The Lakota have a special dance called the grass dance. The men from the tribe will adorn themselves in regalia and dance aggressively on the land. Tradition has it that the grass dancers are the first to dance at a gathering in order to prepare the field, with its tall grass, for the rest of the dancers that day.

And this is what the Elohim does at times in our hearts - a field that grows wild and free. And for it to grow wild and free is a good thing! It is for the sake of freedom that Christ set us free.

But at seasons in our life, He will adorn Himself in full glory and enter this field in a new and purposeful way. And He dances the Great Grass Dance to beat down the tall grass - that His future glory may come in and dance there. With thundrous feet and great, aggressive beauty He pounds down the grass, and the ground trembles with every step He takes.

It can be painful for the tall grass to be beaten down. But our response is to submit to this dance. For the Great Great Dancer has come in His glorous regalia to prepare the field of your heart for the imminent revealing of future glory.

God's bank accounts are filled with the priceless currency of grace - the ability to thrive when you think you can't survive, to endure the unbearable. And as we remain His and obedient to Him, these accounts can never be overdrawn.

But they CAN receive deposits that bear interest in Heaven?

When you need grace, drawn from His treasury. When you want to sow grace, then know that you are storing up treasures in Heaven.

For many years i struggled over God's perspective over the disease i had growing up and the way it ravaged not just my body, but also my soul. i'm still getting healed of it, and it's a process that is often more than i feel i can handle. (Of course, God always gets me through the other side of it; i guess that's what the whole "hope" thing is all about.)

True, it has all worked for the good, because i found Jesus and He used it all to work mighty things through me and in me. But did God intend for me to have the disease? Was this the "cross i had to bear"? Sometime in 2001, God finally broke through in the confusion of it all, and showed me that his heart was never for me to go through the stuff i went through. But because He is sovereign, and because He is in control, AND because i chose to walk with Him, He had His way through it.

There's a saying that goes "if life gives you lemons, make lemonade". Bringing God into that saying only explodes it into something much more powerful. "For we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes." (romans 8:28)

His kingdom purposes will advance, with or without us. But He longs desparately for us to participate in this victory. And so, as we choose to walk with Him, He uses the agonies of our past (and present) in order to make the victories utterly profound and powerful.

That's the wonderful testimony of God; not that he ever intends, or even "allows" things to happen that ravage our lives. Allowing something to happen implies will and intent. Does a parent allow a dog to attack her child because it's for the child's own good? No! How could we think that our Father would behave any different? But if it happens, the parent will care for the child and and help the child grow through the trauma.

And so, as God is always in control, He uses the circumstances in our life to always have His way for the glory of His kingdom and for our own good (simply because he dearly loves us).

"Well, His ways are not our ways and His ways are higher than our ways, and so maybe He does allow/intend hurtful things to happen." I would counter that He created us in his image, and if it's in the heart of a parent to keep bad things from happening to his/her child, it's because the parent bears the heart of the Father. And so, God's ways are higher, but not in contradiction to the image we bear of Him. To roll over and submit to the "higher ways" argument is to yield to a lie so that we would not stand against evil that comes against our life.

"What the devil meant for evil, God purposed for good" is a great verse. We must attribute the works of the devil to the works of the devil, and the works of God to the works of God. Disease is evil. Horrible things done to us are evil. Things that happen to us to harm us are the works of the devil. Tell the child prostitute in Thailand, locked in a prison cell that God allowed that stuff to happen to him/her, and you will hear God from heaven screaming "NO!" Those are lies born of Buddhist philosophy that have tragically infiltrated the Church.

We must stop the mental antics and stand up for God's heart to bless us and not curse us.

"Do you think I'm amazed at what's become of you? Well, it's true. Because I stand on the other side of tomorrow and I see you as you are. And even though it's the work of My hands that forged you and caressed you and beautified you into who you are, I'm still captivated by your beauty. It stirs my heart with passion to be with you today and every day.

And when you were in the middle of yesterday, I beheld you in the beauty of who you are, in this moment. I encouraged you in your beautification. I blessed you into repentance - that you would still be all the more ravishing. Because I beheld you, and I behold you from the other side of tomorrow. And it captivates Me for our Wedding Day.

How horrible, yet wonderful then, to subject Myself to a lover's cross! For since the day I conceived your beauty I spoke, "let it be," and began the perfect, eternal love affair of wooing you to the rapture of our hearts - together.

So don't cut the flowers. I'll have a fresh batch for you tomorrow. Don't duck out of the rain, because I sent every drop to kiss you that many times. Don't turn away from the mirror for fear I disdain what I behold. For that's how I made the water; the reflection stirs in Me a passion for who you are - ripples My being with a reaction to the glory I perceive in you. Of who I Am in you. Don't stop gazing at the stars. For the diamonds on a million blazing suns can't shower you enough with My happy, costly affections, shining over you."

The response of the belover:

If i could swell Your heart with my adorations, let it be tonight, in the watches of our deep surrender. Render my love to intimacies that move You, magnify Your wonder. For thunder is the sound so profound I waken to paint our love anew.

If there were new words i could spill from my lips, to kiss my love in Your direction, then let them spill and overflow. For You alone are suited to such crafted adoration.

O, let me tend to such worthy time, sweet Rhyme! That moves my meter to precious adore over You. Let me adorn You with fantastic praise. For no fantasy could fall short of who You are, sweet Star come to earth.

Dear lightning that You are, i imagine now how it will be when You return to take me to Your chambers, drenched with the dew of dusk and dawn finally wed. You reach my way, i perceive, as one launched by bow restrained to the very strand of breaking. For now released, You arrive as one who waits no second more. You approach as comet three times the sun, to embrace Your bride with all You are. For such is the universe, immense with my Lover's desire.

Note from revel8r:

Holiness is a word, like grace, which is beyond the grasp of words. i have long struggled to understand what God meant when He said "be holy, as I am holy." In the last 6 years or so, i've come to understand what it it isn't. But haven't been able to go any further than that. Holiness isn't like a hospital room, where everything is antiseptic and painfully white. Unfortunately, many churches champion this definition.

Then, during worship in a small-group setting, a young lady read her revelation of what the word means. i think i can begin to grab ahold of it's meaning, now. With her permission, i have posted her journal entry here for you to begin to look through the looking glass, as well:

"I know with conviction that God is HOLY! People would whole heartedly agree, yet I wonder how many people truly understand about holiness. One day I knew God was holy and I now say it with all my being at all times. I almost want to jump out of my skin when I say it now. The feelings that come are.... well I have no words. I also understand that I'm clueless when it comes to what holiness means. I asked God today and I saw a transparent (something), it was translucent, 100% pure, completely clear, fire does no harm because it's so pure. It means to be Kingly, majestic, have splenfor, power. THere is an unmovable strength in holiness, yet it flow, is expressive, passionate, and full of feeling. Nothing measures up to Holiness; it stands and watches everything else crumble. All of these words still don't fully express it all.... it is like it's outside our capacity to understand with earthly language, but I know in my spirit He is HOLY. The challenge He posed was " Be Holy as I am Holy."

