We Need the Bible! Part 3

We must begin our understanding of God with the premise that “God is God,” and we are not. Sure we can understand many of the mysteries of God but there is a pressing danger among some that espouse the beginning statement that “God is love.” This has led to Open Theism and Process Theology.

Open theism endeavors to revise the traditional doctrine of God to make it more biblical and of greater contemporary relevance. It fleshes out its intuitions by differentiating itself from the classical doctrine of God and process theism. On the one hand, open theism disputes the traditional doctrines of divine immutability, impassibility, omnipotence, omniscience, aseity, and eternity. On the other hand, it declines process theism's invitation to follow it in rejecting the doctrines of God's unlimited nature and creation from nothing. Open theism dissents from the traditional consensus that God controls all things, but it refuses to give up the belief that God could control all things, if he so chose. (Ron Highfield, Journal of Evangelical Theological Society, June 1, 2002)

“Process theology [is a] Christian theological system emphasizing the fluid rather than static nature of the universe, and finding God within the process of becoming, rather than as the transcendent source of being.” (John Bowker, Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions) As church leaders we need to be willing to look at such concepts but we must also take a stand on what and who we believe God is: more importantly what the Bible says. Last part next week…

Creed Branson, Executive Minister

NL Student Ministry: Adapting, Reshaping, and Reforming

Rewind: October 2008, disappointment looms again at the loss of another student minister. We hoped that this would be the one to change everything and finally get us on the road to building a solid student ministry. But, God had other plans. Should it lie on the shoulders on one human person to come in and change everything? Is that the way God created it?

When we look at the life of Jesus, He chose to use a team of people to accomplish His purposes. Why? Because Jesus came to bring out the best in us. And this is what I have seen Him do in our New Life Student Ministry. God took what seemed to be a defeat and revealed His glory through a group of dedicated adult and student volunteers. Volunteers whose commitment is to serve the Lord before anything else.

At New Life we create safe places for people to discover their dangerous steps with God. Steps where we find ourselves in places never imagined and doing things that we thought we never could do. This is the place where we come to rely on God’s strength and power and we experience freedom as we learn what it means to be used as a vessel. These God discoveries create passionate living!

In the absence of a full time student minister, I have seen our adults and student leaders grow in ways that they might have never experienced if it fell on the shoulders of one person. I’ve seen an increase passion for serving Jesus and ministry; students moving and growing in their leadership positions to take responsibility for things adults usually do; students taking roles in discipling their peers; struggling students taking next steps to deal with their ‘hurts, habits, and hang-ups’; students making decisions to pursue a career in full time ministry - and these are just a few exciting things. Our team is experiencing the value of community and unity where we work as a team to accomplish a piece of the big picture. A true testament of each of us doing our part to ‘rebuild the wall’ (Nehemiah).

When I look back and think about our bumpy ride over the years with New Life Student Ministry I’m reminded of some of the stories in the Old Testament – mainly the history of the Jewish people. One of the amazing things about the Jewish people is that under extraordinary difficulty, time and time again, in different environments and circumstances (all of them almost always oppressive), they managed not only to survive but also to flourish. They found ways in the midst of persecution to accomplish amazing things that have guided and shaped the course of human history.

If we truly want to experience the real life of a Christ follower and make a significant impact in our hurting world then we have to be willing to reshape and reform ourselves to face whatever crisis or challenge lies in front of us. We have to learn to adapt. No matter how big our obstacles or challenges are, God created us, together with Him, to find a solution to overcome them. God rarely solves a problem with people who just say “If He wants it solved, He’ll solve it”. Instead, He seems to solve the problem with people who don’t give up. Our world (and even other Christ followers) need to see God’s ‘mighty hand and outstretched arm’ working through His people. This is the stuff that will change the world and we are a part of that right here in our own church family!

