Homoousis

Say whaaaaa?? If you read this post title and thought, "well, it's all Greek to me", you are absolutely right. The title of this post is the Greek word that perfectly describes what we have been talking about this week. The mystery of Christ. Fully God. Fully human. The word "homoousis" is Greek for "of the same substance or essence" and it describes the truth that Jesus and God are equal with each other and of the same form. They cannot be separated. 

One of the great things about being part of the 21st century church is that we stand on the shoulders of amazing giants who have given us a foundation for our faith. In the fourth century, people like  Athanasius worked hard to keep the truth of the gospel and the Bible from being distorted. There were teachers like a guy named Arius going around telling people that the Jesus was created by God and therefore, not equal with God.  But faithful teachers questioned Arius' beliefs (which were spreading quickly) and defended our faith through working hard to gather people around a statement that would affirm what the Bible really says - that God the Father and God the Son are equal and eternal.  It was affirmed by the church at the Council of Nicea and for that reason, we call it The Nicene Creed. Just like The Apostle's Creed, we believe these words. That statement begins like this:

We believe in one God,
The Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
True God from True God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through Him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation

...

(It continues and talks about the Holy Spirit as equal too; you can find the whole text at http://www.confessingumc.org/our-story/historical-documents/united-methodist-hymnal-the-nicene-creed-and-the-apostles-creed/) 

Aren't you glad that you and I didn't have to figure that out?  The word "begotten" means "brought about" and not created. Jesus' life on earth was brought about out of God but he wasn't born or created. He has always existed. While it may not seem that important, think about this. If Jesus wasn't God, then God sent some random guy to the cross to die for us and not himself. If he didn't die for us, then our forgiveness isn't real. Only the sacrifice of our perfect God can save us. The belief called "homoousis" reminds us that these words are actually true:

For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him wil not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

So in 325 AD, people fought hard to make sure that others would teach the most popular Bible verse written and not ignore it. Without Athanasius and his friends, John 3:16 wouldn't be recognized by you or me. And we wouldn't understand just what great of a sacrifice God made for each of us in giving himself. Tonight, as you go to bed, say a prayer of thanks for Athanasius, the Nicene Creed, and mostly, God coming as a human to making His love known to the world.  

What you find in His presence!

Have you ever had one of those days, months, or seasons where it seems like everything is falling apart? Nothing is going as planned? You kinda just want to give up?

I remember the late winter of my first year of college at Miami University. I was doing well in my classes and working full-time. My parents called my older brother and me in for a family meeting. These rarely happened, but if they did, we knew it was something big. My parents began to tell us the news that my Dad lost his job, just three months after his 30th year at the company!

Now, he was jobless.

Wow, what a shocker!

Questions were going through my mind: how are we going to survive? Will I need to quit college?

My Dad went on an interview tour across the country. He was being thoroughly looked at multiple companies in different states. He accepted a position in Safford, Arizona. Where? That was my exact question too.

My parents told me to think about coming with them once the house sold. They gave me the option of going to college somewhere out there, continue going to Miami University, or find another college. My focus in the meantime would be to watch over the house, clean the house, and take care of my older brother. My question to my parents, is that not the job of my older brother?

This was a troublesome time in my life. I had lots of questions with few answers. My attention was honestly completely on myself, what my next steps in life would be, and where I was going to live. For the first time in many years, God enabled me to do a three things in my life:

1. STOP.  My life had been going a hundred miles an hour to fix what went wrong. This process of stopping started about one week after I found out about my Dad had lost his job. The act of stopping was much needed. God showed me through his love and care that we would completely take care of me, my family, and all the different situations in my life. My goal in this situation was to not fix, solve, or do anything in my own power, but to come to him. 
2. COME. Jesus called me to "come" to him (Matthew 11:28-30). I was able to quit looking for answers elsewhere. I was able to go to him directly and talk. He was there to listen and hear me out. All of my frustrations and pains could be heard, understood, and released. I came close to God, and God came close to me (James 4:8).
3. REST. I knew that God had it all taken care of in advanced. I could actually rest, breathe, and have peace in the situation. Just as with Moses, the Lord tells us that he will personally go with us and give you rest - everything will be fine (Exodus 33:14). 