Rachel

11-14-05

a look at walking appropriately in community

Introduction

One of the toughest challenges of living out our faith comes in the context of community. I've never met a person who hasn't at least admired and appreciated the ideal. But for those who cast their lot in such endeavors are immediately faced with one or more reality checks.

As a friend of mine likes to say, "Living community is the best way to die to yourself." We as disciples of Christ know that the death of ourselves makes room for Christ to grow inside of us. Unfortunately, however, over the years of participating in community and watching others participate in community, I have noticed that people will often participate in death - not dying to self, but death itself. This death has sometimes been at the hands of others. And sometimes it has been at their own hands. Fortunately, I have also seen awesome resurrections from death. Because while Jesus Christ is all about kingdom community, He came for abundant life and for freedom, not death. And He wants us to embrace this freedom with a ruthless intent. And this is where death to self comes into play.

I could go on, but the important thing is we recognize that godly community is a good thing - both for ourselves and for the purposes of the kingdom of God. And I submit to the reader that there are ways for us to walk in godly community. There have been many enterprises in the body of Christ that have begun with great plans to build community and to advance the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Many have prospered and stand to this day and some have fallen to the wayside. And while the success completely depends on the breath of the Lord driving their efforts, there are protocols that I believe must be respected in order to avail our efforts to the blessing of God. I believe protocols are like keys that should be used in order to open doors the right way. If we don't use these keys, we either cannot proceed, or we create a dangerous mess trying to bang down or pry open doors that weren't meant to be opened that way. "When in Rome do as the Romans do" it a classic example of protocol. Bowing in China is another example. If you don't bow in China, the protocol of greeting has been violated, and any further communication is either marred or terminated. There are also protocols of the spirit that should be followed in order to establish harmony, order and the promotion of progress. Simply put, protocol means "code of correct conduct" (Webster's online dictionary). In society, it typically implies formalities, but I would submit that it is not just an issue of formalities. It's a way of being. I submit this paper of some important spiritual protocols for those participating in community. I am by no means an expert at living in godly, successful community. I readily admit that I have failed in more than one of the protocols described here. Nevertheless, I know that I have learned, and am still learning, some godly protocols.

It is my prayer that an understanding of these protocols bears fruit for the reader in whatever community God calls you into.

Sincerely,

Chris Choate

October, 2005

Note: All scriptures quotes are from the New King James version of the Bible.

I. Authority - Recognizing it, Respecting it and Stewarding it

There are a few absolutes in living life that I believe are critical, fundamental values in God's heart. One of these absolutes is authority. Everyone has authority, and everyone must respect it. The Bible is rife with object lessons and commands concerning authority. There are Kings and Subjects, Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Slaves, Prophets, Elders, Evangelists, the list goes on. In the Bible we see those who are godly in their stewardship of authority (David), and we see those who abuse authority (David). We see those who presume upon authority they don't have (Saul - 1 Samuel 13:8-10), and we see those run from authority they do have (Elijah - 1 Kings 19:2-3). And finally, we see those who rebel against authority (Jonah), and those who submit to authority (Jesus).

The issue at hand is how God wants us to relate to authority. This is a topic more for a book than a paper. Nevertheless, because I believe it to be such a vital protocol to follow, I feel I should devote a few pages to this issue. Suffice it to say that there is no set formula or ten commandments for interacting with authority. But there are dynamics involved that make the issue have "grey areas". I believe I can address the concept of godly interaction with authority in three key areas: recognizing it, respecting it, and stewarding it. Consider each one to be a protocol unto itself.

Recognizing Authority

There are various ways people have authority. In our every day lives, authority constantly comes into play. We have authority over the things we own. We have authority over our jobs. And we are under authority (the boss, the police, the taxman, the mayor, President, etc.), whether we agree with them or not. (Romans 13:1-2) In general, there is authority in ownership, authority in knowledge or skill, authority in office and authority in spirit. Most people in western society have authority in at least one of these areas.

I believe that recognition of authority is not just an issue of acknowledgement. It's more an issue of acknowledgement and coming to terms with it in your conscience. I would like to focus on this second piece of recognition. By "coming to terms", I specifically mean "being at peace with" it.

Throughout the history of our country, certain units in the military have been at the personal service of our Presidents. If I understand correctly, tradition has it that there are certain times when those soldiers are granted the choice to salute (or not) the President as they pass by. Some Presidents receive these salutes, and some do not. This is a prime example, then, of what I'm talking about in terms of recognizing authority. Some may see a President begrudgingly as on having authority, but refuse to admit it. Others may begrudgingly admit it, but have not come to terms with it in their conscience. I believe that in order to come to fully recognize authority, we must come to terms with it in our conscience.

Recognition of authority is a protocol that the Lord calls of His people. We must come to terms with the authority of those who have been endowed with it. I should note that this second step is a choice. Acknowledging (seeing and admitting) authority is basically an issue of reality. To deny that someone has authority when they do have it is like saying the sky doesn't exist! Being at peace with authority is a choice, and often a very hard choice to make. Indeed, there are many people who do not carry their authority well, and disrespect the authority they have. Recognizing the authority in these people is not easy. Nevertheless, I believe we should do so, as David recognized it in Saul (1 Samuel 24:7-12). The most poignant point in this passage being this: "I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed." (v.10) And In the same way, I believe the Lord wants us to recognize when someone is in authority, and be very careful when we confront it (if necessary).

Respecting Authority

I am speaking here of authority itself, and not necessarily the person in authority. This is especially the case when abusive authority comes into play. In such cases as these, respect for authority is still ordained by the Lord. An example of this might be when Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel, and prophesied a curse over them (1 Kings 21:20-26, 2 Kings 9:30-37, 10:1-17) but he did not speak a curse over the office of ruler over Israel. Moreover, it may have been his healthy respect for the office of king (as perverted as it was at that time) and her dark spiritual authority that he ran in reaction to Jezebel's threats. (1 Kings 19:1-3)

Appropriate confrontation with authority can also be seen when Paul addressed the Roman authorities after the riot in Jerusalem. (Acts 24-26) In these speeches, defending both his faith and his actions, he never disrespected their authority.

Respect for authority can be likened to respect for fire; if you disrespect it, you get burned. Nevertheless, we must not be afraid of it. To thumb the proverbial nose at such a thing has consequences that play out in the spirit, resulting in natural consequences, be they direct or indirect. As such, I submit three spiritual laws involving the disrespect of authority. Keep in mind that these laws are not municipal laws, enforced to keep social order. Rather, they are more like physical laws of cause and effect; whatever happens, then consequences are guaranteed to occur.

