1^st Sunday in March (Week 10) Christian’s Mission (2 Corinthians 4:1 – 6:13; Jonah; Acts 13:1 – 15:35 and 2 Corinthians)

What does it mean to have a “wide open heart”? (2 Corinthians 6:11) In troubled times, a person would approach another in peace by holding their hands open and their arms wide apart. In order to embrace the stranger as a friend, they first needed to make their breast defenseless against potential arrows or bullets. The wide open heart means that you are wide open to hurt … and also that you are wide open to friendship. It means that you are wide open to love, ready for anything, surrendering all pretense, utterly sincere, and eager for relationship.

The sequence of salvation history is revealed in the micro-experience of individual greeting. First, God has a wide open heart for the apostle … and paid a terrible price on the cross. Second, God’s grace caused the apostles to have wide open hearts for the stranger … and now the stranger is invited to widen their hearts as well. Their may well be a price to pay for such openness. There may well be pain. Open yourself that wide, and somebody is likely to kick you. Our habit has been to be cautious. Extend the right hand of fellowship … but keep the left hand within reach of a gun, pepper spray, a witty retort, or a cell phone to call home. Yet God had a wide open heart. Paul had a wide open heart. Eventually, the Corinthian church had a wide open heart. And now we are invited to have a wide open heart.

Team Meditation (Jonah)

Jonah is very typical of the average church leader: a reluctant prophet. Jonah loves God. His problem is that he is remarkably selective about the company he keeps. He is embarrassed that God has such a wide heart. God loves even the people Jonah hates. God accepts even the people Jonah considers disreputable. God befriends people that Jonah would not befriend.

As a church leader, Jonah is a reluctant prophet. He practices reluctant hospitality. No matter how many food groups he offers after worship, there is always something missing. No matter how big a smile he flashes at the door, there is a hidden reserve in his eyes. He is just too quick to suggest that a visitor might have their needs better addressed at the church down the street.

Jonah practices reluctant leadership. He sits on the board, but forgets to pray for non-members. He serves the nominations committee, but gives little thought to minorities. He plans worship, but never strays far from his comfort zones of taste, tradition, and technology. Jonah helps craft excellent mission statements, and is a sacrificial fund raiser, but is disconcerted when it all works. When the contemporary worship service really succeeds, and when newcomers really start participating, and when outreach really has an impact, Jonah becomes alarmed. He didn’t really expect it to happen, and, to be honest, didn’t really want it to happen. If Nineveh is saved, they might attend worship here!

So God sends a whale to swallow Jonah. It is a whale of a financial deficit. It is a whale of a volunteer shortage. It is a whale of a personnel crisis. It is a whale of a congregational conflict. Whatever the acid is that is eating away at the church, the real issue is that the church has been swallowed by a whale of God’s choosing. The point is that the church is being called back to obedience. Once align yourself with God’s will, and the acid will be neutralized. The whale will belch you back onto the beach … and right back into the streets of Nineveh.

Worship Theme (2 Corinthians 4:1 – 6:13)

2 Corinthians 4:1  Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.

Wherever I travel, the most common problem that besets the church is that Christians lose heart. Ironically, they are more apt to lose heart in North America, western Europe, and Australia (where the church has so many resources), rather than in the rest of the world (where the church has so few resources). In most of the world, the Christian movement advances because leaders have learned to rely on God in the midst of few resources. In the north and west, the Christian movement languishes, because leaders have developed a habit of relying on their own resources.

The reason we lose heart is that we think Christian ministry is a duty. We think of it is a burden of conscience. We think of it as an assortment of tasks, many of which are frankly unpleasant, requiring us to associate ourselves with people who in other circumstances would never be our friends. The truth is that western Christians have become masochists, and regard the ministry as a kind of just punishment for our economic success. “Aha!” God says. “I’ve allowed you to have it pretty good for a long time, and now it is time to pay your dues, give back a portion of what you have received, suck it up, pick up your cross, and get out there and do justice!” Somewhat shamefaced and reluctant, Christians set out to do what they really don’t want to do, and as soon as obstacles slow them down they lose heart.

