I was in the doctors office awaiting my ear check the other day, and picked up a National Geographic – February, 2007.  There’s a great article/interview about Francis Collins; a scientist who is among the smartest guys on the planet.  According to the author (John Horgan), he’s the leader of the Human Genome Project, and is a man who has been a devout Christian since 1978.  His position is the head of a multbillion-dollar research program aimed at understanding human nature and healing our innate disorders. 

But he’s a deep man of faith.  How can one so entrenched in modern science be SO FOR faith and Christ?  The fact is, he sees faith and science not as opponents, but as most brilliant Christian scholars do – a demonstration of God’s omniscience of which meager humans marvel.  The author of the article, John Horgan, is a skeptic (one who asks “how could there be a God” with no real open mind to the possiblity of God), or at best an agnostic (one who believe’s there could be, but may not be a God).  He asked Collins how God could allow miracles to happen to “some” people… he felt a spiratic miracle of God would merely show God as “capricious.”  The comment illicited Collins’ amazing quote below:

“I’m my own experience as a physician, I have not seen a miraculous healing, and I don’t expect to see one.  Also, prayer for me is not a way to manipulate God into doing what we want him to do.  Prayer for me is much more a sense of trying to get into fellowship with God.  I’m trying to figure out what I should be doing rather than telling Almighty God what he should be doing.  Look at the Lord’s Prayer.  it says, ‘thy will be done.’  It wasn’t, ‘Our Father who art in Heaven, please get me a parking space.”

Sounds like this man has been in the Psalms.  David never prayed for a parking space, and neither should we.  We must learn to commune with God in prayer… as His people, it is imperative to overcome the adversary.  Jesus is the perfect example of the balance between the human condition and spiritual wellness and communion with God, as is the greatest prayer of Jesus that is recorded – John 17. 

In general, we humans are traditional folks.  We get in a rhythm (or a rut, if you prefer) and don’t comfortably get out of it.  Whether it is right or wrong, it begins feeling “normal” after a while.  To me, a “restoration mindset” is one that will continually seek the truth of the Apostolic days.  I don’t mean methods – like my brother Mike said yesterday, how’s he going to get to China to preach to them – on Donkey?  Oh wait a minute, they had ships in those days.  NO WAY!  Too often we get to thinking that the way it has been is the way GOD meant for it to be.  Sometimes, isn’t it refreshing for the Father to rip us up from our shallow human roots!

Here’s my take on a restorationist’s Bible reading.  Other people may have methods that work wonderfully well, so I’m not trying to change anything for them.  But one thing I’ve decided is that I can not go and iron out the do’s and don’t’s of early Christianity completely by the letters of Paul.  More importantly, I find that an emulation of the traits of Jesus’ character seem to be the best way to please God.  After all, he said, “here’s how you please God” and showed it!  In the Supper yesterday, we brought up the topic of the “servanthood” of Jesus.  While he was Master and Creator of all, he clearly showed his disciples a servant heart, deliberately!  When he got up from the table at the last supper, and wrapped a towel around his waist and began washing feet, his disciples didn’t expect it.  That was pretty interesting, seeing as how most Jewish folks would wash feet as you came INTO the house.  They had been eating for a while, then Jesus washed their feet.  Deliberately showing that greatness was in humility and service, not personal piety. 

So as I read the scripture – the N.T. in particular – I’ve begun reading more about Jesus and less about Paul.  Maybe I’m just getting on the bandwagon (genius Drew… you JUST started paying attention to Jesus?), but forever I have regarded – or was possibly taught by example to regard – Paul, and doctrine, as important as the Gospels and the character of Jesus.  How wrong could I be!  If we don’t know Jesus, how can we emulate him and his character!  Jesus taught service and personal piety, not in two different categories like we tend to conveniently do.  He taught that personal piety is NOT standing on the corner and blurting out some prayer aloud, or wearing your best suit on Sunday morning, or being Christly when it is appropriate for social circles.  Jesus actually TOUCHED the leper!  More than once… (different lepers), and what was he showing him?  That HE was more important than his disease, and that Jesus’ own love for him was stronger than the threat of this illness.  He actually cared about the woman at the well, a Samaritan who had a filthy moral lifestyle.  He healed begging men who were lame and blind; he showed compassion to children; he ate with sinners – WITH SINNERS!  After all, how else would he make any influence on them at all, if he didn’t break bread with them and get to know them to some degree. 