Laws of Authority

Esau's Law (Genesis 25:29-34) - If you let circumstances and desires rule within, then you will forfeit your authority. Modern day examples of such cause and effect. Lust gives way to adultery and perversion instead of godly relationship. Greed gives way to a world of deceptions and a void of peace instead of true prosperity. Unbridled debt gives way to financial slavery instead of freedom. The list goes on.

Absolom's Law - In 2 Samuel, chapters 13-15, we see strife between a father (David) and his son (Absalom). The confrontation started when Absalom's sister Tamar is raped by his brother Amnon. Absalom murders Amnon for having disgraced his sister and then conspires to overthrow his father David. But what is going on behind the scenes. While it is not documented, I would think it safe to imagine that a root of bitterness had grown inside Absalom's heart. His brother was not punished by David, and then David did not extend mercy to Absalom for the justice he brought on Amnon. Instead, David lamented Amnon's death.

I can totally understand Absalom's bitterness and cannot blame him at all for his actions. But Absalom harbored unforgiveness in his heart, and perceive all matters of the kingdom through those tinted glasses. In his campaign for justice and vengeance, he disrespects the king's authority, and in so doing, he breaks protocol ordained by the Lord. By casting shadows over his rule, and bringing a subtle form of slander on the king, Absalom wins over the men of Israel in an effort to overthrow David. The confrontation is personal; Absalom could care less about whether he is king or not. He just wants to inflict injury on his father, and in the process thumbs his nose at his father's authority. And so begins a cycle that leads to the ultimate destruction of Israel. What started out as a personal vendetta ends in the destruction of community - in this case the community happens to be an entire nation. The moral to the story? It is important to understand that in the process of bringing justice to bear, we must not undermine authority. In this case, it is undermined through manipulation and slander, be it subtle or blatant. Moreover, we must realize that the issues at hand, while they may be personal, are bigger than our offenses. As a result, the consequences of how we carry out our confrontations reach farther that we can perceive in our own personal lives.

Ananias and Sapphira's Law (Acts 5:1-11) - Be straightforward with authority and do not attempt to be deceptive. In this scripture, it is implied that Ananias attempted to impress the community that he was giving sacrificially for "the cause of the kingdom". There's more on this in protocol V - Reality vs. Pretense.

Stewarding Authority

For those of us who do have authority (and the vat majority of us do, in one form or another), we must realize that we have a responsibility; authority is not simply license to wield power. Authority is something we have been ordained by the Lord to carry in order to advance His purposes, this side of eternity. Mordecai was given the authority by the king to write edicts for the land to save and protect the Jews. (Esther 8:7-8:10) Like the seal of a king, we are given authority to carry out His ways on the earth. To abuse this authority shows a lack of fear of the Almighty, who bestowed that authority.

And I'm not just speaking of spiritual authority. If we own anything, we are to take authority in the ownership of what we own, and steward it as if it was God's possession, for ultimately it is God's possession. If we have authority in office, we must not oppress those under our charge, or flaunt that authority as if it was a source of pride. Jesus speaks very clearly of this in Mark 10:42-43.

There are many dynamics to godly stewardship of authority - more than I dare to describe in this paper. To study it, however, we need go no further than Jesus Christ, who has been given authority over all. (Matthew 28:18, John 17:1, Philippians 2:9-11) Because of this, it follows that godly stewardship is the most critical issue at hand when it comes to authority - more so than the other topics of recognizing and respecting it. For if one stewards authority well, then I believe others will naturally both recognize and respect it.

Some of the most challenging scriptures come to mind for those in authority - Luke 12:41-48, which ends, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" and James 3:1 - "let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." As such, God requires, even mandates godly stewards of those in authority. To abuse it has ramifications that can be deadly to people, both spiritually and physically. And its abuse is always disastrous to communities and society in general. The examples are plentiful both in scriptural and modern history.

We must be godly stewards of the authority He has invested in us!

II. Respect the Land and Each Other

Romans 12:10-13 "Be kindly and affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another...distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." Note: there are many other such "one another" scriptures in the new testament.

Psalm 115:16 "The heaven, [even] the heavens are the Lord's, but He has given the earth to the children of men."

Jeremiah 12:10-11 "Many rulers have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion underfoot; they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate; Desolate, it mourns to Me. The whole land is made desolate, because no one takes it to heart.

God loves His creation. As we care for it, so we worship the one who made it. And while caring for the land means treating the earth, the plants and the animals with genuine, godly stewardship, the things we do in the spirit realm while we dwell on the land also bless and curse the land. When we care for each other, we bless the land, and bring it one step closer to the liberation for which it groans. (Romans 8:19) On the other side of the same coin, when we offend, even curse each other (be it to their face or behind their back), we curse the land.

III. Contracts, Covenants and the Spoken Word

There are three kinds of agreements in life - contracts, covenants and the spoken word. Each one carries a different kind of importance. Contracts involve accountability in social systems where lawyers and judges are brought into play if contracts are claimed to be broken. The consequences of breaking contracts involve financial penalties and imprisonment. Covenants involve accountability in the spiritual context, where agreements are made in such a way that to break them would mean supernatural consequences; rights are forfeited, authority is forfeited, and even life is forfeited. Agreements made with the spoken word are on an interpersonal level, and rely most on the trust between two people. To violate an agreement made on the spoken word destroys this trust, and only forgiveness asked, given and received can heal the violation.

However an agreement is made, to break it is wrong, especially when the agreement is a covenant. It reflects poorly on the character of the one breaking the agreement, but more than this, it serves to decay relationships and community. It even decays the land. (See Isaiah 24:5) Examples of this are found every day in the ramifications of broken businesses, broken relationships, broken marriages and broken treaties. (Note that as a country, we bear the burden of hundreds of broken treaties made with the natives.)

Truly, successful communities must have trust as the glue that keeps them together. And how else can this trust be established except through carrying out our agreements, and forgiving, which should involve mutual communication, if an agreement is broken.

Remember Peter, who declared he would never betray Jesus? (Matthew 26:33) He was making an agreement with his spoken word. The following day, he broke that agreement in a moment of fear. (Matthew 26:69-75) What was the result? - a complete devastation of Peter's own confidence in his commitment to the Lord. (v. 75) I dare say Peter even broke Jesus' trust, which had to be reinstated. Only the Lord, the one who was violated, could reinstate this confidence; even restore it more than ever before. And only Peter could live up to the restoration. (John 21:15-17)

So what's the protocol? Don't break an agreement! And when it happens, both parties must do what they can to restore the trust. (Ephesians 4:3) This may involve restitution and consequences, but we cannot shy away from the mandate. And never forget - it always involves open communication and forgiveness.