Paul says a surprising thing. This Christian ministry has been given to us as an act of mercy! It is as if we were little children watching our father build a house, and out of kindness our father allows us to hammer a few nails. It is as if we were indigents without gainful employment, and God put us to good use. It’s as much for our personal redemption as for accomplishing good work. One suspects God would get the job done anyway, but includes us out of kindness. It is better to work beside our father than stand and watch.

If this ministry is a mercy, instead of a duty, we do not lose heart. However frustrated we might be, and whatever setbacks we might endure, God keeps going. God will succeed. For one thing, God will strengthen us, rescue us, and heal us so that we can keep going. We need to rely on him, and not on our own resources. More profoundly still, whether we succeed or fail in any task of ministry is only of secondary importance to us. All that matters, in life or death, success or failure, joy or sorrow, is that we are with God. God has allowed us … invited us … included us … into his own plans. God will succeed, and mercifully he will bring us along to celebrate the victory.

Worship Design (2 Corinthians 4:1 – 6:13)

In many ways, it seems that trying to please God is a lot like trying to please an unpleaseable parent. No matter how hard we try, we know deep inside that we don’t measure up. Our parent/s, for whatever reason won’t affirm us, but we keep on trying over and over and over again.

Unfortunately, many of us act as if the same is true with God—except we know it’s futile. If we can’t live up to our parent’s expectation, how can we live up to God’s? We can’t, but, as Tom points out, we don’t have to.

To launch this week’s study, begin by projecting or displaying a fine painting, such as Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Next, distribute paper and crayons to everyone with the following instructions: If the crowd is the right age, set the scene as an American Idol copycat show, except for budding artists. “Over the next five minutes, use the crayons to draw a copy of Seurat’s painting. However, you are to use your opposite hand (right handers use their left and vice versa). Neatness counts. Do not put your name on your work.” When they are done, collect them, shuffle them, and choose one that is moderately promising. Introduce yourself as Simon Cowell (if you’re doing American Idol) and offer a brief critique of the art work as compared to Seurat’s piece (If you’re doing Simon, have fun ripping the artwork to shreds because that’s what the participants will expect and they will know it’s in fun, otherwise be gentle—this is someone’s art, sorta). This will launch you into the theme of trying to measure up.

If you plan to use a video, use a clip from National Treasure (2004). Use the scene when Patrick Gates (Jon Voight) is vehemently explaining to Riley (Justin Bartha) why he will have nothing to do with the treasure hunt his son Ben (Nicolas Cage) is pursuing. In the clip he does a good job of belittling Ben—which is the jumping off point for the topic of not measuring up to God.

After exploring the theme with the congregants, consider re-reviewing the artwork, only this time do it in the character of a parent who’s just been given their child’s best work.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (Acts 13:1 – 15:35 and 2 Corinthians)

This week’s passage introduces Paul as the missionary to the Gentiles and provides some insights into the relationship he had with the churches he planted. This week, spend time considering and discussing the role of accountability in the church. Although Paul and Barnabas were sent out by Antioch, and perhaps owed their allegiance there, they voluntarily submitted themselves to the Jerusalem church, not unlike how local pastors submit to their denominational roots. In 2 Corinthians, Paul holds them accountable for their deeds and misdeeds as well. Discuss the following in your small group:

1. In the New Testament, who holds the pastors accountable?

        For what are they held accountable?

        How are they held accountable?

2. Who holds the congregations accountable?

        For what are they held accountable?

        How are they held accountable?

3. Who holds the individuals in the congregation accountable?

        For what are they held accountable?

        How are they held accountable?

4. Is this how accountability is handled in the church today?

        In your church?

        If not, why do you think it has changed?