I suppose what I’m observing is this:  a restoration thinker – not simply one who came up in the Restoration Movement of the last 200 years; but a true restoration thinker, is merely a disciple of Jesus.  Christianity is NOT about rules.  It is about a relationship with the Father, through the Son’s compassion and shed blood, empowered by His Spirit, and moved to be like the Master in the world.  There are some things that are doctrinally right and wrong, of course.  But I’m beginning to see that what Jesus wanted – when he said “leave your gift at the altar, and go and be reconciled to your brother,” is a whole and mended relationship with all mankind.  That “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” means that holiness is more important than ritual.  For sin to not be a part of us, but purged from our way of thinking, and our character infused with the blood of Jesus; showing compassion, love, real-ness, and truth to the world around us. 

I read some great thoughts tonight on the communion of the Lord’s church around the table.  I will preface the remarks by saying this; the author, Benjamin Lyon Smith, was writing for a Christian newspaper in the 1830’s, called the Millennial Harbinger in 1837.  I haven’t read enough of his stuff to know – or honestly, to care – where he fell on other stuff.  But in this short essay, he was writing in comment about a trend that seemed to be “gaining popularity” in many small churches – a spiratic observance of the Supper as instituted by Christ.  While my position is that most likely the early church did observe the Supper on a weekly basis, I also feel from archaeology and other textual evidence that the early saints may have taken the Supper together on special occasions NOT on the first day of the week also.  In any case, note these great comments by Smith below.  Good stuff!

 “The weekly meeting of the family of God, without any Lord’s table or Lord’s supper, is one of the poorest and most meagre things in creation. Miserably poor is that family, which, when assembled on some important occasion, has nothing to eat–not even a table in the house. Yet so poor is the family of God, if the numerous sects in our land give a fair representation of it. We cannot believe it. The disciples of Jesus always assembled on the Lord’s day to commemorate the Lord’s death and resurrection so long as the Christian religion continued pure and uncontaminated. It was shown that spiritual health, like physical health, requires not only wholesome food, but at proper and regular intervals. Therefore, a person may as reasonably say that he can enjoy good animal health on one meal in four days, as that he can be healthy in the Lord on one Lord’s supper in four weeks. And if it be so, that “frequent communion,” as it is called, diminishes its value or solemnity, then the seldomer, the better. Once in a lifetime, on that principle, is enough. Where there is no law there is no transgression. Where there is no precedent there is no error; and if it be left to every man’s own sense of propriety, there can be no fault in only commemorating the Lord’s death once in a lifetime. But if it be said that it is left to our own sense of propriety, then unless it can be shown that a whole church has one and the same sense of propriety, there can be no communion; for if it should seem fit to ninety in the hundred to commune monthly or quarterly, and not to ten, then there is a schism in the church, or no communion. The first disciples met on the first day of the week to break bread, as Paul argues.”  Millennial Harbinger, 1837.

