Tag Archives: Transformation

Foreshadows IN Christ

The Old Testament story of God’s people wandering around the wilderness provides many lessons for us today.  There are many aspects to our relationship with God that have a foreshadow in the Old Testament.  Scholars use the term foreshadow to describe an event or situation that finds its fulfilment in the life and ministry of Jesus.  One such significant foreshadow is the fact that God dwelt among the people – He dwelt with them.

In God’s earliest interactions with Abraham, Isaac & Jacob He revealed Himself TO them.  Each time He spoke to them, He revealed a little more of His nature and character.  But, it was always at a distance.  Even His conversations with Abraham were at intervals of several years.

When Moses first encountered God, he had to ask, “Who are you?”.   Through the confrontations with Pharaoh Moses learned to trust God.  So much trust was gained that when God gave Moses the job of leading the people out of Egypt, Moses said, “Not unless you go with us.”

God honoured that request.  Not only did He go with the people, he gave instructions for a special tent which would be a dedicated space for God to dwell among the people.  It became known as the Tent of Meeting.

Our familiarity with the story could result in our overlooking the significance of God dwelling with the people – but, that would be to our detriment.  God chose to, somehow, locate Himself among the people.  In so doing He was there to guide their movements, give instruction, provide for their needs and initiate relationship.  God dwelt WITH the people.  This was a foreshadow of what God intended to reveal through the person of Jesus.

Jesus was God in the flesh (Jn 1.14).  He came to perfectly and completely reveal the Father’s nature, character and desires (Hb 1.3).  Jesus lived with the people, he grew up in a family, he was one of them – yet He was without sin (Hb 4.15).  In Jesus, God revealed Himself WITH the people.

So, with the Patriarchs, God revealed Himself TO people. But through Jesus, He revealed Himself WITH people.

The implications of the foreshadowing go even deeper.  God did not intend to only reveal Himself WITH people – His intention was to reveal Himself IN people.  His intention was that the Tent of Meeting would be a representation of His interaction within the spirit of each of His children.  His intention was to always be available to guide our movements, to instruct us in life’s decisions, to provide for our every need and to maintain intimate relationship.

From the release of His presence on the day of Pentecost, Holy Spirit has been available to enter the spirit of every believer and reveal Himself IN us.  This presence of Holy Spirit is the deposit which guarantees our inheritance; the seed which brings to life all things spoken by the Father and provision for our access to the fullness of God.

God is revealing Himself IN the believer.

 

Basic Principles of the World

The Greek word for Believer comes from the same word which means ‘faith’ or ‘trust’ and is translated largely based on its context.  The term ‘believer’ is only used a handful of times in the New Testament, but its use to describe a follower of Jesus has become quite common.

I like this word.  Believer.  It carries the definition of who we are as Christians.  We believe therefore we are believers.  Belief, trust and faith are the fundamental building blocks of our DNA.  This is why I find it so important to revisit belief.

Sometimes, we can lose the confidence of our belief.  Sometimes, our hearts become crowded with the day-to-day which can lead to a dilution of our relationship with Holy Spirit.  And, unfortunately, we can sometimes allow our thinking to be influenced by those who are not believers – even though we may not be aware of this happening.  As a result, we can become lulled into thought patterns and systems of belief that are not Christian.

Paul reminds us of the importance of protecting our hearts.  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy that depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world, rather than on Christ” (Col 2.8).

I am reminded of an old tree which has become hollowed. 

On the outside it is tall with a lot of limbs, branches and budding leaves.  It gives the impression of a sturdy tree with internal substance and strength.  But, a large gap is at its base and one can see straight through the tree.    Hollow and deceptive.  The deception is in the assumption the tree is strong, substantial and robust.  The reality is the inside is hollow – weak, of little substance and fragile.   Just like many of the philosophies that shape the culture in which we live.

For example, there is a world-view that demands open-mindedness – yet insists on silencing those who differ.  There is a pervading push toward inclusivity – but it labels those who disagree as having a phobia or being hateful.  There is an increasingly common world-view that says there is no such thing as ‘wrong’ – just don’t do wrong to me.

These, and many other philosophies, are based on purely human ways of thinking.  While there may be an appearance of wisdom or even an element of truth within the initial premise, the conclusions are inconsistent and the implications are unsustainable.  Most of these philosophies are based on human ways of thinking or on the basic principles of this world.  As such, the popular views of culture fall far short of the principles of heaven.  Yet, the believer can be influenced by the current trends of thought.