 

Bill T-B

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2^nd Sunday in March (Week 11) Christian’s Mission (Acts 16; Micah 4:1-7; Acts 15:36 – 16:40 and Philippians)

Few people relish conflict. Most try to avoid it. Yet it is remarkable how often apostles come in peace and find themselves embroiled in violence. The problem is that their own generosity gets them into trouble. They want to share the experience of Christ. No judgment or condescension is necessarily implied. They just have a “pearl of great price”, and crucial experience that can lead to abundant life, and they want give it away to others. That gift, however, changes lives. Not everyone wants their life to change; and not everyone wants the lives of others in their control to change. Indeed, resistance to grace can be surprisingly violent.

If we think of the six basic experiences of Jesus the Christ, it is hard for us to imagine how vehemently people might try not to meet Jesus.

• Is it possible that people might actually prefer to be broken and resist healing?
• Is it possible that people might prefer to be lost and resist spiritual guidance?
• Is it possible that people might choose to be victims and resent vindication?
• Is it possible that people might opt for selfishness and refuse to live the good life?
• Is it possible that people might enjoy despair and deny the promise of hope?
• Is it possible that people might relish their addictions and be infuriated by the offer of new life?

It is not only possible, but it happens all the time. It’s called sin. It’s a deep seated, unthinking, compulsive rejection of God. Christians who try to give God away are met by anger, resentment, and rejection. It takes more than your generosity to share Christ. Christ goes before you to share himself, and if necessary, Christ will suffer for God’s generosity. You may participate in that suffering, but you will also participate in resurrection.

Team Meditation (Micah 4:1-7)

Will there ever be a time when we are not afraid? Christian leaders always live at the edge of martyrdom. It is because as peaceful as they may want to be, they are caught up in a larger struggle between sin and grace, between evil and good, between godlessness and Godliness. Only some of this struggle can be managed by the individual Christian. Much of it is beyond your control.

Yet there will be a time when we are no longer afraid. There will be a time when good people will no longer have to fear that evil things might spring at them from the dark, or ambush them on their life journey, or assault them in the very act of good will. There will be a time when the sword hanging over your head, or the threat of a stab in the back, ceases to worry you. God will come to your rescue. The struggle to follow Christ will be replaced with the joy of being with Christ

Worship Theme (Acts 16)

Who would ever have imagined that Paul and Silas would end up in jail? They arrived in Philippi with the most peaceful and generous of intentions. A Macedonian asked them for help … and here they were ready to help the Macedonians. Their appearance was unassuming and uncontroversial. They simply went to the river where spiritually yearning people tended to hang out and converse; found Lydia, who heart was opened to the Gospel; and quietly grew a cell group in Lydia’s living room. No worries.

However, God’s grace changes lives. It’s inevitable. And when lives are changed (even for the better), people get upset. One suspects in reading the story that the mocking woman possessed by the demon was not the only one being changed. There were others being healed, discovering meaning, and experiencing justice, following a new morality, finding hope, and escaping addiction. And there were still others who made their living out of the brokenness, meaninglessness, abuse, immorality, despair, and addictions of others who were mad as hell at the change. Good works don’t go unnoticed; transformed lives are usually followed by troubled times.

The key to surviving acts of mercy is to return to the core experience of grace in Christ Jesus. If you think the world should be fair, you are lost. If you think you stand a chance in court of public opinion, you are disappointed. If you think that people who do good should deserve what they get, you are naïve. Grace is often followed by violence; the hand that feeds is often bitten; the generosity is often unreturned. You are not a disciple because you think the world is fair. You are a disciple because you believe the Jesus can rescue you. Turn to Christ in your hour of need, and God can shake the foundations of your prison. Unexpectedly, you might actually find yourself baptizing your jailor, and embracing criminals as new brothers and sisters in Christ. Imagine how the world will howl at that!