Lucy Martinez, P4C Gal

We Need the Bible! Part 2

The church is an established organization founded by Jesus Christ. Once becoming a Christ follower a person then submits to the will of God and to the person/entity Jesus Christ as the leader of the church. If we accept this truth then we must reason that we must be able to explain this truth. “True knowledge of God is indeed available by means other than the Bible…Such sources, however, must be reliable in themselves, and their data must always pass the test of the consistency of biblical data.” (Cottrell, 2002, page 25) This is where both the Bible and our own understanding of theology must be applied. If we apply the Bible then we are stuck with varying interpretations. If we have different views then we must apply tolerance to our understanding of it. One of Jesus’ last prayers was for all people to have unity. (John 17) If we have different views or interpretations then we must exercise tolerance that; one, we could be wrong in our view and two, God may have revealed some truth to someone else that he has chosen not to reveal to us. If there is one thing that I have learned about the Bible it is this – the more I learn the more I realize what I don’t know about God’s word and God himself. We must always ask the question that Cottrell poses: Does it pass the test of consistency of biblical data? So this leaves us with the Bible being our primary source of theology albeit complicated and obscure; and reason, experience and tradition as secondary sources. In a very broad sense, this is systematic theology. More next week…

Creed Branson, Executive Minister

Coming Attraction: Transformers

Saw the Star Trek movie this week. Only one question. William Shatner. Where were you, dude? Oh, and a comment. Uhuru and Spock? I don't think so.

And now to one of my favorite parts of every movie experience. . .Coming Attractions!! This time it was all about the new Transformers flick. Glad they're making a sequel. Perhaps the director will have gained familiarity with the concept of character development. Still, it got me thinking. Some of the cars and trucks and bulldozers transform into good guys; some transform into bad guys. What's going on in the deepest part determines everything. Same with us, it seems.

Ezekiel 7:19-20 talks about how it's possible for us to transform things beautiful into that which is abhorrent. Doesn't have to be that way. Check out Romans 12:2. It's possible that we can be transformed from the inside out in a way that proves just how good and perfect and pleasing God is. Is it an unfair question to ask you to ponder which path you're pursuing? Look back 5 years. What do you see?

To encourage you, we'll be hearing from people on Sunday who will tell us their stories of transformation on the second path. No, they're not angels. Just imperfect people like you and me, still a work in progress, but who are finding hope and joy they couldn't manufacture themselves. Tired of just hearing all about what God could do? Come and see what He has done and is doing! It'll bless your socks off--good thing we're an informal bunch, eh?

Come early for a refreshing beverage and something to munch.
11:00 a.m.
1988 Kirby Road
Mclean

Dwaine Darrah, McLean Campus Pastor

But Not Hypocrites!

Yesterday I was sitting at Starbucks while waiting to meet with a NLer just down the street. As the time of the meeting was getting closer two guys came and sat down near me and began discussing politics. I couldn't help overhearing them... They were talking about how so and so is a total hypocrite. Then they moved on to a discussion of hypocrites in general. Interesting discussion, so I sort of casually listened while sending out a few emails. As I was getting up to leave I heard one of them summarizing their conversation by saying, "Yeah, they are just like those Christians who say they believe in God but all they care about is themselves, they don't ever help anyone." - True story.

Now I don't know the guy who said that. I don't know what his experience with the church has been. I don't know what prompted that comment from him. But as I got up to walk to my meeting I thought that is really sad. In fact I almost blew off my meeting just to go and sit with him and ask - if you saw a group of Christians who truly cared, a group of people through whom you could see the love of God at work in our world... would it change your mind? My bet is that it would.

The problem that we have as the church today is that people think of Christians as fakes. And to be honest there are some pretty good reasons for that, but we don't have time to go into that or really even think about that. Our mission today is to redeem the name of Jesus! I don't know about you but when people say Christian I want them to think about a group of people who have the love of God exploding out of them! I want people to think of a group of people who help the community and love people tangibly. I want people to say things like "I don't understand them but one thing you can say about Christians is that they are the real deal. They believe what they say they believe!"

And the truth is that starts with me every day... and it starts with us everyday! So my question for myself today and for each of you who reads this is - what are you doing today to be real? To be a follower of Jesus? Who do you need to serve? Who do you need to talk to?

People should be able to call Christians a lot of things but not hypocrites!