However, as we’ve been reading in Colossians, the Believer is in Christ.  We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness (Col 1.13) where we were once alienated but have now been reconciled (Col 1.21-22).  Jesus is the supreme authority and he is ‘in’ every Believer (Col 1.27).  As such, we have access to fullness of God in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority (Col 2.10).  Through this relationship with Jesus we have died to the basic principles of this world (Col 2.20) and they no longer have mastery over us.

 

 

Belief in the Fullness

I became a Christian in my teenage years.  I won’t tell you my age… but I now have teenagers of my own.  Even after all this time of being a ‘Believer’ there are a lot of things in the Bible that I find hard to believe.  It’s not that I have an active unbelief toward these things.  It’s more that I am simply unable to comprehend their magnitude.  As a result, they aren’t included among the first things when I describe things I believe.

Take, for instance, this statement from the Apostle Paul:  “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ…” (Colossians 2.9-10; NIV)

Even though my heart burns within me as I read this statement, the implication remains somewhat of a mystery.  It just sounds so BIG.   So unimaginable.   So unbelievable.

I am comfortable with – and even believe – the theological concept that God Himself dwells within Christ.  Hebrews 1.3 tells us that Jesus is the perfect representation of the Father.  And, in many other places, the Bible tells us that Jesus and the Father are One (see Jn 14.10).  Though I may find it difficult to explain, I have a reference point for this.

But, how could it be possible that I have fullness in Christ if, at the same time, God is fully manifesting Himself in Christ?  It feels a bit incongruous.  He’s perfectly pure and I’m…. not.  Some days when I read this scripture I find myself wanting to buy into it wholeheartedly.  But, other times, I sit uncomfortably on a train of thought that leads me to doubt.

Is this tension and lack of clarity a sign of unbelief?   I don’t think so.  Quite the opposite.  Using the analogy of the fence (see posts), I think I’m discovering a fence I didn’t realise was there.  Or, maybe more likely, I’m coming up on what I thought was a boundary only to discover it is an entry-point into a new horizon of faith.

The clue that gave it away was the fact that my heart continues to burn when I read and consider this passage.  That tells me Holy Spirit is highlighting a truth – even if it is hidden.    I have often held onto the truth that God has chosen to make known the mystery of Christ in us (Col 1.27).  But recently Holy Spirit has been highlighting that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2.3).  My heart has been lit aflame with this idea and I have been seeking these treasures with zeal.  So, I will continue pursuing the hidden treasure of what it means for me to have been given fullness in Christ.

I cannot yet articulate all I’m sensing.  Nor do I know the extent of what lies on the other side of the fence I’m dismantling, but I’m praying that I will have sufficient courage to explore the fullness of these new realms.

Boundaries of Belief

The house I lived in as a small child was on the corner of two roads.  The house was set in from the smaller road so it meant our back garden (back yard) bordered each road up to the intersection.  A fence created the necessary safety for my siblings and I to play freely in the garden.  I was very young and I don’t remember being tempted to venture beyond the fence.  But I have clear memories of my mother sternly warning us not to go outside the fence.

Fences provide a boundary.  Sometimes they keep things in.  Sometimes they keep things out.  Fences can be used to keep people, pets and property safe.  They give an indication of a property line or even a geo-political border.  Whatever way it is used, a fence is a visible, physical manifestation of an invisible line; a demarcation between two realms.  The extent to which one is allowed travel.  The limit beyond which one is unable to go.

Sometimes we create boundaries where none were intended.  More often we assume a boundary exists because someone, somewhere, implied that it does.

When I was a teenager, I remember being told that God no longer works miracles; that all miracles stopped after the time of the Apostles.  Even though this didn’t make sense to me I allowed that thought to become a fence that cut through the middle of my spiritual prairie.  I’ll never forget the season when I dismantled that fence after experiencing God’s healing power.

Similarly, I grew up in a tradition which did not practice prophecy or pursue the voice of God for practical, relevant life direction.  This, too, became a fence which corralled my yearning for the tangible presence and voice of God.  Again, it was a joyous endeavour uprooting those fence-posts after learning to hear the voice of Holy Spirit.