Worship Design (Acts 16)

There’s an old saying, “A good deed won’t go unpunished.” Now, I’ll admit that’s a bit of a cynical saying, but let’s be honest—read Acts 16 and that’s almost the conclusion you’d have to reach! And yet, that’s the calling of every Christian. To go forth and do the deeds of Christ, no matter what the cost.

What do you have to lose? What might God demand? What are you willing to give up?

Try beginning this service by playing a track from tobyMac’s Welcome to Diverse City (a good quality Christian rap). All the better if you put the words up and try to “sing” along. Hopefully, you’ll get some eyebrows raised. Try not to comment about the music choice, just move on.

To open the teaching portion, show a clip from Rigoletto (1993). Use the clip that begins at approximately timestamp 15:30 when Margie (Cynthia Jump) discovers she’s being evicted and goes to the home of Ribaldi/Rigoletto (Joseph Paur) to confront him. In the exchange, Rigoletto demands Margie’s daughter as a daily servant in exchange for her home—a price she’s unwilling to pay (at least in the scene). Use the clip to open the discussion about what we’re willing to give up when it comes doing the Lord’s work.

The fact is, Kingdom work is expensive. Look at what it cost the traveling duo in Philippi. We may be called to give up our lives, our families, our wealth, our comfort, and even our preferences. As Bill Easum has said, churched grandparents will agree that they are willing to “do anything” to see their grandchildren in church, but they’re not willing to bring Christian rap into their worship service. This, of course, brings the tobyMac selection to the fore and the conversation about what we’re willing to “suffer” for the sake of reaching our micro-culture’s for Christ.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (Acts 15:36 – 16:40 and Philippians)

Last week, your small group discussed accountability in the church. This week we’ll look at the role of encouragement. In Acts 15:36 Paul and Barnabas decide to return the churches they had planted to offer them encouragement. The letter to the Philippians has much to commend it as an encouraging letter (especially when compared to 2 Corinthians!). This week in your small group, discuss the need and the role of encouragement in the church (cf., 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Who has been an encouragement to you? How can you, your small group, and the church ensure those in the congregation, from the church leaders to the most timid church mouse, can be encouraged? And don’t just be hearers (and talkers) of the Word, be ye doers!

Bill T-B

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3^rd Sunday in March (Week 12) Christian’s Mission (John 13:1-35; Isaiah 55:1-13; Acts 17-18 and Mathew 25 and 27, and John 6 and 13)

Jesus is the model. Christians are supposed to shape their lifestyles around his example. Yet his behavior is so perfect, and his standard is so high, we can barely even begin to imitate him. Now there are those who, conscious of their inevitable failure, do not even bother to try. Jesus has little patience with this lack of spiritual discipline. The western established church, in all its many denominations, are particularly deserving of his scorn. On average, less than  handful of adult members are engaged in any serious spiritual discipline of prayer, Bible reflection, searching for the Spirit, or risk-taking behavior that models the Christ.

It’s not that we succeed in our spiritual disciplines that matters, but that we want to succeed. It is our desire to be like Jesus that is more important than our performance. Our performance … our sacrifice, effort, risk, and rigorous self-discipline … reveals our desire to be like Him. That is what count. Do we really want Jesus? Do we really yearn to model ourselves around his example? God may not reward our success (since we are unlikely to succeed), but God will honor our desire.

Team Meditation (Isaiah 55:1-13)

The most scandalous part of the Gospel is that it is free. It really is free. The prophet imitates the marketplace salesmen of the ancient world in his enthusiasm for his wares … but contradicts their habit completely in that he offers them free. No price.

Yet there is a cost. The cost is that you have to want it. You have to step up and get it. You have take it, eat it, chew it, and swallow it. God won’t do that for you. You have to want God in the first place. Now that does come at a cost. It comes at the cost of our pride. It comes at the cost of our discriminating sense of selfishness that want so hard to demonstrate self-reliance through the basic human impulse for “picking and choosing”. We find out identity by walking through the spiritual marketplace and thinking “I’ll have some of that, and some of that, but not any of this, and only this if I can also have a dash of that for seasoning.” That self-centeredness has got to go. Isaiah expects that the seeker will abandon his “pickiness” and simply throw himself or herself into the banquet.

