people feel like they cannot leave their church for any reason.

15) Many of the prominent Word of Faith teachers live the lifestyles of the rich and famous and flaunt it as a testimony of Godʼs favor while the people that are sending in their money are regarded as nothing.

16) The Word of Faith ministers are dishonest with scripture, often completely distorting it to rhyme with their doctrines.

18) Word of Faith ministers love to boast and brag about their faith and what their faith has done for them.

19) That is because it is called the Word of FAITH. It is a religion that revolves around faith instead of a religion that has faith in God. They teach faith in faith and faith in words.

20) The Word of Faith leaders teach that we are little gods and that we can act and perform much as God can. This also is a distortion of scripture and another thing that the Word of Faith has in common with the Mormons.

21) Word of Faith theology rejects the blood of Jesus as the sufficient atonement for our sins.

22) Word of Faith theology teaches that Jesus did not use His Divinity while on the earth while the Bible teaches that He was fully God and in total control at every moment.

23) The Word of Faith Movement teaches that words spoken from a human have inherent and creative power of their own.

24) Word of Faith teaches that Jesus said that you will have what you say, which is not what He said.

25) The Word of Faith theology depends on the King James translation of Mark 11T23-24

26) The same passage is found also in Matthew 21, and is worded quite differently, causing all the faith formulas based on Mark 11T23-24 to be out of whack.

27) The Word of Faith is humanism. It puts man in charge and God in the backseat.

28) The Word of Faith Movement misrepresents the character of Job.

29) The Word of Faith takes numerous passages from the New Testament and completely butchers them to fit their doctrine.

30) The Word of Faith creates fear, bondage, and a distorted unbiblical viewpoint of God.

31) The Word of Faith emphasises success and prosperity while Jesus stressed suffering and humility.

I will think of hundreds of other things after I post this, but these 31 facts are indeed facts. The Word of Faith is a cult because it is led by people claiming special insight and revelation that is unorthodox. They also attempt to control their subjects with fear, manipulation and bullying.

The Word of Faith is the Doctrine of Devils. It is an evil message that kills people and wrecks lives.

Please do not be afraid to look at the evidence. I was too afraid to examine the evidence because I wanted things my way. The Word of Faith put me in charge of my own life, and I liked that. But when I got up the courage to begin to read and study, God opened my eyes with truth and freedom. I am no longer in the cult!

Join the CIRCLE DANCE

“Perichoresis, a circle dance. The unending flow of giving and receiving between Father, Son, and Spirit is the pattern of reality. God is not only a dancer, but the Dance itself! (Richard Rohr).”

We will never truly understand the nature of the Trinity.  As individuals we live our lives in isolation. We hear our own thoughts, our own dreams, and even our own nightmares. We try to communicate with one another, but often fail, creating conflict along the way. However, we are created in the image of God, designed to live in relationship with our creator and the body of Christ. That's why when Jesus said, “where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them,” he was referring to the common bond we have in the Spirit. He works in and through each of us, uniting us in one mind and ambition.

Humans have an almost insatiable curiosity. As children we explored our house, garage, and the woods out back. The stars call us, and our minds try to make sense of it all. Whether it is microbiology or astrophysics, we will never be satisfied with easy or simplistic answers. Therefore, God looks down on us with a smile as we delve into the mystery of His creation, as we explore the depth of the scriptures, and endeavor to know the Father, Son, and Spirit — God himself. He welcomes our curiosity and desires to be known by us.

Think about the circle dance of God. He is the Father. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have unique personalities, existing together in such a way that the Father is all that the Son is, the Son is all that the Spirit is, and both the Son and the Spirit are all that the Father is without contradicting their individuality. They are interdependent, but not dependent and only act in the interest of the others.

As we are conformed to the Image of Jesus, How does the Trinity impact our lives? We can’t exist in the same way as they, but we can strive for the same unity. “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Cor. 1:10) and “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Phil. 2:2).

Unity doesn’t mean that we agree on everything all the time. In fact unity comes with sacrifice, confession, forgiveness, and hard work. Too often people say “well, for the sake of unity I will leave the church.” That’s not what Paul is talking about. Can you imagine the Father saying that to the Spirit? No, unity comes when we stick it out and learn to love one another like Christ loves us. That is one of the lessons we learn from the Circle Dance called the Trinity. I’m just saying…

“Perichoresis, a circle dance. The unending flow of giving and receiving between Father, Son, and Spirit is the pattern of reality. God is not only a dancer, but the Dance itself! (Richard Rohr).” 

We will never truly understand the nature of the Trinity.  As individuals we live our lives in isolation. We hear our own thoughts, our own dreams, and even our own nightmares. We try to communicate with one another, but often fail, creating conflict along the way. However, we are created in the image of God, designed to live in relationship with our creator and the body of Christ. That's why when Jesus said, “where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them,” he was referring to the common bond we have in the Spirit. He works in and through each of us, uniting us in one mind and ambition.

Humans have an almost insatiable curiosity. As children we explored our house, garage, and the woods out back. The stars call us, and our minds try to make sense of it all. Whether it is microbiology or astrophysics, we will never be satisfied with easy or simplistic answers. Therefore, God looks down on us with a smile as we delve into the mystery of His creation, as we explore the depth of the scriptures, and endeavor to know the Father, Son, and Spirit — God himself. He welcomes our curiosity and desires to be known by us.

Think about the circle dance of God. He is the Father. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have unique personalities, existing together in such a way that the Father is all that the Son is, the Son is all that the Spirit is, and both the Son and the Spirit are all that the Father is without contradicting their individuality. They are interdependent, but not dependent and only act in the interest of the others.

As we are conformed to the Image of Jesus, How does the Trinity impact our lives? We can’t exist in the same way as they, but we can strive for the same unity. “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Cor. 1:10) and “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Phil. 2:2).

Unity doesn’t mean that we agree on everything all the time. In fact unity comes with sacrifice, confession, forgiveness, and hard work. Too often people say “well, for the sake of unity I will leave the church.” That’s not what Paul is talking about. Can you imagine the Father saying that to the Spirit? No, unity comes when we stick it out and learn to love one another like Christ loves us. That is one of the lessons we learn from the Circle Dance called the Trinity. I’m just saying…