IllumiNations!

THE NEW REFORMED MOVEMENT: TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION.

This article is WORLD MAGAZINE reports the growing movement within Western Christianity back toward Reformed Theology or Calvinism.  The "New Calvinism" as some would call this movement has been gaining great momentum the last decade or so, and has been very good for the church in my opinion.

As a Charismatic with a root system in what has generally been considered an Arminian movement, I have felt a little out of place at times because of Reformed leanings within my own heart.  Reformed Theology to me makes God bigger, man's lost-ness greater, and Christ's Incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension more glorious!  Reformed Theology keeps the focus of the Gospel on the glory of God, and the initiative of God in bringing men to saving faith. The Gospel of Jesus Christ truly makes "Grace Amazing!" 

However, with that said, I am not a 5 point, T.U.L.I.P. Calvinist.  I know, I know, to the true 5 pointer, I am not a Reformed guy at all then!  One of the things that has so frustrated me over the years about some Reformed guys is their inability to see the work of God through the great non-Calvinist Christians throughout church history.  If you are not a 5 pointer in their minds, then you are probably not even a child of God. 

Anyway, the article I have a link to really gives me hope that a new attitude is developing which may make room for guys like me with certain leanings.  This quote from Mark Driscoll really captures some of the values that have been real to me for many years, "Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll, dressed in an all-black anti-suit of jeans and zippered jacket, cited four TGC emphases: engaging rather than separating from culture, moving into not out of cities, openness to charismatic gifts, and building bridges to other Christians."  AMEN!

WE ARE CHANGED BY THE POWER OF THE UNCHANGING ONE!

Everything on this planet is in a constant state of change.  Nothing ever remains the same.  The only Unchanging entity in the universe is the Lord God Almighty.  HE CHANGES NOT!  The human creature, (myself included) though constantly looking for that Utopian State of bliss and perfection, is dogged by the reality of decay and breakdown.  We must daily behold the reality of change even while we gaze into our mirrors.  

The Apostle Paul declared that, "though our outward man is perishing, our inward man is renewed day by day."  The outward man is winding down to death, while the inward man is being prepared for the eternal state of resurrection life.  Whether in the corporate world, or the church world, we understand by the amazing and rapid changes going on around us that change is happening at a rate we can never keep up with.

With this as my backdrop, I have been so very aware of my need to change as a man, husband, father, and local church pastor.  If all that I do would avoid fossilization, I must be a man in the process of ongoing transformation.  Alas, there is hope for this sinner, and stubborn man. 

In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, I am reminded that the great key to true change, (that is, Christ-likeness) comes by "beholding Christ in His word."  Since we become like whatever we meditate on or behold, we can become like Jesus by looking on Him daily and often.  This truth gives me hope, since it takes the pressure off of me and my various self-salvation projects, and puts it on Jesus, the "Author and the finisher of my faith."  He has promised to transform you and I as we spend time beholding His beauty, majesty and power.  WE ARE CHANGED BY THE POWER OF THE UNCHANGING ONE!

THE BLESSING OF GODLY FRIENDSHIPS FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Tonight, my wife Peggy and I hosted 17 wonderful youth for a barbeque, and had such a great time eating and laughing with them.  Our time with them reminded me of how powerful friendship can be in forming a person.  Many times, parents spend an amazing amount of time complaining about their children's friends, but very little celebrating good and godly friendships!

Well, here is my contribution to celebration!  The young men and women we had at our home tonight (and that is truly what they are - young men and women), are among the greatest blessings Peggy and I have ever partaken of!  Peer influence can literally make or break the moral, ethical, and spiritual life of a child.  Most of us can remember the good, the bad, and the ugly connections we made while growing up, confirming my point.

However, when our children develop friendships with other young people raised in similar value structures that reinforce ours, we can experience an amazing relational synergy that accelerates our children's moral, ethical, and spiritual growth!  These kind of friendships are worth their weight in gold and worthy of much praise!  THANKS BE UNTO GOD ALONE FOR THE BLESSING OF GODLY FRIENDSHIPS FOR OUR CHILDREN!