So perhaps, because grace is absolutely free, it is the most costly thing of all. It requires our heart.

Worship Theme (John 13:1-35)

It is remarkably easy to “explain away” Jesus’ actions in washing the disciples feet. Scholars remind us that foot washing was a common practice of hospitality in the ancient world. So we might easily think that offering a cup of coffee to a newcomer is the modern equivalent. It’s not.

There is truly a radical abasement of the self that is implied in the act of foot washing. It really is a dirty, smell, menial chore that deserves to be done by slaves, servants, or at least somebody other than the master or mistress of the house. That Jesus should do such a thing, and moreover expect us to imitate him, is an extraordinarily audacious and demanding thing. Of course, it is a metaphor. One can imply all kinds of service and sacrifice in the rubric of “washing the feet of another”. What we miss, however, is that Jesus is not asking us to make just any sacrifice. He is asking us to make the most embarrassing, menial, and unpleasant sacrifice possible for the sake of strangers to grace.

The degree of embarrassment matches the degree of blessing. The more we abase ourselves to the stranger to grace, the more that grace abounds to bring blessing after blessing to the stranger. This is Jesus’ divine sense of proportion. The more we want the other to be blessed, the more we sacrifice ourselves. And the more we moderate or diminish or self-sacrifice, the more we are tacitly declaring that we are lessening our expectations for the stranger to be blessed.  That is why the question “Do you love Jesus?” and the question “Do you love the seeker?” amount to the same thing.

Worship Design (John 13:1-35)

“What are you willing to give up for the sake of the gospel?” is an oft asked question within the Easum Bandy community. All too often, in the church, the answer to the question is, “Not much.” We give from our abundance and within our comfort zone. If we can afford it, if we have the time, and if it doesn’t require abasement, then if we feel like it (and the payoff in terms of looking good to ourselves or our peers is high enough) we might take on a spiritual habit or perform some good deed in the name of the faith.

To introduce this session, begin by showing a clip from the film Les Misérables (1999). Use the scene in which Jean Valjean (Liam Neeson) refuses to hear Fantine’s (Uma Thurman) story or pleas after she has been dismissed for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. In the clip it is apparent that Valjean is simply too busy to sacrifice a few moments from his busyness for a hapless, no-account waif. His actions contribute to her death. Use the scene to launch into a discussion about our own unwillingness to make personal sacrifices—even relatively small ones—on behalf of others, particularly those who are nameless and faceless.

Bring the issue home by drawing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid on the left side of a chalkboard or whiteboard and leading a discussion about what the participants are willing to “give up” in their lives for the sake of others (see illustration). However, rather than beginning at the bottom of the pyramid, begin at the top. Brainstorm what participants would actually be willing to give up for the sake of gospel in their lives and in their church. You may want to tell them that you will be taking these “offers” seriously and they may be called on to make whatever sacrifice they suggest. During the task, take the opportunity to point out what may not have been offered: music style in worship, changing the scheduled time for worship, surrendering a career move, etc. Lead a discussion of what their lives and what the church would look like if these sacrifices were more than words on a chalkboard, but were enacted in their lives. Follow this time by reading the following excerpt from Juan Carlos Ortiz’ book Disciple: A Handbook for New Believers:

When we first began to preach [the] message of discipleship in Buenos Aires, our congregations were very willing to obey.  Many of our members were bringing their homes and apartments to give to the church. (In my country, inflation is so bad that you don’t put money in the bank, because you will only fall behind.  Instead you buy something – anything - that has a value that will rise with the inflation.  Our apartments are our life savings.)

            We didn’t know what to do with these properties.  The pastors met together.  One said, “Maybe we should sell all these and use the money to build a big church in the city.”

