Jesus or Heaven?

In inviting the first disciples to follow him, Jesus offered no perks, extended no bribes, and promised no tangible rewards. In inviting people to become disciples, we often offer perks, extend bribes, and promise tangible rewards. In fact, it might be fair to say our track record reveals we've prompted more interest in seeking after heaven (offered as a perk, extended as a bribe, promised as a reward) than following after Jesus.

The following "parable" from Peter Rollins's The Orthodox Heretic invites its hearers/readers to reflect upon the nature of their own spiritual journeys: whether they are more interested in seeking heaven or following Jesus. I hope this parable stirs your heart and mind to wrestle with the purpose and meaning of your spiritual journey as it has mine.

You sit in silence contemplating what has just taken place. Only moments ago you were alive and well, relaxing at home with friends. Then there was a deep, crushing pain in your chest that brought you crashing to the floor. The pain has now gone, but you are no longer in your home. Instead, you find yourself standing on the other side of death waiting to stand before the judgment seat and discover where you will spend eternity. As you reflect upon your life your name is called, and you are led down a long corridor into a majestic sanctuary with a throne located in its center. Sitting on this throne is a huge, breathtaking being who looks up at you and begins to speak.

"My name is Lucifer, and I am the angel of light."

You are immediately filled with fear and trembling as you realize that you are face to face with the enemy of all that is true and good. Then the angel continues: "I have cast God down from his throne and banished Christ to the realm of eternal death. It is I who hold the keys to the kingdom. It is I who am the gatekeeper of paradise, and it is for me alone to decide who shall enter eternal joy and who shall be forsaken."

After saying these words, he sits up and stretches out his vast arms. "In my right hand I hold eternal life and in my left hand eternal death. Those who would bow down and acknowledge me as their god shall pass through the gates of paradise and experience an eternity of bliss, but all those who refuse will be vanquished to the second death with their Christ."

After a long pause he bends toward you and speaks, "Which will you choose?"

What do you think?

P.S. The Orthodox Heretic is currently available at Amazon.com as a bargain book for $8.00. Just click the picture to proceed to the product page.

Celebrating with Mary

Here is the audio of Sunday's sermon, "Celebrating with Mary," based on Luke 1:39-55. You can stream the audio below or download it here.

A Prayer for Peace

This time of year there is a lot of talk about peace. We read of angels praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” We sing of the birth of the “Prince of Peace.” And yet the on-the-ground reality can hardly be said to be peaceful. Our homes are chaotic as we decorate and shop and pack. Our jobs are more stressful as we try to cram in as much work as possible so we can enjoy a little time off. Our minds are bombarded with story after story that reinforces the notion that even if we have found a little peace in our own lives, our world knows no peace.

Throughout the Scriptures God’s people are constantly hoping for and working toward peace. Beyond human longing and effort, God, too, is working to establish peace. So it only seems appropriate for us to pray always for peace, but especially during this time when we celebrate the coming of the “Prince of Peace.”

Peace-loving and peace-making and peace-giving God,

We pray you would impart to us your love for peace.

We pray you would impart to us your commitment to making peace.

We pray you would impart to us your peace and to others your peace through us.

We pray your peace be with all whose lives are burdened with grief.

We pray your peace be with all whose lives are riddled with conflict.

We pray your peace be with all whose lives are weighed down with despair.

We pray your peace be with all whose lives are plagued by worry.

We pray you would help us remain ever grateful for the peace we receive.

We pray you would help us remain ever dedicated to making peace.

We pray you would help us remain ever aware of your desire for peace.

In the name of the Prince of Peace

Who, like you, is peace-loving

Who, like you, is peace-making

Who, like you, is peace-giving and, like us, is peace-receiving.

Amen.

The Impossible Dream?

Here's the audio of Sunday's sermon "The Impossible Dream?" based on John 17.

A Time for Thanksgiving

Here's the audio of Sunday's sermon, "A Time for Thanksgiving," based on Matthew 11.

Praying with the Revolutionary Rescuer

Here's the audio of Sunday's sermon, "Praying with the Revolutionary Rescuer," based on Matthew 6:9-13.

Two People Went To Church...

Here's the audio of yesterday's sermon "Two People Went To Church..." based on Luke 18:9-14.

Who? Me?

Here's the audio of Sunday's sermon "Who? Me?" based on Luke 16:19-31.

Infomercial Jesus

Donald Miller has quite a way with words. These, in particular, caught my attention this morning as I was finishing his latest page-turner, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life:

Growing up in church, we were taught that Jesus was the answer to all our problems.... But the idea that Jesus will make everything better is a lie. It's basically biblical theology translated into the language of infomercials. The truth is, the apostles never really promise Jesus is going to make everything better here on earth. Can you imagine an infomercial with Paul, testifying to the amazing product of Jesus, saying that he once had power and authority, and since he tried Jesus he's been moved from prison to prison, beaten, and routinely bitten by snakes? I don't think many people would be buying that product. Peter couldn't do any better. He was crucified upside down, by some reports. Stephen was stoned outside the city gates. John, supposedly, was boiled in oil. It's hard to imagine how a religion steeped in so much pain and sacrifice turned into a promise for earthly euphoria. (203-204)

It's one thing to recognize the truthfulness of these words. It's quite another to allow them to critique our own expressions of faith and practice of ministry.

• How do we honor this truth when ease and comfort are among society's ultimate values?
• How do we honor the true Christ when the primary hope of many Christians for future generations is that they be excited about church or Jesus, thus leading to the praise and exaltation of Infomercial Jesus?
• How do we honor the Servant who prays "Not my will but yours" in a made-to-order world in which we've made Jesus into a product pitch-person selling a customizable, made-to-order version of himself?

Surely our attentiveness to the stories of Jesus about the good Samaritan, a selfish older brother, a persistent and dedicated gardener, and others has helped us see that one of these things just doesn't belong here: ThighMaster, Salad Shooter, Awesome Auger, ShamWow!, Jesus.

May the Holy Spirit root out any desire we have for Infomercial Jesus and draw us nearer to the One who willingly lays down his life for others!