IV. Humility vs. Presumption

Webster's Online Dictionary defines presumption as "audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to". The classic example often referred to in the Bible is when Saul decided to take upon himself the duties of Samuel in offering the sacrifice to God before facing the Philistines. (1 Samuel 13:7-14) Here are a few of ways I see presumption in operation: Presumption of authority, Presumption of rights and Presumption of access. In presumption of authority, one assumes they have authority to govern, declare, operate, etc. in areas where they do not have authority. In presumption of rights, one decides they can lay claim of what they do not have. In presumption of access, one decides they can go where they cannot go. However it manifests itself, there are some important things to note.

Presumption is stimulated by pride. The proud man deceives himself to think more highly of himself, and therefore presumes he has more authority, rights and access than reality reveals. In the end, he will be exposed to his own delusions, for God opposes the proud. (James 4:6)

In spiritual circles, presumption often wears the mask of faith. The words "God told me" used in the context of promotion is not to be taken lightly, and to be received with a sober and cautious ear. "God told me I'm to be a pastor", "God told me you're supposed to give me money", "God told me you're supposed to sign me to your recording label", are all examples I've heard. Indeed, God may very well have spoken those very words. But presumption in the guise of spirituality can easily get its foot in the door and in turn seduce us into forcing our way into areas where we do not yet have authority, right or access. Remember, "there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" to our visions, dreams, His words to us, and even to our very lives. (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25) No, the effects of presumption in the guise of faith or spirituality are deadly and I dare say an insult to God. We must let God do things His way and not let the word He spoke give us carte blanche to presume our way into a self fulfilling prophecy.

In community, presumption does more than just step on each others' toes; to presume causes fruits for the enemy's benefit, including strife, confusion and bitterness. On the other hand, the protocol of humility causes us to know who we are. Consider Jesus and the way He handled the fact that He knew who He was. (Philippians 2:6) No, humility is not self abasement, but a knowledge of who you are, and who you are not. I might add it is also the knowledge of who you are not yet. To walk in this way builds up community, for then people walk in confidence within their own boundaries, and support one another accordingly.

V. Reality vs. Pretense

We must be real in our faith in Christ. To not be ourselves in pursuit of holiness causes us to dance with each other in a masquerade ball; in the end we walk away not knowing who we danced with. We have to be ourselves, without appearing in any way to be like some other "man of God". We are to be who He made us to be - unique, uniquely His, and not like anyone else. Isn't that what being a "peculiar people" is all about? (1 Peter 2:9, King James) We already live in a society of cookie cutter people in cookie cutter houses, driving cookie cutter cars! The world is looking for genuine faith, in genuine people, living in genuine community. This means being real in our weakness and it means being real in our strength. In doing so, we encourage the community to be open, honest and strong, not carrying lies and deceptions that complicate an already difficult process of the "working out of our salvation". (Philippians 2:9)

The thing we don't want, in our lives and in community, is pretense. By pretense, I am speaking of masks - "a false or unsupportable quality", according to Webster. In Acts 19:13-16, seven brothers tried to put on a face before demons, posing as spiritual men of God who could drive out demons in the name of Jesus. The demons saw through the ruse and the consequences backfired on them. In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, they tried to buy their way to a place of stature in the church.

And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 5:2)

At this point where's the sin? It wasn't documented that Ananias was required to give all of the proceeds from the sale. And it's not documented that he was required to declare how much of the proceeds he was giving to the church. Nevertheless, Ananias is called out as having lied.

But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? (v. 3)

I believe that Ananias was convicted of "holding back on the sly" because he was trying to put on a mask that he was committed to God so much that he was sacrificially giving his all. And that's why they were exposed and called out in their sin. Pretense is a lie, and the consequences are disruptive to community.

VI. Activation through Perspiration vs. Stagnation through Laziness

The scriptures are very clear that we must actively cooperate with the Father's workings in our lives. The classic motto is "put feet to your faith". This is just as critical in community as it is in our own personal walks. In the New International Version of the Bible, Ephesians 4:3 says, "make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace". Also see similar phrases in 2 Peter 1:5 and Hebrews 12:14 Human nature seems to want us to expend as little effort as is necessary in life in order to see our visions, and even the visions of others, come to pass. But any vision requires work. And in endeavors of the Kingdom, this is no different. Inspirations for godly community are indeed inspired by the Spirit of God. Nevertheless, these inspirations require the kinetic, active faith of His children in order to see them come to pass.

In the world, seeing visions and dreams come to pass, are just a matter of hard, physical work coupled with ingenuity and resources. But in terms of the Kingdom these visions come to bear fruit by another ingredient: hard work in the spirit. Specifically, I'm talking about things like prayer, godliness, fellowship with one another, and worship and obedience to the Lord. In addition, there are other disciplines that, in the context of the Kingdom, provide fertile soil for the spiritual labor to take root. See Romans 12:9-21. Human nature, "the flesh", can weigh us down in the last ingredient of spiritual labor, causing us to become lazy in this area. In turn, spiritual laziness manifests itself in two ways.

The first way spiritual laziness plays itself out is when people revert to the world's formula for success - physical labor, ingenuity and resources, but no spiritual labor. In the end, the community may occur, but it will bear none of the fruit of the Kingdom of heaven. Neither will it reflect the Jesus Christ in a world that rarely sees Him.

The second way of laziness is passivity. Namely, people sign up and then wait for the work to just happen - preferably through the providential work of God. This type of persona defends itself through the shield of "let God be God". More to the point, they may use the scripture - "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6) Keep in mind, though, that Zerubbabel (to whom the word was spoken) was one of the chief builders (along with Nehemiah) in the restoration of temple of God. (Haggai 1:13-15)

Somewhere between these two extremes lies true labor according to the ways of God. And we must labor if we are to be partners in seeing his visions come to pass through us. But again, the labor must be as much in spirit as in any other type of effort.

VII. Confrontation and Reconciliation

In community, it is unavoidable that people will be offended. Wounds will be inflicted. Offenses will be taken, and offenses will be given. It is the unfortunate reality of being human.

Thankfully, we have several blessings that the world does not have to get us through and to maintain the prosperity of community. Let's use them to our advantage.

Covenant in Christ: We are bound to each other through the covenant of Jesus Christ. If we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, then we are brothers and sisters together in a Kingdom that has no end, and cannot be shaken. In the heat of offense and confrontation, with all the emotions that get involved, this may seem far from a blessing. But because of the binding nature of this covenant, we are in the end forced to reconcile ourselves to the fact that we are still brothers and sisters in Christ, and that the Father calls your enemy of the moment one of His own. In this, we are forced to remain in His body together, and in this the reconciliation is destined to take place.

The Gift of Forgiveness: Since we have been forgiven by Jesus Christ, we know what it is to administer forgiveness - whether it has been requested or not. And we know what is to ask for and receive forgiveness. Granted, the world may have a concept of what this means, but to receive forgiveness from God is the ultimate impartation of the word and its meaning. So then, let's forgive, even as the Lord has forgiven us. (Colossians 3:12-13) We have that weapon, so let's wield it!