            But others said, “No, no, that’s not the will of the Lord.”

            After six months of prayer, the Lord showed us what to do.  We called the people together and said, “We are going to return everyone’s real estate.  The Lord has showed us that He doesn’t want your empty houses.  He wants a house with you inside taking care of it.  He wants the carpets and heating and the air conditioning and the lights and the food and everything ready - for Him.  He also wants your car, with you as the driver.

            “Just remember, though, that it all still belongs to Him.”

            So now all the houses are open.  When visitor come to our congregation, we don’t say, “Who can take these brothers to your house?”

            Instead, we say to someone, “You, brother, you’re going to take these people to your house.”  We don’t ask; we command because the house is already given to the Lord.  And the people thank the Lord that He lets them live in His house (35-36).

Close with a discussion of this passage in the context of giving up something in the name of the Lord. This will likely be a lively discussion, since the concept of actually giving up anything, especially our convenience and autonomy, is generally foreign to the North American Mindset. However, as the discussion progresses, point back to the brainstorming session to point out the difference between what we say we’re willing to give up and what happens when the rubber hits the road.

If you’re particularly bold, rather than doing a “foot washing” as an example (which tends to be an illustration of how hard it is to receive rather than giving—many tend reaction like Peter when these acts are done), invite the participants to make a commitment of their home or their car for the use of the church (in true Ortiz’ style). Be wary of softening the commitment and suggesting that the church will only call on their sacrifice when it’s convenient for them—let this be a real commitment.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (Acts 17-18 and Mathew 25 and 27, and John 6 and 13)

Not being accepted or belonging is the basis for many, if not most, of our primary fears in life. We are all concerned about what others think about us, even though we may deny it. (If you think you’re exempt, listen to your inner voice the next time you say something lame in a staff meeting, to your boss, best friend, etc. as you ask yourself, “Why did I say that?” or “I can’t believe I said that.”) As you read this week’s scriptures, make note of how each character approached the reality of what others thought about them and/about their message. During your small group discussion time, discuss the investment you have in belonging and being accepted within your church community. What would it be like if you suddenly became an outsider to the small group because of a particular belief or practice (see John 6 and Acts 18)? What Christian beliefs or practices might make you an “outsider” (think radically here, such as giving up all your possessions, taking the untouchables into your home—and bringing them with you to the small group, etc.)? What would it be like if you suddenly became an outsider to the church? To your family? To your coworkers? When the group has wound up this discussion, add into the mix 1 John 4:18 “Perfect love drives out all fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” How does this color the discussion?

Bill T-B

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4^th Sunday in March (Week 13) Christian’s Mission (Ephesians 2:1-22 and 6:10-20; Ezekiel 36:37 – 37:28; Acts 19-20 and John 20 and 1 Corinthians and Ephesians)

It is very common among Christians today to use the language of “journey”. We are “travelers”, we say. We are explorers. We are on a journey. We are sojourners for a time, but we are moving on, and for a time we may travel together, but down the road we may part company. And that is all right, we say, because who knows where the road will lead. Your path and mine are, in the end, unique.

Yet there is something very wrong about that common Christian language. The early Christians believed that they once were on a journey, but that in Christ they had found a home. Christ was not a hope, but a reality. His presence was not a journey, but a destination.

Ephesians 2:19-22  ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,  ²⁰ built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,  ²¹ in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;  ²² in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

We are not passing acquaintances, who share a path for the time being, but one day part company to journey to unknown places. We are fellow saints who are eternally united, and that company will never be fractured even by death. Christ is eternally “NOW”. We do not have to wait to find him. We do not have to feel uncertain or lost. Christ is here. We are at home.

Team Meditation (Ezekiel 36:37 – 37:28)

It is difficult for western established church members to comprehend that salvation history is really about a life and death struggle. We live in such relative comfort … and in the predictable confidence that our security is quite assured. This is one reason the aggressive surprise attacks like the torpedoing of the Lusitania, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, or the 911 terrorist assault on New York City are so emotionally and spiritually upsetting. They demonstrate that our sense of security is really an illusion.