Josh Burnett, Centreville Campus Pastor

We Need the Bible! Part 1

The Bible is a believer’s guidebook for life; not just for one’s spiritual life but it provides the answers to emotional, physical, and intellectual problems as well. We need to apply logic and reason to our understanding as well as tradition, both to the Bible’s words and ideas and our modern culture.

If God is the ultimate subject of theology, then he is also the ultimate source of theology. Every theological statement must be traceable back to the reality of God himself; this is the only way to ensure its truth. This raises the question of the sources of theology, i.e., how is it possible for us to have access to the reality of God and thus to true knowledge about him...Precisely speaking, theology is the reflection upon the analysis of something within our own consciousness. (Jack Cottrell, The Faith Once For All, 2002, page 17)

God can be found in the Bible but the Bible is not the only source of God. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20, TNIV) “When it comes to spiritual growth the Bible obviously plays a major role. According to the apostle Peter, it contains everything we need for life and godliness.” (Larry Osborne, The Contrarian’s Guide to Knowing God, 2007, page 64) I consider myself a disciple of Christ; however, even though I confessed Christ some 15 years ago I have not behaved as a disciple for 15 years. I was one of those Christians that started reading the Bible as soon I confessed Christ as Lord and Savior. I have read the Bible in a year three times now and have studied it just about every day for most of that time.

But the problem is that the Bible is a big book. Few of us know all the answers or life principles it contains. If you’re like me, you’ve probably turned to it for help more than once only to be frustrated by the I-know-it’s-there-somewhere-but-I-can’t-find-it syndrome. (Osborne, 2007, page 64)

In my opinion, this is exactly why we need a theology of Christian life. In the book of Acts of the Apostles, Peter gave one the most famous of all sermons ever given. (Acts 2:14-41) At the end of this message many repented and were baptized. But what they did next is the thing that one could overlook when thinking and developing a way of life to be modeled for the church. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42, TNIV) Many have been converted to Christianity because of some testimony of another, or to some event in a small group setting or to a lunch or dinner where “bread was broken.” So the church needs people as much as it needs the Bible. And it needs people that are devoted to all those things identified in Acts 2. More Next week…

Creed Branson, Executive Minister

Finding Myself in the Journey, Final Part

For context read previous posts.

The final part of Piper’s quote is, “in a way that does not replace grace.” (Piper, 2004, page 44) Grace is the work Christ completed on the cross; it is a free gift from God. I am closest to God when I have this picture clearly in my mind, heart and soul. When I see God I have an abundance of joy that is beyond explanation. It is during worship or when I have responded to the Spirit’s prompting or when I am doing the work of God when I see God. I don’t see God when I fail to respond to the Spirit’s call for some change. There are times when I see God very clearly; usually when I feel as if I am being obedient to what God is calling me to do. The problem I have is this – sometimes I am replacing God’s grace with my action. I think this is exactly what the author is talking about; at least it is for my life. I know that Christ was obedient to God, and his obedience led him to the cross. The cross is where Jesus was glorified. This is a paradox for me that I am sure God will work out which is exactly what I am attempting as this is written.

In summary, I can find the gospel in Piper’s quote, “The essence of the Christian faith is learning to fight for joy in a way that doesn’t replace grace” and the action required by Christ followers. To learn and not act is not at all what Jesus asked his apostles to do or what the apostles asked those that would follow. Our joy comes from a deep understanding of what Jesus did on the cross then to follow his very actions. Out of love for people we are to tell others about him. Being a follower of Christ requires action. Jesus said to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Following Christ is our only source of true joy. This is what God wanted in the beginning. The brokenness of the world is why Christ had to come in the form of a man and teach, heal, die and finally be resurrected from the dead. This very action occurring in common man is where we find hope. God’s free gift to me is why I should be on the same mission to reconcile others to God. So then the essence of full living (the Christian faith) is to learn everyday to have more hope (see God more clearly and gain joy), even fight for it in a way that always recognizes Jesus’ gift of taking my sin on the cross (not replace grace).

Creed Branson, Executive Minister

Just a Moment—1992

I walked into the living room Sunday morning. Zachary was watching the news, turned to me and asked, “Was that the guy?” I said, “Yes.” That was the guy 17 years ago. Just a few moments 16 years ago.