God is always faithful to see us through: In the middle of the pains and burdens we bear, in the middle of conflict within community, we can turn to Jesus, our author and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-3) The world does not have this blessing, and many people go through wounds alone. No wonder the world is such a messed up place; the ways people see themselves through conflict without Jesus end up leaving themselves still wounded, and still alone in their pain!

These blessings are great keys we can use to open the doors to reconciliation, and further success within community. But reconciliation requires confrontation, communication and repentance. Below are some pointers I believe can help facilitate the process of reconciliation.

1. Have the other's best interests at heart. Don't be eager to "call someone to the carpet." To have such a motive is a good indicator that of judgment. Rather, be truly interested in change for the good.

2. Always try to give the other person chance to understand your side of the story, admit fault as appropriate, change without causing them to feel ashamed.

3. Be willing open to admit faults committed by both parties. There are always three sides to a story - yours, mine and the truth. Remember, we are all human beings.

4. Don't be defensive, and guard the heart from further offense.

5. Follow the procedures of Matthew 18:15-17 as best you can.

I have met very few people who enjoy confrontation. Unfortunately, most of us usually are afraid of it and avoid it at all costs - even if it means we remain offended or wounded, and the body of Christ remains whipped and beaten instead of whole and beautiful. But confrontation must happen, not as two sides going into battle, but as two brothers humbly appealing to each other. "Come now, let us reason together." (Isaiah 1:18) For as far as I can see, confrontation approached in a godly manner is the only way to reconciliation. And we know that God is all about reconciliation! As a matter of fact, the Jesus' work on the cross is a confrontation in and of itself. By doing what an innocent man-God did not have to do, he confronted us with a choice; be reconciled to God. What a role model for us and for our community!

Conclusion

This article has been an attempt to submit to the reader some protocols, or "codes of conduct", to follow when in community. The more I wrote, however, the more I began to realize that community is inescapable in the body of Christ, unless one chooses to be a hermit. But I believe that this form of the monastic movement is a thing of the past. For God created us to live with each other in community.

While the protocols described here are by no means an exhaustive list, they are nevertheless some very important ones I believe essential for the vitality of a Bride for Jesus Christ who is destined to only grow in beauty. I hope they have been a blessing for you to participate in this beauty, as well.

"Run in such a way that you may win." 1 Corinthians 9:24

When cars race, they use a strategy called "drafting". That's when they will pull behind the car in front of them. The lead car creates a "draft" or vortex behind them that pulls the trailing car into their energy. Doing this, they use less energy themselves while maintaining the same speed as the lead car. The issue then is when to pull around the lead car in order to win the race - probably when the lead car begins to run out of fuel.

But in the ways of God's kingdom, i think the Lord wants us to cooperatively runs races in such a way as to optimize the advancement of His kingdom on the earth. As we run the race (a race of living out His destiny for our lives), we should let the next generation draft behind us. When the time is right, we should get out of the way and let the ones drafting us launch into places we could not have gone ourselves. (Also, by the same token, the next generation should be humble and disciplined enough to know when to launch past the those in the lead). It's an issue of mutual humilty.

By generations, i'm not necessarily talking about age or children. Rather, i'm suggesting more than that. As i've lived the Christian life, i've seen generations of movements come and go - the Jesus movement, the faith movement, the inner healing movement, the worship movement, etc. And i can't help thinking that one movement pioneers, even opens the door, for another movement. Sure, they all had their elements of weirdness that God was not about, but they all were anointed and ordained by God in their day, with valid concerns and focuses. And as i have grown, i've "drafted" from brothers and sisters in those movements. And when it was time to move on to other places and destinies, i launched past them into places where they (the movements) could not go, in and of themselves.

It pans out in a similar way on an individual basis. As we encourage each other in our lives, i believe it should be in such a way as to launch them past ourselves. To see another prosper in his/her life in Christ is a wonderful thing. And to know that you encouraged them in that direction is even more wonderful to know.

Let us not be those who race in a competition, but those who race in a common goal to see each other win (including ourselves).

lately, i've been at a loss for hope. truly hopeless to see a promise from God fulfilled,,, ever.

Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

"What about Abraham?" These were the words i heard one morning as i prepared for the day. Later, I thought about it more. What about Abraham? This man was a pioneer who journeyed through deserts and uncharted land. What was he thinking as he walked? When he looked up and out to the horizon and saw nothing but more of the same land he had just crossed, did he feel this same, utter hopelessness that I have felt myself?

And so it occurs to me: to believe when it is stupid to believe pleases God; it is the purest form of worship that I can give to Him.

And why is this worship so pure and pleasing to God? Because it requires faith, and a determination to trust Him in spite of it all. For angels and even demons, it is easy to see what will happen, and even when. They know because they see. But for us, it is an issue of believing when it is stupid to believe - to the point of taking that very conviction with you to the grave.

It is easy to know the stars are there, on a cloudless night; you can see them. But when the clouds block them out, do you still believe they are there? This is the challenge as we walk towards the promises, even when, as far as you can fathom, they are as impossible as touching those very same stars.

This is true worship..

i hear many these days expressing concern over will the Church be ready when Jesus returns to earth. i don't doubt that she will be ready.

In many ways, i believe we will be pleasantly surprised at the way the Church will respond to Christ's return. And sadly, in many ways our low opinion of the Church will be confirmed by her collective reaction during the time of His return, as well.

What i mean is this: The true Church is not a political institution. Neither is she a building of people who regurgitate the right ideologies or doctrines in order to get their "ticket into heaven". The true Church is the network, even community, of those who have truly yielded their hearts to the Lordship of Christ. These are people who work towards living out their faith in integrity and work out their relationship with each other and with their God in reality and in truth.

Are the disciples of Christ perfect? No. They at times lack integrity in how they run their businesses,,, just like every other human being. Are they the best friend you will ever have? No. They respond in anger, they are lazy, they are foolish,,, just like every other human being. Christians are still human beings, which is why they are constantly written off as hypocrits. Human beings are hypocrits!

What stands a Christian apart from others are such things as these:

* their new birth through embracing Jesus as the Saviour of their souls,

* their willingness to repent of sins,

* their yeildedness to God as their Lord and

* their will "know they are [Jesus' Disciples] by their love." (John 13:35)

This sort of people walk in all walks of life. They walk in normal, and peculiar ways. They are not simply modern day monks or mother Theresa's, and everyone else be damned, literally. They are schoolteachers, they are fathers, mothers, bus drivers, business owners, waiters, cashiers, and monks and nuns. They are the patient in the hospital, the doctor at his bedside. They are the prostitute weeping at the Waffle House, and the truck driver that just prayed with her to live a new life. They are the child at the YMCA, and the social worker giving him a cup of lemonade. And they are the missionary, the priest, and the worship leader. But a personal vow of poverty or a radical ministry does not qualify someone as a "true Christian". Again, what qualifies someone as a true Christian is living in yeildedness to Christ as their Saviour, Friend and Lord. To be His, is His only requirement.