By God doing these three things in me, he showed me where he wanted me to go to school for the remainder of college, that my family would be taken care of, show me what I was to do with my life, and that in his presence is the only place I would find the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). These troubles and questions became an opportunity for joy to occur (James 1:2-4). This weird act which would not have been my choice, was one of the most impactful things that positively changed my life. I had true joy in life knowing that I was following his will for my life and living life to the fullest (John 10:10).

-Mark

Soaking in God's Presence

I long for summer.

My body aches for the time where I can go outside, without a coat or hoodie on, to swim in a pool or jump into a lake off a dock swimming around until my body prunes up with water filling my pores.

Or to go down an amusement park ride screaming and laughing until my gut hurts.

Or being on a bench swing, in a tree, or on a papason chair with the sun overhead reading a book or just to simply relaxing with an icy Coke-a-Cola Classic to drink.

There is just something about summer and resting. After a long school year, it is time to relax a little.

I can remember when I was in middle and high school, that I had my favorite spot to go in the summer. I had a pond in my backyard that about a dozen other houses backed up to. There was a wooden bench there under a large weeping willow tree that was perfect for fishing. This was my space. After a busy day of chores or getting back from my job, this is where you could find me. I would retreat to that exact spot, which looked kind of like this:


Yet, when I got there... something seemed to always happen.

I would get about three minutes of peace and quiet. Then, the things of this world would flood my mind: relationships, sports, friends, text messages, something I forgot to do, and always a sibling or neighbor would come by to pestering me.

My relaxing, my rest, well, it got interrupted.

Do you ever feel that way? Psalms 46:10 tells us, "be still and know that I am God." God desires for us to be still... how can we even do that today?
We are to try to stay focused, forget everything else that is going on around us, and be in the presence of God to soak him in. Allow this time to be like your skin after swimming too long, soaked. To "know" God means that you are in relationship with him. Not simply seeing him on the weekends or casually in dialogue, but in constant contact with Him. Just the same way you would be in relationship with a close friend.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus calls those who have heavy burdens, those who are weighed down by life, to come to him and find rest. Jesus can take the weight of life all of your mistakes, regrets, sins, doubts, fears, inadequacies, and worries.

We cannot carry around the load any longer.

Give it over to the only one who can handle it all.

Begin to rest in him.

Let us get back to resting and soaking in Christ, allowing each of us to be satisfied and complete in Him.

-Mark

Self-Denial

Sunday nights are particularly exhausting for me.  I've usually had a really fun day teaching, learning, laughing, and searching all over the church for my lost keys (every. single. week.).  But, it's tiring.  You know those long days at school where you come home and just want to crash?  It feels like that.  So after the girls are in bed, all I want to do is sit down beside Eric, watch a funny t.v. show, and eat a bowl of ice cream.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, in my opinion.

But here's what happens.  I tell myself, "I deserve an extra scoop because I'm so tired" or "I'll add twice as many Oreos because I need to reward myself for an great job today".  Have any of you ever done this?  At first, it's not so harmless.  But sometimes, I give myself rewards and pick-me-ups rather than turning to God for a pick-me-up.  I think to myself, "I deserve this" when there is really nothing that I deserve.  I turn to food or other things to satisfy me, rather than trusting that I am enough and I am satisfied in Christ.  It's ridiculous.  And if you don't get this, then you'll think I'm even more of a lunatic than you already do.  But can I suggest that maybe you do it too?

- You are annoyed with everyone around you so you tune them out to play a few minutes (or couple hours) of Flappy Bird, or Clash of Clans, or that weird tile game.
- You post a selfie on Instagram to see how many likes you can get, so you will feel better about yourself.
- You post a rant on Twitter just because you need to "get something off your chest".

If you've done this, you get me. 

Is your worth determined by how many likes you have on Instagram or how good that chocolate ice cream tastes?  Is your ability to handle rough situations only solvable through turning to social media as an outlet?  Then maybe you (like me) need to learn to die to self.

