Unity in Ekklesia. Part 1

The foundation for unity is in Christ: What He did on the cross (the finished work), that we are in Him, that we have His Righteousness. And since you are in Christ and I am in Christ, then we are one; we are in unity. Ergo, our call is to encourage one another and seek ways to build one another up . . . regardless of denominational/doctrinal bent. How this “all comes to ground” (in a broad sense) is walked out in journey of Love & Grace.

I see as a “first point” (maybe) that Unity ≠ Conformity in the (erroneous) sense of conformity being that we have to be “clones” of one another . . . I.E. “Cookie Cutter Christians”. That is not unity! (It is robotics . . .)

There is too much diversity in God’s creation and at least an equal amount (if not more) in pneumatikos (look at the variety you see when reading Ezekiel, Revelations, etc) that stands against such conformity. And then you have 1 Cor. 12 as the exclamation point for diversity.

In this diversity there is no chaos, for just as the human brain sends signals to the body in order to regulate and co-ordinate action, so too does Christ (as head) for us (the body). And there is no confusion here; the signals are clear. At least from His end. How well we are open to reception of the signals may be another matter . . .

Next Up: Discerning the Body.

John Crowder & Ben Dunn in Humboldt

Had the chance to see John Crowder and Ben Dunn “up close & personal” this last Sunday and Monday nights (June 22^nd & June 23^rd). Crowder & Dunn were in our area for a total of three days as part of the “Regional Hunger Gathering & School of Reformers” conference. I was not able to attend the school portion nor the 3^rd night as I had other commitments.

I like the way Papa God works things because about a week before I had read a commentary on Crowder at NextReformation. A few days later, there was a series of posts on the zoecarnate blog that entailed a conversation between the host (Mike Morrell) and John. (Many thanks to Mike for sharing that on his blog!) Having not heard of Crowder before that, I felt a little more “dialed-in” on all the hoopla. I plan on blogging soon on “Unity in Ekklesia” and what I’ve seen in the wild give-and-take over Crowder seems to me to be a great way to segue into that.

The first night was fairly moderate. The second night (Monday) was a little wilder. But nothing to get yer knickers in a knot over . . .

Their main focus on both the nights that I was able to attend was the Finished Work of the Cross; that it's a done deal. We don’t have to strive & strain (ala Galatians) to obtain the things of Heaven because of what Christ did on the cross. We have His Righteousness (it’s a gift!) and that Joy is on the menu of "Fruit of the Spirit" . . .

and depression/sour-grapes are not (my paraphrase).

While their style and method may not be everybody's "cup of tea", I do see a method in their (not so subtle) madness. (Being Scot-Irish myself, I would prefer an analogy to “being continuously being filled with the (Holy) Spirit” along the lines of a good stout or maybe a wee-dram of GlenFiddich as opposed to Crowder’s “Jehovah-Juana” or "Godka" . . .). But I digress . . .

Crowder very pointedly stated that he was against drug abuse (illicit and otherwise) and was not advocating smoking pot when he talked about “Token the Ghost”. His point is that being high on Papa God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is much more preferable than the use of any illicit drug. Which was a very pertinent point to make as Humboldt County is known (unfortunately) world-wide for the pot grown here.

(why can't we be known for the fact that we have more artists per capita here than the rest of California combined???)

The bent of their “madness” I perceive in the following observations. These are my take on what I observed and your mileage may vary:

1) That maybe, just maybe Joy is to be a very real part of our journey of following Jesus. Crowder & Dunn’s choice of words (“Whacked”, “Blissed-Out”, “Token the Ghost”, etc) may tilt at a few paradigms, but so what? Jesus said “My flesh is meat indeed and My Blood is Drink indeed” (John 6:55) . . . and few other things along the way that pushed a few buttons for folks. Perhaps we’ve gotten so used to “established biblical jargon” that we’ve lost our sensitivity/appreciation for what Joy really means.