So comfort or lack thereof, does not prepare one for Christ's return. Beng really His does. And i know many Christians who are really His. They own big houses, and they own little houses, and they own no houses, but they are all His!

So will the Church be "ready" when Christ returns? without a doubt, yes, if we define the Church as those whom i have just described. Some will go through more of the pains of circumstances than others, because they aren't used to it. Does that make them less of a Christian? Please!! But to all of those who are true sons and daughters of God, we will all nevertheless endure. Because of Jesus getting us through, we will endure - not because of our "holiness", as some would falsely define it.

But sadly, many will find out too late that what they understood to be a real faith in Christ was simply a superficial faith. In the end, we may be surprised who we see in heaven, and we may be surprised who we don't see in heaven.

But Jesus had an optimistic vision for His bride. Shouldn't we?! On the cross, He saw a babe worth dying for - pure, beautiful, a perfect match for Him for all eternity. Let us set our hearts to see that woman rise from all of the cynicism, back-biting, and general disillusionment that is eating us up today! Let us hunger for that purity and spur one another on towards the things that truly prepare us for the return of the Groom-King!

"Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him...' When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, 'Go, wash in the pool of Siloam' (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing." (John 9:3, 6-7)

What God is this, that a man must live blind from birth until adult-hood just so that He could have a little miracle moment?

Yes, and what of it? We must always remember that His will and His plans are the penultimate priority. Our priorities, our comfort, desires and plans are of a secondary importance in the light of His holy agenda:

Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

We are children of God, but we are also servants. As such, if we truly are born into His kingdom, we have signed up to His sovereign Lordship. And as servants, we must yield to the Master's ways. If the Master chooses to delay, then we have no right to question Him. We only have the right - the mandate - to yeild and obey.

Resolving the Contradiction

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)

So how do freedom and servanthood reconcile themselves? Aren't they contradictions? And how are they reconciled? Yes, freedom and servanthood are contradictions. But there are many contradicitions swirling around the gospel of Christ. Freedom and slavery. Life and death. Justice and mercy. But all are reconciled in the event of the cross. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ caused many opposing forces to stand face to face with each other and dance a dance that brings them all under His Lorship and original intent. This was - is - the agenda of God.

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

You gotta serve somebody! (Bob Dylan)

It is a fact of being human - it is a fact of being created - that we must live under authority. We are either under the authority of our cravings (which is really a whip of the Devil) or we are under the authority of an Almighty God. When we are under the Devil's authority, the Devil's law includes the likes of death, hatred and oppression. But when we are under God's authority, his law includes the likes of life, love and joy.

So then, regardless of whether we think it's fair the way things work out in the end, we must ultimately bend our knee and our will to God's agenda. He has higher and deeper intentions than simply our happiness. And though His heart is always to love us, it is never for us to question how this love is to be carried through.

The blind man may have born with sight, and this story would never have been told. But as it is, after at least 13 years of darkness, the blind man was healed, religious oppression was exposed, and many put their faith in the Lover of their souls. (read John chapter 9) Which course of events do you think bore greater impact for the Kingdom of God?

Do you want to be part of God's kingdom? Consider it an enlistment first. Consider it an adoption second.

"Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another--to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter." - Galatians

Once there was a woman, who of her own free desire was married to a man. In marriage, the husband was soon to be revealed stern, strict and oppressive. He always pointed out her faults, making her feel ugly. And in time she became even worse of a wife than she ever was before.

But all along there was another man who had always loved this woman. And it pained him to see the one he loved treated so poorly and made to feel so ugly. But nevertheless his love for her never faded.

In the course of time's river, the husband died, and the wife was free but alone. And soon the man came to her. But from all the years of pain, the woman still felt ugly and was convinced that none could ever love her, truly.

But as time passed, the man's wooing healed her, and she became beautiful again, and even her faults disappeared; they blew away in the wind. Now she was more beautiful than she ever was. So the man's love did more to make her glorious than ever could be done from the husband's strict oppression. And in her freedom she fell in love with this man and became for him the most beautiful bride that time has ever seen.

Who is this woman?

Who is this man?

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. SO, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. (John 11:5,6)

Have you ever loved someone so much that you wanted to wait to go to the one you love? It seems from this verse that this is how Jesus moved. But how could this be? When you love someone, and they need you, you go to them. Let nothing get in your way!

But God's ways are not our ways. Then it stands to reason that neither is the way of His love like the way of our love. And so, He stayed two days before He went to the ones He loved.

So don't be dismayed if His hand, or His heart tarries for a season or two. Simply trust his love, for He will come. And when He comes he will awaken the dawn for all to marvel!

Is this, then, the way He would have us demonstrate love, at times? Is it possible to love someone so much that you would want to wait? Imagine what that would be like. To linger until the anticipation drives you to the one you love, making the meeting all the sweeter. And so the ripening of the moment to her full fruition is what moves you to wait.

do not be hurt, my love, in the passing of time

for I am coming, with zealous passion in My wings

and when I come

the kiss of that greeting will be

like wine, sweet and full

To some, a wooden sword may simply make people think of a medieval toy that children would use for playtime as they danced and pretended in a world of freshly slain dragons, victorious knights and rescued princesses. But for the King Who rescued us from a very real dragon and turned us into victorious princes and princesses, the wooden sword is a real icon of our true freedom.

This icon was revealed in the days of the Roman Empire, when her core was bored, corrupt and steeped in a languid addiction to amusement, no matter how twisted and morbid. In those days, Christians were considered in the Coliseum as merely a crowd-pleasing warm-up for the main event - the Mighty Gladiators. These Gladiators were usually purchased as slaves, but their fate was not that of servant hood. Rather their reason for living, many times, was to kill or be killed. They were conscripted into a culture much like that of what we know today as pro-wrestling, where they were given stage names and won or lost their reputations on the quality of the fight. But unlike that of today's "sport" where the opponents are guaranteed to walk away to face another day, the Gladiator was often defending his life and seeking to take the life of his opponents.

Strange as it may seem, Gladiators often came to identify themselves with their reputation in the arena, and grew dependent on the crowd's cheers of approval. But wait; there's more! The role of the Gladiator grew to be envied, and free men would sell their possessions and freedom in order to become such a "warrior" that they too could be idolized for their exploits in the arena.

We may consider this all to be insane and foolish, and rightfully so! But if we consider the human condition, I believe God speaks through the institution of the Coliseum and the Gladiator very clearly. How often we have been duped into deriving our own identity and value based on performance - even in a place of bondage! How often we have sold our freedom for personal reputation!

But here's the powerful defense and weapon:

If the Gladiator impressed the Emperor enough that day, he would descend from his box-seat (leaving his nachos and beer) and would award the Gladiator a wooden sword. This sword meant that the Gladiator could put his world of death and bondage behind him, leave the Coliseum and never look back. Everybody in the stands knew it, and no one could take it away from him!