It’s interesting how many Christians DON’T think in terms of non-denominational Christianity.  Said another way, it’s amazing how many Christians totally think denominationally.  They are loyal to their heritage.  They wouldn’t dare cross the line of what the status quo might be.  They stick to labels and names with a spirit of ardent patriotism.  They are dogmatic about many of the things which are “inventions” as Thomas Campbell put it in 1809.  For me, it was reading things like Thomas Campbell’s “Declaration and Address” that helped me finally decide that I would do my best to follow the Master, and not our tradition (as authoritative).  PLEASE, don’t misunderstand me… I’m no anti-traditionalist simply because I’m young.  I cherish my heritage, and the rich things I have learned.  I will never forget learning Acts 2 from Cecil Norman in the 4th grade at Gooch Lane Church of Christ, Madison, AL.  Or learning my books of the Bible at home with my parents, or learning how to sing with passion and emotion at Marion Street Church of Christ in Athens, AL.  But the bottom line is, for every disciple to truly grow, he must seriously develop a relationship with the Creator, and the Savior.  He must allow the Spirit of God to have His perfect work in us; to envelop each one of us and empower our daily walk, so that holiness becomes the NORM – not just “not being sinful”, not just good behavior motivated by a fear of hell, or “goodness” based on superficial things, or fear of deviating from the way things have always been done because you’ll be written up by the brotherhood publications.  We have such an amazing ignorance of the way things were done among the 1st c. disciples!  Their spirit, their benevolence, their community, and their love for one another; to the point of selling their things and giving to those who had need.  That is truly sacrificial!

These guys – the Campbells, Thomas (father) and Alexander (son) came from Scotland and were Scottish Presbyterians.  Barton Stone – another leader in the “restoration” movement of the 18th-19th centuries – came from a different background and has become one of my heroes from this effort to go back to basics in Christian theology.  Perhaps one of the most influential 2 documents of the Restoration Movement in America is demonstrated in this portion from Thomas Campbell’s, “Declaration and Address” from 1809.  After reading it, it’s easy to see why these men had the courage to simply think for themselves.  I used to think that was so hard… “how will I find the courage to stand?” I thought.  Through prayer, lots of reading, and study of this type of theology, I realized what I believe these men realized; only CHRIST will judge me in the last day.  Not the editors of the Christian Baptist or the Millennial Harbinger (both published by Alexander Campbell), or the Gospel Advocate or the Watchman Magazine.  I say that not to be intentionally flagrant or inflammatory, but simply as a realization that here’s how I think for myself and stand… on Christ and His word, nothing else.  As Campbell says in this section below, if we stand only on God’s Word and not on our own inventions, we have nothing but boldness to empower our position of independent conviction.  The following portion is from Page 10 of the Declaration and Address, found here:  http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/tcampbell/da/DA-CE.HTM#Page6  It picks up “in the middle” of the address, but this portion is so beautifully and plainly written I felt I’d attach this much of it.  Of course, it’s written in the elegant style of the Enlightenment period scholarship.  (A word of WARNING – Campbell does NOT use “church of Christ” in a denominational sense.  It seems to be ONLY meant in the sense of a generic label for the disciples; such as disciples, Christians, followers of the Lord Jesus, His church, or The Way – as Luke referred to it in the book of Acts.)

Some of you may have already found my wife’s cousin’s webpage – http://www.ethanpowell.com.  If you haven’t, PLEASE go visit this site.  Ben and Becky Powell have a 2-month old baby boy, Ethan.  Long story short, they went to the Dr. last week for a well-visit, and the Doc said, “hmmm, there feels like a bit of a lump on his liver area.  We’d better do a test.”  Ethan’s White Blood Cell count was off the charts.  It DID read on the scale, but it was 1.5 million or so – which is amazingly astronomical.  The Doctor referred them to the Hospital in Shreveport, LA because he thought his machine was broken.  Sadly, when they tested him, they came up with 1.6 million on their cell count.  Just so you know the stats, a normal baby’s count is somewhere in the low thousands.  St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis become concerned about 20,000 WBC, and Ethan’s count was truly accurate.  He has Leukemia.

He is a very healthy boy – otherwise!  Ethan is 2 mos. old (born Dec. 5, 2006) and is already wearing 6-mos. clothing which is tight.  Granted, he’s on Prednisone right now, which will cause him to swell slightly.  But Ethan is still feeding naturally, and he has quite a strong grip!  What Ben and Becky are asking is that all kingdom children will pray for Ethan, and pray that God’s glory will be seen in this little boy.  He has already touched the lives of several thousand people in only the last 4-5 days.  He smiles a lot, too!