Seventeen years ago, a life-long friend of mine moved out of D.C. Laura and I were at his small going away party with our new baby, Zachary. Hosted by Chris & Judith Nolan, we weren’t surprised when Judith’s Dad, Jack walked in the door.

When we struck up a conversation with Judith’s Dad, he picked up our little baby, held Zachary high and yelled, “This is the cutest baby to ever enter the world!” Or, something like that. (Laura tells me my memory is a little exaggerated. Forgive me. I’m gettin’ old.)

Through the years, whenever Jack Kemp made a television appearance, we’ve said to Zachary, “That’s the man who thought you were such a cute little boy.” (That part is true.)

One moment. Seventeen years ago. Still creates fond emotions. (Okay, this stuff happens to the rest of you ALL THE TIME. But, for us normal folk, that was a stand out moment.)

When I heard that Jack Kemp had passed, I thought of the number of “Moments” we have. Moments that don’t seem like a big deal to us (I don’t think Jack Kemp retold our story more than 6 or 7 times), but they impact others for a lifetime.

Examples from my life:

Mrs. Hills writing me a note after I cried while singing a song as a young boy in front of the church.

Pat, Thatcher, & Brian moving us into our townhouse at midnight.

Mr. Barnes calling me from Tennessee the night before I went to college to say he believed in me.

Brad Melton taking time off work to help me in a crisis.

I’m sure those people have no idea the impact of their “moment” with me. I’m sure we have no idea of the potential “moments” in front of us each week.

Love God. Love People.

Brett Andrews, Lead Pastor

Bud Prayer

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live

together in unity! For there the Lord bestows his blessing,

even life forevermore. (Psalm 133.1, 3b)

As the Leadership Team enters into this time of decision regarding the acquisition of the Bud Building, we desire your prayers. We believe God has been leading us to the Bud Building because it more than satisfies our vision of a place for the community; and more importantly, a place in the community where people overhear the Good News of Jesus. The question that must be satisfied is, “Will the kingdom of God be more effective in reaching people far from Jesus because of this community building?” We believe this purchase creates a better intermediate future for the kingdom of God.

Imagine a place where thousands of people walk through a “third place” to get to a child’s sporting event. Imagine if they could feel, see, and think that something must be different about this place. Imagine, as they realize they have a void in the spiritual life they choose to visit the very place where their children play soccer or basketball or lacrosse. Imagine these people experiencing new life at a building called “New Life.”

Imagine a group of people so committed to the cause of Christ they are willing to sacrifice their own needs and desires for those far from Jesus. And ask yourself, “Am I one of those people?” We need your prayers. You need to pray because God uses the least of His to reach the ones far from Him.

Prayer vigil Friday 5:00 PM until Saturday 5:00 PM

Will you be part of this? Follow this link for more info:

http://www2.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?prayersite

Will you volunteer to be on-site for 1 hour during this time?

NEXT Gathering

Friday set-up

Tour of the facility

God is moving…we will go until we get a no.

Another Blog from Brett

Hebrews 2:10-12:
"In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but You will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end."

I hope NLers will do their best to protect themselves from the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus. Wash your hands. Use lots of hand sanitizer. Teenagers should stop all kissing. Don't shake hands with strange people like our teaching team. You know the drill.

The news about H1N1 sounds cautioning-- for good reason. And, every time I hear it, I'm reminded of how vulnerable we are all the time in this world. C.S. Lewis once made the point that war does not change the statistics on death one iota. Each life is always vulnerable. Dangers like war and viruses simply remind us of our reality.

Dangers also remind us that we are not made for this world. We are made for a world that is safe, invulnerable, and secure. Days like this make me thankful for the certainty of The Day we're made for.

Brett Andrews, Lead Pastor

May 1 Blog

Ever look for Biblical thinking applied to current issues? One of my favorite thinkers is Charles Colson, President of Prison Fellowship. Every day he publishes an article called, "Breakpoint". Find it here. http://www.breakpoint.org/listings.asp?ID=158

Brett Andrews, Lead Pastor