But do not perceive the Emperor as our Father. Not so! For it's the DEVIL who seeks to amuse himself on our failures and twisted reality. That snake and his Coliseum of demons are cheering and provoking us to kill and be killed - even as we fight simply to survive.

No, God has seen our hopeless condition and with his mighty hand has wrested freedom from the grip of the wicked emperor - that ruler of the air we breathe in this world. For it was Jesus Christ who stepped into the arena of our bondage and allowed Himself to be torn to pieces by lions and fierce demons of bloodlust. And by this act of indisputable mercy, He purchased for us the WOODEN SWORD! Now because of this, we are absolutely and profoundly free. No one in the evil Coliseum can dispute it, and NO ONE can take it away.

So where do we go from here? BE JEALOUS FOR YOUR FREEDOM! We must not sell it for anything, for it is more precious than our very lives. And we must not let anyone convince us otherwise. We must maintain its power; if anything comes our way that tells us we are not free, wield it before the face of that lie. It will retreat before a single blow is struck, because it cannot stand against the freedom given to us by God Almighty.

Hebrews 11 speaks of true heroes of the faith - those who believed in something bigger than themselves. These heroes had vision so vast it diminished the significance of their own lives. But I think it is important to understand that their significance is not derived by their exploits; rather it is their hunger that drove their exploits, and their significance is found in the fact that they saw something glorious, they wanted it, and attained the freedom to possess it. They didn't simply believe in such a way that required convincing - like children believing in fairies, clapping their hands and shouting "I believe in fairies!" No, they knew it; they lived it, and they owned it in the very core of their souls and would not let go, even when it came to death.

The Garden

I believe their belief was found in a sudden vision and knowledge of Holy Freedom offered by the Father. What does this Freedom look like? Let me try to paint it with words. It is a child who has been told he is infirmed, but then finds a Garden where he can lay hold of his deepest and truest desires. There he begins to understand that he will run again. The Garden is wild, having been untended for years. The brambles have grown from seasons of neglect. And in the winter it seems a desolate place of wanton, dead sticks reaching out in every direction like a horde of skeleton prisoners silently screaming for life. But tenderly, the boy wonders if there really could be life in this place, and he dares to dream that it might actually be a different place altogether when the summer comes. In this faint glimmer of hope, he begins to tend the wasteland. As he works the soil and prunes the branches that are truly dead, his vision grows. In his labor, he is excited as he imagines a place rife with green and bright colors replacing a world of grey and brown. As the springtime flickers faint sparks of life, his hope for his own returning to health abounds. And when he believes, he owns healing in his heart and begins to try out his new legs. The ground, wet with rain, pushes beneath his feet as if he were walking on warm flesh and not stone. And so it begins and grows, even as the Garden grows, until late in summer he realizes the full fruit of his dream that has turned into solid being - even wholeness.

When we find that Garden where we dare to hope for more than what we know today, we must tend that place. We must find out what is truly dead and toss those things out to the fire. But we must be careful to keep what is alive and nurse it to the place of fruitfulness. Now I know that this Garden is the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. And I believe that faith is what is growing there. And the soil is that Jealousy for Freedom. Just as the boy desired to be healed and dared to hope that the garden could come alive again,,, and just as he laid hold of this desire, so can we desire to be free and tend to that freedom. Indeed, this has been the Father's very intent since the very first day when the seed of Bondage germinated through disobedience.

Did the boy's health make him free? No. It was his freedom that made him healthy. We must not be mistaken to think that the fruit is the end of the story. Freedom is the story, the driving force, and the prime mover that causes us to reach out for what we know we can obtain. And we must never tire of realizing it in our own lives. For God has given us a Wooden Sword that no one can take away. But what's more, this Gift of our freedom opens an unlimited horizon of treasures that we have every right to claim,,, because this freedom comes from the Creator God, the Author of Life, and the One who owns the very thing of Freedom.

Don't Let Go

This is what moved the Syro-Phoenician woman to dare to answer the rebuke of God Himself - "Even the dogs get the crumbs." For she knew that Jesus had freedom and therefore had access to something that would set her daughter free from the demon that plagued her.

This is what moved Hannah to answer the rebuke of one who held the office of Priest and as such was to be respected - "Not so, my Lord. I am appealing to God for the desire of my heart." For she would not be denied of pouring out her soul to the One who could grant her the thing that could release her from taunting and could give her a child.

This is what caused Bartimeus to keep shouting, "Son of David have mercy on me!" He kept shouting all the louder as everyone else was admonishing him to not make a scene. He wanted to be set free from blindness and he would not be denied. It was a vision of freedom that set this blind man free.

There are other examples in the Bible that demonstrate to us today that we are free to gain access to much more than a trifling life of circumstances that hold us down in an arena of someone else's amusement. Jacob who would not let go until Jesus blessed him. The woman who only touched the hem of Jesus' clothes because she couldn't get any closer. Abraham who walked on in a sea of sand. And there are others. Rahab. Caleb. Noah. Peter. Mary. This is a hall of fame of those who had a vision of a kingly sort of freedom and faith to lay hold of it. They did not settle for less and then adapt or make do. They did not say to themselves, "Oh well, I guess this is the way it has to be for me," or "This is my lot in life." No, they pressed on to lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of them - His kingdom.

It is important to remember that the source of true, holy freedom is God Himself. Because of this, governments and political doctrines will never taste true freedom. For they are established and ruled by humans who carry the fallen condition. When Jesus returns to take up His throne on the earth, the world will then know true freedom manifest through an eternal kingdom. But until then, we can know true freedom in our own, individual hearts. And when we taste this freedom, faith will quickly follow and good, holy fruit will come of it . Then we will know how great is our God, and we will know how great is our free access to ALL of that which is good.

My friends, do not settle for anything less.

Seducing the Demise of Man in the 20th Century

Exposing the Lies of Nietzsche - One Man's Thought and its Destruction of 'Civilized' Society

(written for the second issue of Revel8R, late 1996)

To the Unknown God

Once more, before I wander on

and turn my face forward,

I lift up my hands to you in loneliness-

you, to whom I flee,

to whom in the deepest depths of my heart

I have solemnly consecrated altars

so that your voice

might summon me again.

On them glows, deeply inscribed,

the word: To the unknown god

I am his, although until this hour

I've remained in the wicked horde:

I am his - and I feel the bonds

that pull me down in my struggle

and, would I flee,

force me into his service.

I want to know you, Unknown One,

you have reached deep into my soul,

into my life like the gust of a storm,

you incomprehensible yet related one!

I want to know you, even serve you!

-- Friedrich Nietzsche (1)

You Have Called - Lord I Come

You have called,

Lord I rush

With circumspection

To the steps of your throne.

Glowing with love,

Your glance shines into

My heart so dearly,

So painfully: Lord I come.