Those are examples of substantial life-changing lessons.  But if it was possible to have such large fences in my life for many years, is it possible that I may still have fences of which I’m not fully aware?

Recently I find myself asking, what are the small fences that still limit me from experiencing the fullness of all God has for me?  What are the beliefs that limit my relationship with the Father?  Do I have beliefs that undermine the One Whom I Believe?  Are there incorrect or miss-placed boundaries on my beliefs?

He Gave the Right (pt 2)

I am an American.  I was born in the USA.  Graduated high school in the late 80’s and finished college and seminary in the early 90s.  Having lived in Ireland for 23 years, I’m married to a wonderful Irish woman and have 4 kids who find it amusing to be ‘half’ American.  A number of years ago I was granted Irish citizenship.  The exchange of citizenship was made official when I received my Irish passport.  But the benefits of citizenship would mean very little to me if I do not exercise the rights of citizenship.  When a right is bestowed on us, it is something we must embrace and choose to exercise.

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

Understood in this way, it is interesting to note that the Greek word for ‘right’ is actually ‘exousia’.  This Greek word is translated as ‘authority’ in other passages.  For instance, when Jesus sent the Twelve to preach and heal the Bible says he gave them power (dunamis) and authority (exousia).  This wider context of the use of exousia sheds deeper meaning on the ‘right’ God extends to enable us to become His children.  Specifically, in the same way authority must be exercised to bring God’s truth into a situation, the rights of family must be exercised to experience the relationship of a child with a Father.

As we’ve seen (see post), the act of receiving Him is an integral component to becoming His child.  Believing in His name is the other crucial component.  We can only ‘receive’ the One in whom we believe.  Through being ‘receptive’ to believe, we are able to put our trust in Him.  And through trust we learn to exercise our right (authority) to BE a child of God.

Exercising the rights of a child more easily flow from a place of belief – where love, faith and trust are deeply rooted.  A child learns trust from infancy.  Since we are children of the perfect parent, we have the opportunity to learn to trust Him from the moment we receive and believe.  It is through love we obey Him.  The more we obey, the more we learn trust.  As we learn to trust him, we develop our understanding.  As we become more understanding of Who He is, we grow in wisdom (see post) and become more like our Father (see Col 2.3).

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

 

 

He Gave the Right (pt 1)

When we talk about God or church in intimate, family terms it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable for people.  But, when discussing those who believe, the imagery and language of family is used throughout scripture.  The family of believers.  God as Father.  God as Daddy (see post).  The believer as a child of God.  Believers as brothers and sisters.  One verse that clearly articulates the reality of the believer as a child of God is John 1.12.

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

The clarity of this statement carries significant meaning and promise.  It states that being a child of God is available to anyone – to all who receive him.  But, it also indicates that becoming a child of God requires a response from us.  He has cleared the way.  He has made it possible.  The invitation is open to all.  But in order for someone to become a child of God, they must first come to a place where the heart is open to receive and then ready to believe.

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name…

There are steps in the process toward belief.  Rarely do we simply arrive at belief.  The path toward belief is a journey.  Some people may traverse the path quickly.  Others seem to explore the path more cautiously; and some examine the path judicially.  But along the journey to belief, we go through the process of receiving him (see post).  In order to receive Him, we must first be receptive.  Open and willing to receive.  Then, once we’ve opened ourselves to receive Him, the path toward belief is made clearer.  Our hearts cannot be open to believe Him if they are not yet open to receive Him.

Believing and receiving introduces a Right. 

Then, once someone has arrived at belief, God extends to them the right to become a His child.  The RIGHT.  The idea of us having a Right to become His child adds a layer to what I’ve previously understood about how God brings us into His family.  Namely, that being identified as His child was an automatic part of believing & receiving.  The act of Justification (Jesus’ righteousness conferred on us) is a theological principal that defines a supernatural, spiritual reality.  We were crucified with Christ (Gal 2.20); re-born by the Spirit (Jn 3.5-6) so he old has gone, the new has come (2 Cor 5.17).  Becoming a child of God occurs within this new exchange.

Yet, this idea of us having a RIGHT to become children of God introduces another dimension.  At one level becoming a child is a spiritual reality that occurs as part of a miraculous supernatural process.  On another level, becoming a child is a right we must choose to exercise.

 

“Abba! Abba!”

