Musings on church history

"As I have been talking about early church history (2nd and 3rd century) we do see a good bit of that confusion. But these people were pioneers, leading the way in doing the great work of defending the faith, stating the faith, and living the faith. We honor them for that even though they made many mistakes. It was a time of productive confusion. . .The church had to try to decide what really is allowable, what is true and what is not. Gradually there was an answer to that question. We call that answer “orthodoxy,” the orthodox position of the church. “Orthodoxy” means “right belief.” And we call everything else heresies. Originally that word simply meant “an opinion,” “a party,” or “group.” But eventually it came to mean something that is wrong, something that is opposed to true teaching."

This is a quote from a study on church history I’m reading.  It’s interesting to me that through out much of the church’s history there have been areas of division, points on which two (or more) sides can’t seem to agree.  

I do appreciate all those who wrestled with these issues and believe it was necessary to establish parameters of truth. 

I just sometimes wonder if the church, like the rabbinical Jews, spent too much time focusing on “doctrine” (which means teaching, much like the word torah) and not enough on just following Jesus.  We seem to like well defined “rules” that we can point to and say this is right and this is wrong.  If we really understand loving the Father, loving one another and living loved, it just seems we wouldn’t need to be so concerned with defining it.

Augustine is attributed with saying “"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”  I guess the question has always been, what are the “essentials”.  I think that’s a reason why the Father gives us His Spirit, so that we can discern what is essential and leave the rest in His hands. 

Morning musings and random thoughts . . .

FATHER, thinking this morning about obedience, the law – morally and ritually – Old and New, one and the same, mysteries revealed – being “in Christ”.  What does obedience look like to You, how do You define it? Shadows and types of things to come. To do the will of Him who sent me. Obedience is not the “cause” of our salvation but the “result” of it and should flow from our new lives hidden in You before the foundations of this world.  Confess with your mouth and believe with your heart – and you shall be saved.  Trust and obey – these are so closely connected as to be the sides of the same coin.  I think the problem comes when we start trying to emphasize one over the other as necessary for, when both are the result of – Your grace freely given to those who call upon Your name.

Your Holy Spirit, set as a seal upon our hearts, indwelling us, abiding in us so that we can abide in You – to know and to be known by You, one by one, each individually and uniquely belonging to You – one of many, a part of the whole, Your body. What a marvelous mystery.

To the praise of God’s glory

FATHER, it’s not something You need, or even require or a way of manipulation . . . it’s simply because of the great and awesome things You have done and continue to do – it’s because of the great and awesome God that You are.  I don’t know that I will ever be able to grasp or fully understand the depth and breadth of Who You are, my brain just isn’t capable of such wonder.  I am reminded of my hearts desire – To make knowing and enjoying You the passionate pursuit of my life.  This is my hearts desire and I’m sorry and my heart is grieved when I lose sight of this, of You.  I just want more of You and less of me. 

I want Yours to be the voice I hear, the voice I listen to and obey.  Forgive me for listening to a critical spirit, which demands and expects more of others, that takes offense over things that are not really offendable or that judges in areas where love should be applied.  Rather than arguing help me to really listen and hear.  Where there is disagreement – show me how to choose ways of maintaining relationship, of building bridges rather than walls . . . to think more of others than of myself.  I want these things, FATHER and I know that the desire to see them in my life comes from You and that You will complete what You have begun in me. Thank You that I belong to You – always and forever more – I am Yours!

In His hands

ABBA FATHER, I’m not sure just “where” I am at the moment, but do believe I’m close to Your heart and that Your hand, Your blessing rests upon me.  I desire to know You and to be known by You – starting in the depth of me and moving out into every part of me and my life.  I struggle, with feelings of unworthiness – which in part come from a belief that I’m not “doing” enough with all that I have been given, that I’m not being a “good” steward.  I know that I am not saved by anything I do – but how I live my life is a reflection of my relationship with You, it’s a testimony of Who You are and I don’t want to disappoint You in any way.  I feel so small and insignificant in Your kingdom.  Perhaps that is my part . . . and if so, that’s okay with me.  I just want to be the best “me” I can be for You and for Your glory.  I am trusting that You will complete the work You have begun in me.

. . . and in the morning my prayer comes before You. (Psa 88:13)

I am an early riser and usually get up before my alarm goes off.  This morning, however, the alarm got me up and I found that I really would have preferred to just go back to sleep.  I couldn’t understand why I felt so tired - But as is my routine, I got up, let the dogs out, made a pot of coffee and began my morning quiet time.  At one point, after my first cup of coffee, I looked up and noticed the time – it said 4:30 . . . but that can’t be right, that’s too early, even for me.  Then I remembered that I had taken my Sunday afternoon nap the day before and had forgotten to re-set the alarm . . . and so here I am.  Its okay though - a little extra quiet time with my Father is always worth it!

Your Spirit in me

FATHER, I want to do what is right, pleasing and acceptable in Your sight. I know I’ve blown it – have chosen my way rather than Yours, have sinned against You in thought, word and deed – overstepping the boundaries that You have established. I also know that You forgive, that You are merciful and gracious – far beyond anything I deserve or could even hope for. But because of Who You are – I have hope and assurance that You will accomplish and bring to completion the work You have begun in me. Knowing what is right and true is not enough but with this knowledge must come action, a change of heart, mind and soul. This can only come through Your indwelling Spirit and – somehow – my cooperation with His working in me. It’s a mystery that I’m not sure I will ever fully understand on this side of eternity. All I know is that I can trust You to finish what You have begun; that I can rest in this knowledge and that is enough – more than enough for me.

Routines and interruptions

The church I now attend is not liturgical, so last night I planned to attend a Good Friday service with a friend at a different church. Growing up in a liturgical church, the Good Friday service was part of the yearly routines that make up the church seasons and was always a special time. As it turns out, we arrived just as the service was ending. The time on the web-site had been wrong. In leaving, several folks mentioned how meaningful the service had been and you could tell that our Father had been speaking. So why did I have to miss out? But the truth is, I didn’t. As I had been driving in I had been very much aware of the clouds, dark and foreboding, the wind was blowing and that sense of a storm brewing – it reminded me of what that day must have been like. Through out the day I had been aware of the significance of that day – and that what was accomplished on that day is done, for all time – it’s finished and I am free. As I sit here this morning I see how our Father is ALWAYS speaking, if we just learn to listen – He speaks in the routines and in the interruptions of life. He speaks in the ordinary and in the extraordinary and is not limited by anything except a heart that refuses to listen. I’m listening Lord!