I was lost,

lurching drunken,

Sunken,

Tossed to hell and torment -

You stood from afar:

Your glance met me often

So ineffably,

So movingly: now I come gladly.

I feel a shudder

From the sin, the

Abyss of night

And dare not look backward.

I cannot leave you -

In the terrible nights

I look at you sadly

And must hold you.

You are so gentle,

Faithful and sincere,

Genuinely earnest,

Dear savior image for sinners!

Quell my desire -

My feelings and thinking -

To immerse myself, to devote myself

To your love.

-- Friedrich Nietzsche (2)

Why would a Christian venture to include in a Jesus ‘zine the poetry of the 20th Century champion of atheistic dogma? Since early of the summer of ‘95, I have had a desire to actually study this man, his thoughts. Why would a man so religiously stand against religious affections in general, and Christianity in specific? Why has he so inspired many to boldly proclaim, along with his allegorical Zarathustra, ‘God is dead!’,,,?

His father died when Nietzsche was four. He grew up under a matriarchal household, including the influences of aunts, a grandmother, and his mother. His family was very strict in the Lutheran upbringing. He was sent off to school.

Although confirmed and desiring a relationship with God (as evidence in the previous poems), Nietzsche somehow turned to deny the very existence of God.

Why? How? What would cause a man to turn so dogmatically against God? Circumstances will lead a man to such deadly water, but only the man himself can will to drink. Indeed, growing up without a father can cause a serious sense of isolation and a lack of identity. Growing up under a household of authoritarianism can alienate and estrange. But he knew of whom he desired.

The predominant thought of the twentieth century is that science and the human mind can usurp the power of God, write Him off as little more than a social crutch, and fill every human weakness. Nietzsche was a founder and pupil of the dawning of this era, with colleagues in spirit such as Freud, Marx and Jung. As the century matured, we saw existentialist megalomaniacs embrace this deception and rise to power. Hitler. Stalin. Ceausescu. Most of Europe is still feeling the effects of these dictators’ actions. Nevertheless, the century still progresses with the same mindset - man vainly trying to wrest from the hand of God what he cannot hold: sovereign reign. Despite wonderful medical advances, amazing feats of engineering, and growing financial and political power, man still takes human life to the tune of millions each year. Man still rapes the most incredible work of engineering - earth itself. Man still fails to conquer the menace of famine and poverty - even to the point of increasing the global chasm between prosperity and destitution. And the century draws ever closer to closure.

But a movement has sought to transition from existential nihilism to transcendental hope; from the provincial, physical egoism of man to the metaphysical flow of spirit. The New Age movement seeks to know the unseen, where Nietzsche-an thought tred to know only the seen. But they stop short of embracing the Author of both the seen and unseen. Like its predecessor, the movement continues to attempt to wrest sovereignty for man and unto man while denying the One who is always in control.

The New Age movement, marketed by Shirly McLaine (sp.), John Travolta and now Tom Cruise and packaged in a candy coated baby boomer wrapper is a westernized version of far eastern mysticism. Various flavors of Buddhism and Hinduism all claim we are joined together by a single metaphysical force, a la Star Wars. The all too common quote is easily found spilling from the New Age follower’s lips: "I am God". Nietzsche, in a twisted way, would have been perplexed, but pleased. For Nietzsche’s denial of the existence of God is a Nepoleanic deification of self, just as the New Age movement attempts to affirm.

Islam, and many other religions, is anoher movement that is gaining impetus. But instead of reaching for the metaphysical and mystical, Islam is a dogma of salvation by deeds. It claims inheritance into heaven by works, and holiness by effort alone. Islam doesn’t replace God with self, as the New Age movement would profess, but denies the need for a relationship with Him today. In essence, it proclaims that man has the power of God to conquer sin in the heart, thereby achieving holiness apart from divine involvement. This vain pride, equates self with God. Again, Nietzsche would have disagreed in principle, but would have ultimately agreed in the self deification of it all.

In the book of Romans, the Bible says the following of humanity who would deify self and deny God:

...since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen... - Romans 1:21-25

The passage continues to paint a picture we see today, referring to homosexuality, juvenile rebellion, and a whole slew of things especially evident in major cities and political centers.

To deny God and to turn against Him is to implicitly proclaim a death sentence on ourselves. To deify self and creation is the foundation of folly. Global society is doing this very thing, bringing destruction on mankind. We see it on the evening news, every day. From Capital Hill to Bangkok, from Wall Street to Calcutta, God is allowing man to go his own way, to his own demise.

And lest we think it is a cruel thing for an all benelovent God to allow His creation to destroy itself, keep in mind we are the ones who rebelled against Him - not the other way around. We are the ones who rejected His care. We are the ones who perverted, because of our foolish pride, the relationship that once held us in eternal security and love. We are the ones who chose this dead end trail.

But God’s infinite love has given us hope:

God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8

The Son of God died into the demise we purchased for ourselves. Though He had no part in it, Jesus willfully committed himself to become the most tragic casualty of humanity’s treachery - rebellion, deceit, murder, lust, hate, jealousy,,, sin. Because of this, we can know that we have victory over sin through Jesus Christ.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. - Colossians 1:21-23

He rose from the dead after He was killed, because He is the Son of God. And He will rise in the hearts of those who invest their hearts in Him. Eternal life and abundant life are the inheritance of the Christian. Reconciliation to God through Jesus has been purchased not only for the future, but also for the present. It’s a matter of daily relationship with and daily dependence on God.

God is God and man is not. This is an undeniable law that cannot be changed, despite the efforts of philosophies and religions to proclaim otherwise.

As sure as the law of gravity, people and society will utterly fall to their destruction as they fly without Him. Sadly, we have Friedrich Nietzsche as our example. After a career of denying the validity and existence of God, this man spent his last decade of life in a state of mental collapse. On the very day of his breakdown (January 3, 1889), he concluded with these bitter, haunting, and, in my opinion, confused words:

'...

Away!

He himself has fled,

my only companion

my great enemy,

my unknown,

my hangman-God!...

No!

come back!

With all your tortures!

All my tears run

their course to you

and the last flame of my heart

glows upward to you.

O come back,

my unknown god! my pain!

my last happiness!...'

Ariadne's Lament

Friedrich Nietzsche3

(bold emphasis added)

But as real as the forboding, so the hope held out in the gospel of redemption through faith in Christ Jesus is just as real. Read these words and allow them to become treasures in your heart.

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man. - John 5:24-27

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. - John 3:16-21

cdc

...all scripture references, New International Version

Notes:

1 The Poetry of Friedrich Nietzsche/Philip Grundlehner. Grundlehner, Philip, 1945-. New York: Oxford University Press, 1986.

2 Ibid.

3 Friedrich Nietzsche, an illustrated biography. Translated from the German by Joachim Neugroschel. Frenzel, Ivo. New York, Pegasus [1967].