Having been there the last 2 days ourselves with Ben & Becky, we have witnessed the amazing magic that this amazing hospital provides.  The percentages of survival of this Leukemia are low, but God is not concerned with percentages.  He is big enough to answer our prayers and more than adequate to hear our cries for help.  He raised his Son from the dead, and he can heal this little boy.  Please pray that God’s power be demonstrated in this little boy, and believe that He will do it!  James 1 clearly tells us that the prayer offered in faith (belief) will be heard.  We are not so arrogant as to believe God’s will is ours, but we know God’s will was changed in scripture because of the faith and petitions of his holy people.

Lastly, support St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  They are amazing people, doing amazing things.  Their bedside manor is amazing, and they are some of the smartest doctors in the world!  Please pray for this place as well.  That God’s glory will continue to be seen through the success stories of healed children that have often been overlooked.  The Gold Dome outside St. Jude Hospital is full of the success stories of this wonderful place.  Ethan is strong and is a fighter, but God’s people need to pray for his healing.

I love the study of restoration theology.  I am a child of the “Restoration Movement” from the 18th-19th centuries, which has given birth to what most folks in the modern day know as Disciples of Christ/Christian Churches/Churches of Christ.  Although this was NOT the intent, it is what has happened in history.  While I cherish my heritage, I have come to believe that in general this background is sectarian and as denominational as any other tradition in the Christian faith.  Through the years of study and reading, I’ve come to a decent understanding of the motives for “restoring the New Testament church” as it was termed.  I’m not foolish enough to think it was completely restored – after all, how could it be if we had 1800 years separating us, regional customs, one-sided letters of instruction (the epistles of Paul to churches or individuals – which would have looked something like the picture to the right), and the charismata present during the early days of the church (the Spirit’s miraculous abilities)?

It’s interesting.  The thinking of most of these men became clearly in line with the idea of the church being an inantimate object, something intangible that lies in the character of the disciples of Jesus.   AS IN the New Testament, there was no title of this people, they became known as “disciples” first, then later “Christians”, then as a collective body “the Way”, but never the titles listed above.  In case you’ve not done a whole lot of reading for yourself about the history, it would be wise to start!  One of the best resources to do this study is the website maintained by Hans Rollman, of the University of Newfoundland.  (http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/restmov.html)  He documents some of the massive body of writings by the movers and shakers who came out of that era; men like Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton Stone, Robert Richardson, David Lipscomb, and many, many others.

I am part of a body in Franklin, TN that seems to be as Biblical and true to that Restoration spirit that I’ve ever seen.  While we have a ways to go in many areas, the concept of the “Lord’s church” and ownership only by him seems natural.  The Supper is the central focus of the assembly, and praise, prayer, and teaching takes place at each occasion.  TRUE non-denominationalism is hard to find.  It is more of a concept, or a mindset than anything, and many in our day are more open to it now than ever, because of the post-modern world or relativity that we live in.  The early church was a dynamic body of people who truly loved one another.  They were not a commune, but most likely seemed like it.  They took part in each other’s lives to a point where unity, fellowship, and daily accountability were central to their being.  —  This way of thinking is foreign to many people in the fellowship I grew up in.  It is familiar to many of them as well!  The difficult thing is to cast aside tradition and cling to the things that are true.  I’m sure it was hard for Scottish Presbyterians in 1800 (Thomas and Alex. Campbell) and men from every other sectarian background of the Reformation time.  I will most likely start writing about some of the men – and their thinking – that I most admire from the history of the Lord’s church.

Ok back to the “Constantinian Cataract”.  For any of you who have no clue what this is referring to, it’s the term made known in the book Mere Discipleship by Lee Camp.  He refers to a cataract or film that covers the eyes of the population that has no clue they’re being misled by a “wrong color” or film.  They see as clearly as anyone else, but it’s looking through a rose-colored lens (reminiscent, obviously of rose-colored glasses).  The Constantine part is a reference to emperor of 4th c. Rome, who in the name of Christ conquered, ruled, and converted to “Christianity” – although he remained immoral and personally full of defilement in his character.  Christianity was merely the facade of “Rome”, and if one converted, he converted to Rome and Constantine.