As I walked through the narrow streets of historic Bethlehem I could hear the sound of a child crying.  It was the sort of cry you might hear if a child had fallen down or was in need of help.  Over the hustle & bustle of the noisy street I could hear, “Abba… Abba…”.  I remember stopping in my tracks, taking in the significance of what I’d just heard.

I was with group of college students who were on a study trip in Israel as part of a course in biblical history.  I knew the scripture verses in which Jesus and Paul used the word Abba to describe God as ‘Daddy’ but my understanding of the word Abba had always remained academic; in my head.  But at this moment, in the narrow streets of this ancient city where people still spoke Aramaic the reality that God is ‘Daddy’ landed home in my heart.  The cry of a child in need of help, calling out for her Daddy was an illustration I will never forget.

Abba.  It is a term of endearment reserved for the intimate relationship between a father and his child.  In today’s language we might say Dad, Daddy, Da, Papa or some other intimate variation.  But in middle eastern culture the pet name Abba continues to be used.

Jesus regularly spoke of God as ‘Father’ and, in doing so, tried to help people perceive God as personal, close and caring.  But on at least one occasion Jesus used the term Abba when he spoke to God (Mk 14.36).  This is evidence that Jesus knew God as his Daddy.  Paul, on two occasions spoke of how we, as children of God, are able to join our voice with Holy Spirit to call God our Abba – our Daddy (Rom 8.16; Gal 4.6).

It is very easy for me to know God as Almighty God, Creator God or even Heavenly Father.  But God wants us to know him as Daddy.  A Daddy who desires a Dad-type relationship with his children.  Up-close, personal, interested and involved.  Willing to give input and caring enough to intervene.  Powerful enough to bring change and wise enough to help us learn.  He wants only the absolute best for all His children and He desires to be Daddy to us all.

Belong: Families for the Lonely

Family.  That word means something different to all of us.  Think about your own family system for a moment.  What happens in your house on a daily basis?  How are evening meals spent?  How does your family spend major holidays?

I remember some of my early experiences with a different family system.  I had moved away from home to attend college.  Living on campus in a dorm full of young men was a fantastic experience – and some of those guys remain good friends.  On several occasions I’d go to one of their homes for a weekend.  I recall being fascinated by their families.  Whether it was how they did meal-times, listening to their interactions or noticing the subtle ways they treated each other, I couldn’t help but be aware of the differences from my family.  But apart from any observable differences, the best part was that these families included me as one of their own.  With each new college friend, I gained a ‘home away from home’.  Sort of like a new family.

The Bible tells us that God makes a point of putting the lonely into families (see Ps 68.6).  While I would not have described myself as a ‘lonely’ young college student, being welcomed as one of the family by these friends triggered something inside me.  I became aware of a longing I didn’t know existed.  I had a desire for family, for belonging; where I felt safe, valued and free to be myself.

If we think about it, aren’t these things what most people want?  To feel welcomed (wanted); to feel safe (protected); to feel valued (respected) and free to be themselves (identity).  These are some of the basic attributes in the Father’s family system.  He is a good, loving Father who makes provision for us all.  His manner and way of establishing the family system creates an environment within which we can all learn and grow together.

Becoming a part of a spiritual family, though it may be quite different than what we’ve been used to, will help us feel welcomed, safe, valued and encouraged to grow into our true identity.

 

Belong, Believe, Become

Do you know that feeling you get when you know that something doesn’t sit well with you but you don’t know how to articulate what is ‘wrong’?  Have you ever had that feeling when in conversation with people you respect and admire?  The added relational dynamic can make it even more difficult to attempt an articulation of your ideas.

A number of years ago I was in a room with a group of church leaders.  I was younger and less experienced than most of them so I spent much of the time listening and digesting the discussion.  The theme of the event centred around ways to help churches be more attractive to people who don’t participate in church meetings or events.

The conversation during which my discomfort arose was when someone spoke about how Christians should stop trying to get people to change their behaviour before they visit or join a church.

His view was that Christians were insisting, by the way they treated others, that people had to behave a certain way in order to join our churches.  Then, once the newcomers conformed to our patterns of behaviour, they would be able to hear the good news of God’s love which would lead to them believing in Jesus.  Once they did that, they could finally belong to our churches.  He said this method of “Behave, Believe, Belong” was backward.  Instead, in order for the Church to be more appealing, the understanding needed to be reversed to “Belong, Believe, Behave”.  If the churches could change to this way of thinking, people would feel more welcomed for who they are and no longer feel they had to change their behaviour to ‘fit-in’.