2) In their wild, zany celebration of “bliss” and getting “whacked” in the Holy Spirit (what the old school would call “Joy in His Presence”) they make it a point to state that it’s because of what Jesus did on the cross that one can have right standing with God. That God is in a good mood and really, really loves us. Righteousness, Peace & Joy are a very real part of His Kingdom. All of which attracts those who would otherwise never “darken the door of a church” to take a closer look at this guy named Jesus and what He has done for us.

3) It’s a lot more fun doing things whilst filled with the Spirit. (and maybe a wee-bit more productive too . . .)

4) And (major point here) that all of the above is not just for personal hoarding (or perhaps “stash” would be more appropo . . .) but is to be taken outside:

I.E. Mission. As in making disciples of all nations. As in taking the Gospel . . . The Good News . . . to the streets.

I will close (for now) with this:

Whatever analogy one would prefer for “be ye continuously filled with the Spirit” it is just as important to remember our call is also to walk in love and grace towards one another. We are called to be a people of Blessing, not cursing.

Changes

To celebrate transitions, I have made some cosmetic and organizational (a little) changes to this blog, of which I hope is an encouragement to all whose journey brings to here.

I hope you like the new look.

Not that "here" is the final destination. For I journey as well, seeking to discern the leading of the Wild Goose (Celtic Christian for Holy Spirit) where ever this adventure of following Jesus leads.

As such, it is my desire to encourage fellow travelers, and soon-to-be travelers in The Journey.
And if I can help clarify or establish a few sign-posts along the way; Praise Be!

Unity ≠Conformity

Unity (in the body of Christ, the church) has long been a passion of mine.
It has been a frustration at times because of the mistrust and suspicion I have observed and encountered in others from different parts of the stream of ekklesia. And to be transparent here: I have oft found the same feelings rising up within me. Not a pleasant revelation. But still, just proof that brokenness is common to all, including myself.

But I earnestly believe for we the church to make significant strides forward in our communities that there must be a greater effort towards unity. But, as the title of this post says:

"Unity ≠ Conformity"

Which I could unpack more . . . but I believe the following has said it best:

In Essentials: Unity
In Non-Essentials: Liberty
In ALL things: Charity

The Quest is to foster and encourage one another in their part of the body (1st Cor. 12) and to find ways of bringing that body into all areas of our community to bring healing and life.

Humboldt Happenings . . .

Had the privilege of getting together the other night with 12 others (all from other denoms and a few who have no current congregation affiliation) in a narrative of unity (since you're in Christ and since 'm in Christ, then we are one in unity, regardless of denom/doctrine).

There was much dialog on "we don't go to church, we ARE the Church" and our call to encourage and build one another up, to see Ephesians 4:13 become a reality in our area.
I knew we had come into a significant thing when I heard several of my favorite words:
Journey, Story, Paradigm-Shift . . . and talk that generally pointed to transition.

Definitely got some major "winks" from Papa God in our time there. While still in a "Dusk/Dawn" scenario (see Martin Scott's blog on "Transitions") Adele & I got another piece of the puzzle that night that has us giddy with excitement combined with an "Ah-Ha!' moment and a greater Shalom.

The group is headed-up by Emil & Michele Swift, who are River Pastors and connected with Bethel Redding/Global Legacy. This was our first time there, but we look forward in partnering as much as we can. With just this first visit, Adele & I saw a lot of resonance with the other Reformation/Kingdom/Mission endeavors happening around the world.
Exciting Times!

Good Courage

In these times of shaking . . .
Do not be shaken. Stand Fast.

I hear a call arise:
Good Courage!
Be of Good Courage!

Peace I give to you. My Peace I give to you.
Not as the worlds gives . . .
But My Peace give I to you.

For those who do not know me, their hearts melt like wax.
But I have told you; Be of Good Courage!
For I Love you with a perfect Love. And Perfect Love casts out all fear.
This is the hour to Stand Fast and shine!
Tell all you meet;
Shalom! Be not afraid. Be of Good Courage.

For such a time as this . . .