At our church we conduct our monthly Communion services "thematically." By that, I mean that we plan and entire year of Communion services around a single set of themes. For instance, one year recently we focused each communion meal around a different aspect of the character of the Father. I think it helps people to actually "think" about things rather than to veg out in a pew until the preacher gets done with whatever axe he might be grinding.
In 2009 we are focusing the entire year of Communion services around the theme, "Why?" Tomorrow morning we will be asking (and I hope, answering) the question: "Why do I need a savior?" When you think about it- its actually a pretty interesting question and I am intrigued by the distinct possibility that not too many people are ever truly confronted with such a question. I know that at some time and in some place, I asked Jesus into my heart and received Him as my Savior. But I have the nagging doubt that many, if not most evangelical American Christians don't really comprehend why they need a savior in the first place.
A MAN FELL INTO A HOLE.....
My son (who is also my associate Pastor) and I met the other day to discuss the Communion service for tomorrow. During the course of our discussion we ran across some interesting ideas, quotes and illustrations. The first one was a nice little video piece from Bluefishtv called "A Man Fell into a Hole." Its a modern parable which shows a man who has fallen into a hole from which he cannot escape. A number of persons come by and offer a variety of solutions for his situation from improving his karma to deeply committed religious activity - after which, he remained in the hole. One person came to the hole, dropped a rope down, climbed down the rope and carried him to safety.......a savior. Ah, Everyman was his name- we have fallen into a hole and we can't get out.
WE ARE NOT JUST IN THE DOGHOUSE....
The second fresh idea came from John Piper who is by almost everyone's estimation one of the better theological thinkers of our day. He said in a recent sermon - "We were not in the doghouse, we were in the morgue." When we are in the "doghouse" with our wife - all we have to do to get out is to behave better; correct our mistake, apologize for our thoughtlessness - buy flowers and candy - and remember to put the lid down. But you and I were not in the doghouse with God - we were in the morgue! To get out of the morgue requires more than an apology - it requires a Savior; One who can and will restore us to life. When you and I were "dead in trespasses and sin - we did not need reformation, we needed resurrection.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF THEOLOGY.....
Some time back I was listening to Haddon Robinson on the radio. Someone asked him to relate what was the most important theology to him. I was surprised at his answer, but stunned at the simplicity of it. To the question he replied simply, "The total DEPRAVITY of man." He went on to say that when you understand at the most basic level that man- all men - is totally depraved; that there is absolutely no capacity for good in him - it really affects what you believe about everything. It is only when you fully accept your own depravity that you fully appreciate the generosity of the Savior. Prior to this revelation there is a subtle temptation to belive that if I just live a little bit better, if I try just a little bit harder - I will be better. Somewhere, deep down inside there must be a little smidgen of "good" that I can draw on.
Even as I type these words onto my computer my flesh is rising up against them. TOTALLY Depraved! I'm a Pastor for heaven's sake; a spiritual leader, an elder in the church. How can this be? I may be all of the above and more. However, what I truly am at the basest part of me is a man who fell in a hole and could not get out. I didn't just apologize my way out of the doghouse; I was dead in my sin and by the grace of God (not the goodness of Gantt), was made alive again. I am a depraved individual in a race of depraved men who now wears the robes of righteousness placed upon me by another - a Savior.
2 comments:
Mike, I agree that Piper is an excellent practical theologian. [If you like someone who writes very creatively, I recommend some of Eugene Peterson's books on pastoral theology] Have you read Piper's Desiring God? After several brilliant books, this one seems to be somewhat scattered. I love his premise that the concepts of hedonism should be redeemed and describe Christians who "wallow" in the love of God. Piper has gone well beyond his Calvinistic roots.
Because I have some real issues with those who "wallow" in the love of God - which is code for treating the Almighty as "muh best bud"-is one of the main reasons I like Piper. He is very practical. I too, like Peterson. Thanks for the observations.
Post a Comment