I love the quote from this article: "To die to self is to set aside what we want in this moment and focus instead on loving God with everything we’ve got and valuing others as highly as we value ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This moves us away from self-centeredness and closer to becoming openhearted followers of Christ who care deeply for others. It’s much easier to pay attention to the concerns, interests and needs of people (Philippians 2:3-4) when our own interests no longer consume us."  There is an open space in your life from what you gave up for Lent - what are you going to fill it with?  If you can't play that game on your phone, send a friend an encouraging text.  If you aren't watching t.v., spend extra time in the Word.  If you gave up complaining, take up a gratitude journal to remember all you have to be thankful for.  If we let go of what satisfies us temporarily, God will fill us with something so much better. 

We fill our lives with lots of other things rather than leaning in to the gifts that God has for us.  He wants to form you, shape you, reward you, and delight in you.  The things we rely on are a crutch that keeps us from relying on God alone for all of our securities and needs. "[Overindulgence] turns food into our comfort in times of trouble and distress. We seek refuge in food at times when God should be our refuge. When this happens, we not only distort God’s good gifts, we replace God with them. - Teddy Ray (from this amazing article at  http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/)

gluttony turns food into our comfort in times of trouble and distress. We seek refuge in food at times when God should be our refuge. When this happens, we not only distort God’s good gifts, we replace God with them. - See more at: http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/#sthash.CCBENvBt.dpuf

gluttony turns food into our comfort in times of trouble and distress. We seek refuge in food at times when God should be our refuge. When this happens, we not only distort God’s good gifts, we replace God with them. - See more at: http://teddyray.com/skinny-glutton/#sthash.CCBENvBt.dpuf

For me, that's what Lent is all about.  It creates a habit where I stop reaching for stuff myself, and reach for God.  It's an opportunity to pause from delighting in stuff, and delight in God.  You know that verse, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart"  (Psalm 37:4).  I'm guessing that doesn't mean that when I delight in God, he will give me a bowl of ice cream.  But it does mean that I'll be satisfied and know HIS delight in me when I turn to him.

Temptation is not the same as sin!

How often do we forget that this in our lives:
Temptation is not the same thing as sin!

Each one of us are tempted daily. Know that this common to all mankind (1 Cor 1:13). Not a day goes by that I am not tempted to do wrong. In the prayer Jesus' teaches us to pray in Matthew 6, he tells us to pray "forgive us our debts" and to "lead us not into temptation." The debt he mentions is our sin that we have committed. The temptation is not sin, but what can lead to sin if we submit to the temptation. Jesus wants us pray for power and wisdom to not fall to the temptation. Since sin in is any voluntary act of transgression of the known law of God. If we do sin, God is gracious and will forgive us. That is the good news we have through Jesus Christ. The perfect Savior, who was sinless became sin for us! (2 Cor 5:21)

Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet he was without sin (Heb 4:15). Jesus himself was tempted just after fasting in wilderness by the Devil (Matthew 4:1-11) and yet never succumb to sinning, because he remained faithful to God. He quoted Scripture to each attack by Satan. Jesus overcame temptation and lived a sinless life.

One of the greatest lies Satan tells today is that if we have temptation then we are sinning. He tries to defeat us by using his power to tempt us. Do NOT believe the lie that is not the case! Although, Satan is the one who tempts us (James 1:13-14).

Let us live free of the fear of temptation by knowing these three things: 
1. That we do not have to fall to temptation through watching yourself and prayer (Matthew 26:41).
2. That God will provide a way out (1 Cor 1:13)
3. That we can be blameless until he comes back! (1 Thess 5:23)


See you at Quake tonight at 6pm! Doors open at 5:30pm for Open Gym!
*Sign up for Text Reminders: see right column for more details
*Quake Lenten Photo Challenge: #temptation #quakelent2014

-Mark

Why did Jesus have to be "made perfect"?

Yesterday's reading in the Lent Devotional was Hebrews 2:5-18.  The theme was "Made like this" has really got my wheels turning on why did Jesus had to be "made... perfect" in verse 10.


Why would God need to make Jesus perfect?
Jesus was flawless, without sin, and perfectly moral. There wasn't a time he wasn't perfect.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21



Okay, then why would God need to make Jesus perfect?