One of my concerns – not, by the way, a serious challenge yet to my faith – is the Constantinian cataract that may be on the lens of the eyes of Americans.  As I mentioned before, I am not anti-patriotic; I am proud to be who I am, and thankful for the freedoms I have; much less the men and women who have died to preserve that.  However, I know I had no control over the country in which I was born and the LORD did.  He has indeed blessed the existence of peace and faith in North America for a reason, yet I can’t help but question our government making decisions based on “holiness” or “righteous” motives.  How are we to know if God is behind what we deem righteous or holy?  Could it be that our straw man of righteousness or being the world’s policeman of what is right and good is merely the expression of power with justification?  Is it different than Constantine’s power and political decisions?  I hope so.

Yet at the same time, I know the nation who comes to God will see his mercy.  I guess more than anything – for me – this book on discipleship is a wake-up call to personal holiness.  I know there were German men in WW1 who wrote “God Bless Us” on their helmets?  I’m sure there have been men and women everywhere around the world who fear God and call on him – yet serve under the uniform or commission of an unholy leader?  God’s people must practice counter-cultural values and behavior because it is the way Christ did it.  If I keep that in perspective, the big decisions seem to be easier to make.  That doesn’t make it any easier to consider the big issues David Lipscomb dealt with about the Christian and civil government, balanced with his Christian character.  But a modern-day Crusade of “Christianity vs. Islam” or whatever we wish to call it may not be far away.  For God’s people to demonstrate Christ-likeness is the most powerful demonstration of the Gospel.  More powerful than bullets, more powerful than politics.  So I must absolutely pray for our President.  He is a man who proclaims faith in God and his decisions are being made (ideally) through that lens, not a Constantinian one.  LORD be with the man who is in the seat of decision, and truly desires to serve you and do what is right.  And silence those who believe him assinine or ridiculous.  As David said in the Psalms, the enemies of the Lord are too numerous to count, and they believe the friends of God to be stupid.

What an amazing and humbling Psalm.  Anyone who has been to church more than 4 or 5 times in his life will probably be able to finish, “the heavens declare the glory of God…”  Even if you couldn’t do it word for word, I’ll bet you get it thought for thought.  This great prayer of David acknowledges the Lord’s sovereignty, the earth’s own “pouring forth speech” and displaying its own knowledge of God’s power. 

The psalm may be better known in some circles for its reference to the Law of God.  David refers to the Law as “perfect, reviving the soul,” and “trustworthy, making wise the simple.”  He refers to them as perfect, and more valuable than gold – much fine gold!  and even “sweeter than honey” in verse 10.

The thing that I may have NEVER focused on from this Psalm before, is David’s pouring forth his soul to God.  Maybe because I grew up with an understanding (right or wrong) that the Law of Moses was itself “crucified” with Christ, I didn’t value what David was saying.  Not only NO, but was I not even close!  The Law of Moses taught the children of Israel about God.  It told them of his wonderful acts, of his wonderful love, mercy, lovingkindness, and patience (Exodus 34:6-7).  David cherishes God’s Law because he has come to know his grace and peace that comes through submission to God. 

And then – after all of the “your law is what man needs” rhetoric, he begins to open up.  “by them your servant is warned…” and he continues with a plea that God “keep your servant from willful sins.”  He acknowledges that God is all powerful, and never does he ask for anything, except for a challenge to himself; “may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in your sight, oh LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  ** FATHER, may David’s prayer be mine, because I long for your warm embrace.  May I expel all carnality and empty self-servitude, and truly submit to your leading.  The cross was my sentence, but because of the stone rolled away I walk free.  LORD give me strength to serve you; you’re way smarter than I am and I haven’t a clue what you’ve gone through to bring us close to you.

