- Celebrated Thanksgiving
- I graduated with my D.Min (yea)
- Celebrated Christmas
- Began a New Year
- Teetered on the bring of pneumonia (this last one is what is helping me to sit and write this post.)
Taking a quick look at this list, and not diminishing the magnitude of the birth of Jesus, I don't see anything that is brand new. (most folks have been there, done that, and own the t-shirt factory) Nothing New?
Sadly, I think this same line of thought is what goes through so many minds when looking into the church - anything new? (Songs? Attitudes? Judgements? Opinions? Expectations? Carpet?)
Some might even think the same about the Bible only to hear the words spoken by me and Pastor's like me - "God's word does not change." But there is a drastic difference between the minimal change within many churches and the absence of change within Scripture.
Minimal change within many churches is because there is a greater desire to hold on to what has worked than to reach people discipled to engage; because change can create friction; because...(you fill in the blank)
The absence of change within scripture is not resistance; but rather, depth. Divine depth. I have made it my life's target to know Scripture and the power of the church so to engage the surrounding culture. With 3 degrees, 16 years of ministry, and 25 years as a Christian under my belt, I have spent much time studying the Bible. And still, I make new discoveries when I read God's word. I learn new details about Noah, and the family reunions of Abraham.
Are these discoveries because someone edited my Bible when I wasn't looking? No, it is because of the depth of God's word. The anchor of scripture is so deep that multiple lifetimes are inadequate. In fact, I have found that I am the one who has changed. Isn't this is the whole point of Scripture; to change me.
So the question in this blog is not primarily for the church, and definitely not for scripture, but rather for myself and for people with similar cognitive curiosity. Anything new?
Brian