It points more towards Jesus' assignment, his mission, his purpose on earth. "Make... perfect" like in verse 10 is more about bring something to a rightful or appointed end. By suffering and dying on the cross, the perfect Son of God become our perfect Savior, opening a direct way to God.

Also, in verse 17, it says that Jesus did come to die for our sins, and also to become our High Priest, our only access to the Father. Jesus identified with our needs by become made like us and provided a way for us to approach God. Jesus had "no sin to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21), which allows us to connect to a holy and loving God.

-Mark


Don't forget about the Photo Challenge for today: #king #quakelent2014

Why would Jesus be tempted?

 

Is it because Satan thought Jesus was weak?

To test Jesus?

To trick Jesus into sinning?

Let’s look at Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 23:35-43.

 

When reading Matthew 4:1-11, we find that Jesus was empowered and led by the Holy Spirit. God’s will was for Jesus to go into the wilderness. In the wilderness Jesus fasted for 40 days to prepare for his ministry.  In Luke’s version of this story, Luke states that Jesus was hungry, oh man I would have been too... 40 days!

 

Then something strange happens. The devil comes to tempt Jesus 3 times.  At Quake tonight, Josh and Courtney will be sharing from Matthew 4:1-11 on Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. It’s a familiar, yet interesting story. Come tonight and find out what it is all about!!!

 

Also, Jesus is tempted in Luke 23:35-43, while he is on the cross by those crucifying him mocked him and told him to save himself (v 35-38). Jesus had the power and ability to save himself, yet gave himself up as an sacrifice for mankind. Even one of the criminals on a cross next to Jesus hurled insults at him (v29). Jesus died a shocking and horrific death, so we might be saved from our sin and restored into right relationship with God. At any time, Jesus could have changed this, but he insisted on doing the Father’s will.

 

Was Jesus weak? No. Jesus had the power and authority no one else on earth ever had. See Matthew 28:18. He healed, drove out demons, calmed raging seas, resurrected people, lived a perfect life, and was raised from the dead.

 

Did he pass the test? What do you think? Reread Matthew 4:1-11.  

 

Was he tricked into sinning? No, he defeated temptation. God gives the power and way of any temptation. See 1stCorinthians 10:13 and James 1:12-18.

Grace and peace to you today,

Mark 

Ash Wednesday

My timeline and newsfeed have been filled with that age-old question that happens every year 46 days before Easter

"what am i going to give up for lent?"

every single year, it happens. I do it too.  Last night, I thought I knew what I was doing, but still had to decide before I fell into a beautiful night of sleep.  But because I was undecided yesterday, I tried to stock up on everything - I slept in, watched lots of TV, obsessively checked Facebook/twitter, decided on coffee for breakfast, reveled in pizza for lunch, and may have baked a few too many goodies for Bible study so I could gorge myself.  Just maybe.  Okay, that may sound like every other day, but I really went overboard - the ultimate Fat Tuesday.

So now you're probably asking you what I'm doing for Lent.  I went to a Lutheran elementary school, and every year, it seemed like we were trying to trump each other.  I mean, we knew Lent.  It was taught to us in a wonderful way and giving up something was a great way to teach us to seek God.  But these words stick out in my mind:

“Even now,” declares the LORD, 
   “return to me with all your heart, 
   with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
   and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
   for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
   and he relents from sending calamity.  

(Joel 2:12-13)

"Rend" means tear.  In the Old Testament, people would tear their garments out of anguish as they mourned over their sins.  But sometimes, rending garments became a public show that meant nothing on the inside.  So here's what God I think God is saying to the people. 

 Fast, weep, and mourn - you need to do those things to return to me wholeheartedly.  But don't tear your clothes as some empty way to show how holy you are.  Tear your heart.  May you be heartbroken over your sins. 

So this year, here's what I'm encouraging you to do - take this time to be truly repentant over your sins. Wholeheartedly return to God.  Give something up that will help you remember how grateful we are to be for the forgiveness of God.  Or even, take something on that draws you closer to God. Direct it towards God and your love for Him.  But don't make a huge deal of it to others.  Don't tear your clothes without tearing your heart.  Hide your commitment to God in your heart and stick to it - for Him, not others.