I’m reading a great book right now.  Tonight as I sit in my hotel room in Albuquerque, NM, I’ve had plenty of time to read this work.  The book is written by Lee Camp, a professor at Lipscomb U in Nashville, and I’m really starting to like this guy.  The book is one that was on our reading list for one of my courses in my study program at Harding Grad in Memphis.  Mere Discipleship – Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World is fantastic in the first 3 chapters at least… that as far as I’ve gotten.

This book introduces things that I’ve wondered about for quite some time.  For example; what relationship is the true disciple of Christ to have as a citizen of the government of the U.S.A.?  I grew up a Boy Scout and with a Dad who was a Marine – It didn’t take me long to figure out which way a flag should hang!  (by the way, the blue field of stars is always to the left, even if the flag is vertical)  David Lipscomb, the spiritual icon from the Nashville area, died nearly 100 years ago.  One of Lipscomb’s deep issues was how the Christian should interact with his government; such as, should he enlist in military service?  (he dealt with issues as deep as the Civil War – bros. in Christ going up against bros. in Christ… with vehement hatred in some cases.)  should a Christian run for office?  Lipscomb even dealt with things that were far more “out there” about government than questions I ever would have dreamed of asking from my background.

I’ll probably make several posts about this book, it stimulates so much thought.  One thing I will talk about in the next day or 2 if I have time is the “Constantinian Cataract” – an interesting theological topic on the role of Constantine in Christianity’s history.  More later…

What an amazing psalm of character description!  I am amazed at the things David uses to describe the man of God; “He who does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:5)  There are people that I have shared things with that couldn’t keep them quiet.  There are things people have told ME that I have not kept quiet!  We simply struggle to keep our mouths shut, in general.  How often have I demonstrated the opposite of this character!  While I don’t believe David is talking about keeping secrets here, he mentions the deep, strong, integrity of a man, “who… keeps an oath until it hurts.”  I guess I have never really understood this Psalm as one where David asks a question and then proceeds to answer it himself.  “Who my dwell in your sanctuary?  Who may live in your holy hill?”  His answers indicate a deep understanding of man’s condition – fallen, and yet capable of choosing holiness.  And he who does these things may dwell in God’s sanctuary, and he may not be far from becoming like WHO God really is, himself.  Read it for yourself – it’s great.

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? 
       Who may live on your holy hill?

 2 He whose walk is blameless
       and who does what is righteous,
       who speaks the truth from his heart

 3 and has no slander on his tongue,
       who does his neighbor no wrong
       and casts no slur on his fellowman,

 4 who despises a vile man
       but honors those who fear the LORD,
       who keeps his oath
       even when it hurts,

 5 who lends his money without usury
       and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
       He who does these things
       will never be shaken.

 Amazing!  If it is that easy… that “he who does these things will never be shaken,” you would think we would all do them.  The things David mentions are HARD to do.  But if we think in terms of Godliness and holiness, we can easily do those things.  Take a moment to think of a person in your life that you remember perceiving as absolutely a Godly man.  I’ll bet he kept his oath until he hurt, I’ll bet he didn’t talk badly about his neighbor, I’ll be he was honest, and his walk was blameless! 

Father and Lord, I am so ‘failed’ and have fallen short so often.  God help me to make the effort and follow through to change my character.  That I may be a man others clearly see as honest, honorable, someone they can confide in without their secrets being known, a man who is fair, a man who is kind to his family and most certainly a man of holiness to his home first.  I love you, Lord, and love what you do for our spirits when we allow your Spirit to empower our actions.  God, help me to get my selfish and carnal nature out of my mind.  That from my bones I will again be a man of integrity and deep godliness.  Thank you for providing for my family… you always do.  You have provided a means for me to provide and LOVE what I do.  In my business, help me to succeed with flying colors because I put YOUR principles of character into my soul.  Father, help me to become a pillar of holiness as your servant David described.  May I be the type of friend to others that your servant Jonathan was to David.