Faith, Interfaith, Advocacy and the New Year

[John Becker]

Hi SOIL. It has been a long time since I have posted an article. Mostly because 2014 was insanely full. It was a highly productive year, and also a very costly year for many reasons.  I am sure you are like me and take time to reflect on the passing year as you face a new one. This is a holy and helpful exorcize because it is humbling and sobering and also gives room for hopefulness in the promise of a new year. Through my own reflection God has led me to do a fresh study of James. I once had this letter to the 12 tribes scattered abroad memorized. I am seeking to do this again because it is full of practical wisdom and spiritual activism. It begins with an encouragement to suffering people and an admonishment to seek wisdom from our good God who gives to all generously and without reproach.  This is what I have been doing at the beginning of this new year - seeking wisdom to make the most of every opportunity but also in choosing which opportunities to pursue. The good news for me is God is already answering. I recommend it!

As I close this little word to all of you, I encourage you to read two worthwhile articles that provoke thought and Godly activism in a increasingly divided world so in need of peacemakers and ambassadors of the Prince of Peace.

Enjoy this powerful quote from Leslie Newbigin.  In his essay, "The Basis, Purpose and Manner of Interfaith Dialogue" (1977)   Newbigin offers a powerful metaphor of dialogue as occurring at the bottom of a stairway rather than at the top. Grace runs downhill, he argues, and the Christian meets his religious neighbor not at the height of his or her moral or theological achievements but at the bottom of the stairway, at the foot of the cross.  The Christian is fundamentally a witness, not a judge or lawyer, who proclaims a testimony to having been changed by the grace of God.  The Christian gospel always has a word of "yes" and "no" to every culture and every person.  Consequently, in interfaith encounters the Christian must be prepared to hear a word of judgment on his life and apprehension of the Christian gospel.  This creates an opportunity for repentance amidst dialogue, which is a vital witness to all those present."

Enjoy these two helpful articles below:

http://cms.fuller.edu/EIFD/issues/Spring_2014/Lesslie_Newbigin.aspx...

http://www.u2.com/news/title/little-book-of-a-big-year/

[Gary Casady]

John and Nate,  Thanks for you comments.  I did enjoy the Newbigin article...haven't tackled Bono yet ;-)  John, I was speaking of the Holcombs and Cooks.  Yes, it would be wonderful to catch up.  Have you read Nancy Pearcey's "Total Truth"?  Greetings to all with you.

[John Becker]

Thanks Gary. JD Payne has become a friend. We actually were on a panel together at the Open Conference in Atlanta in September. We were fielding questions about reaching the unreached in the diaspora. We definitely share one heart regarding the mission field being all around us.  Would love to know who you are referencing regarding the local ministry. I think I might know who you are speaking about. 

I love the prophetic voice that Schaeffer had and continues to have regarding authentic faith. The latest terminology speaks of this as "obedience based discipleship" with the main premise that we actually obey what we read in the word of God and share it with others as a habit. 

Love to Linda. Let's catch up soon. John

[Nate Flynn]

Hi Gary! Thanks for your reference to Francis Schaeffer. I have for many years used his principle of "circle theology" (can't remember exactly what he called it?) in my walk and in my apologetics. But I appreciate greatly your reminder that we can so easily miss opportunities to truly follow hard after Jesus, and I don't want to miss this one!!

[Gary Casady]

Hi John,

I so much appreciate you brother.  I liked your use of the word "exorcize".  I am sure you have read some of JD Payne's stuff.  He spoke at the Mission ConneXion, passionately reminding us of the people groups all around us here in the US.  We have some good friends who you probably know working fervently and effectively near us.  I asked them how many groups they had contact with.  They answered over 60.  It was like a new Francis Schaeffer call:  How Should We Then Live.  I think we Western Christians missed it when he called us in the 70's to live authentically.  Will we miss it again? 

[John Becker]

Thank you Nate. I am glad that at least one person has read this. Thanks for the exhortation. Yes, time to move on forward and upward.  Let's talk soon.  Your brother,  John

[Nate Flynn]

Hi John,

Thanks for this first new post of the new year. Indeed, it is fitting to say that the new year is a chance to take advantage of God's empowering Grace. I was listening to Chuck Swindoll last night, and he reminded me of Paul's exhortation to us in Philipians 3:12-13, to forget what is behind, strive toward what is to come, in Christ Jesus. I hope and pray in Him that we would all take this to heart for 2015. As Swindoll was saying, let's close the chapter in our lives that was 2014 with it's successes and failures, and move in to the new year with great anticipation of what God will do for us, in us, and through us, as we yield to the Holy Spirit.

 

The "I" in SOIL stands for intentional, and without closing one chapter of our lives, we cannot be intentional as we move forward into the new one.

May God bless all of us as we humbly accept His G.R.A.C.E.: God's Riches At Christ's Expense.

Pressing On,

Nate.