This was a number of years ago and, while this may sound outdated now, much of what this man said was relevant and necessary at the time.  I was (and still am) in full agreement that no church should ever put restrictions on people who want to visit, come along or join.  As relationships are formed people will begin to feel a part of things and develop a sense of belonging.  Through these relationships, and the activity of Holy Spirit, people will grow in their belief and experience of God.

But, the point about which I kept feeling uncomfortable was the discussion’s continued focus on behaviour.

Yes, I get that behaviour is a way to tell what’s really going on with people.  I understand the biblical principle that ‘you shall know them by their fruits’.  I also am convinced that when people come into relationship with Jesus, their changed behaviour is an evidence of Holy Spirit working in their hearts.  But, what I was finding difficult to articulate in that meeting so many years ago, was that the purpose of life with Jesus isn’t behaviour change – that may be a result.  Rather, the purpose of life with Jesus is to become like him.

Become.  Be like. Be changed into.  The old has gone and the new has come. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds (Rom 12.2) and be transformed into his image with ever, increasing glory (2 Cor 3.18).  The people of the Early Church didn’t give themselves the name Christians (which means little Christs); they were given this name by outsiders who had observed they had become like Jesus.  This re-naming implies more than mere behavioural change.

Although I wasn’t able to articulate my perspective on Become rather than Behave, I found myself energised by that discussion’s focus on Belong and Believe.  So much so, I still use it today.  However, I’ve taken the liberty to change the third component so that my description is:  Belong, Believe, Become.

Over time my thinking has evolved.  I am so convinced of the priority to help people ‘become’ that I intentionally look for ways to reinforce our ‘becoming’ rather than talk about behaviour.  For instance, I regularly remind people that our emphasis should be on WHO we believe, rather than on WHAT we believe.  To focus on the WHAT leads to behaviour.  But focusing on WHO leads us into relationship (see post).

Belong. Believe. Become.

Testimony of the Witnesses

“You are my witnesses…so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.” (Is 43.10).  

Jesus tapped into this passage from Isaiah when he told his followers to be his witness (Acts 1.8) and when he commanded them to teach everyone to obey all he instructed (Mt 28.18-20).  Teaching others to obey includes sharing his goodness and demonstrating his love in such a way their eyes and ears will be opened to see and hear the goodness of God.  But, on a personal level, we will increase in our own belief, learning and understanding of who He is as we declare and demonstrate the nature of God.

Jesus lived as a witness to the heart, character and nature of the Father.  His life was a perfect representation of God (Hb 1.3).  He also said that anyone who looked at him, would see the Father (Jn 14.9).  This is the life we are called to replicate; to live as witnesses of God; to become witnesses of God.

The Hebrew word for witness contains an element of testimony or giving evidence within the definition.  The New Testament Greek word for witness also contains a legal, evidence-based meaning.  So, to be a witness, means to tell the story, to give testimony to the nature and acts of God.  As we testify, we give evidence of his character so others may believe and understand He is God.  In the process, we reaffirm and deepen our own belief – which increases our understanding – and helps us to become more like him.

There are a lot of ways the Church has embarked on this task of witnessing about God.  But, rather than attempting a programme or strategy, being a witness of God is more authentic when we know WHO we believe.  When we know Him, our testimony is an overflow of his love, mercy, goodness and kindness we’ve experienced.  Simply talking about WHAT we believe does not carry the same life-giving power.

Our role as witnesses of God is to represent Him; to reflect Him.  We can only accurately reflect him to the extent we are being transformed into His likeness (1 Cor 3.18).  Therefore, our purpose is to become transformed into His image so He lives through us (Gal 4.19).  At all times being sensitive to Holy Spirit who leads and empowers us for service until we are filled with the whole measure of the fulness of God (Eph 4.13) and, together, display the manifold wisdom of God (Eph 3.10).  Then, as witnesses who prove the wisdom of God (cf Lk 7.35) those who ‘see and hear’ will recognise the life of God through us, respond to it by applying faith and come to believe that He is God.

In the process, we increase in our understanding of WHO He is.