The same can be said about any meaningless evil that erupts in our lives … an accident, a disease, a crime, etc. There is a greater awareness of not just the potential, but the repeated reality, of victimization in our culture. Any moment and every moment can become a life and death situation. This is not new. God has been locked in a life and death struggle ever since the fall of humanity after creation. Our hope lies in the conviction that God has won that struggle, and will win that struggle, over sin and death. No matter how dry our bones may feel, God can heal and enliven us.

Worship Theme (Ephesians 2:1-22 and 6:10-20)

Any businessman or businesswoman instinctively understands what it means to don the whole armor of God in order to step outside the front door. You don’t just prepare yourself for work … you put on armor to go to work. The briefcase is a breastplate. The job description is a shield. Your shoes must be comfortable. The hat is more than a fashion statement. It’s protection against sun, rain, pollution, punches, spit, and abuse. And the computer, PDA, and cell phone are all swords of the spirit that can be used either for offense of defense.

Of course, there are serious lifestyle questions at stake here. Are the contents of your briefcase really about God’s righteousness? And is your job description a vehicle through which you can share and shelter the faith? Are your shoes comfortable because you are walking in the way of the Lord … or are they comfortable because you just stay within the comfort zones of self-interest? Does the joy of salvation and the confidence of grace sit atop your head for all your work associates to see? And is that digital sword of the spirit wielded for God’s truth or worldly compromise?

The corporate world is a battle zone. Who’s side are you on?

Worship Design (Ephesians 2:1-22 and 6:10-20)

The turn of the century was a media bonanza for Christians in business. In a brief article in the Christian Century titled Christianity Lite we get a whiff of the frenzy:

Some of the CEOs accused of unethical business practices are also “born–again” Christians: Richard Scrushy of HealthSouth, Ken Lay of Enron and Bernard Ebbers of WorldCom. How did they justify actions that are unethical, if not criminal? Robert S. McElvaine (Chicago Tribune, July 17) explains that while Hindus believe in karma—what one does in this life matters for the next life, some Christians believe all you need to do is “accept Jesus and then you can do whatever the hell you want” (122:16, July 9, 2005, 6).

What hapened to their armor? Did they forget to wear it? Was it faulty? The truth is, we may never know.

What we do know, however, is that business is rife with pretentiousness—and so is Christianity. Jesus was pretty hard on the self-righteousness of the religious leaders of his day, particularly of the Pharisees. It wasn’t so long ago that many Sunday morning services were less about worship and more about a fashion show. Putting on pretentions is a lot easier—and more fashionable—than putting on God’s armor.

Begin the service with a golden oldie. Run the clip from Mary Poppins (1964) when Mr. Banks (David Tomlinson) is called before the bank’s board for the run on the bank created by his children. During the scene the board members “defrock” Banks by turning his umbrella inside-out, punching out his hat, and crumbling his carnation. Every shred of his pompousness and pretentiousness is destroyed in this act (and he ends up singing supercalifragilisticexpialidocious).

During the service, discuss what makes a Christian “salt” and “light” in the workplace, specifically raising the issues of ethics, stealing (including not working to full productivity, coming in late, etc.). This is incredibly important because

...the average North American will spend about 90,000 hours at work before they finally punch-out on the time clock of life. During that extended time, you and your faith is on display for all to see. You may be able to fool the church people an hour or two each week, but you can’t fake-out the folks who see you eight hours a day, five days a week, twenty-two days a month—they know you as you really are (scary, huh?). (from Bill Tenny-Brittian On the Way Evangelism, Chalice Press, forthcoming)

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (Acts 19-20 and John 20 and 1 Corinthians and Ephesians)

There is much to read this week and there are many themes introduced. However, keep your eyes open for the theme “The Way of the Christian.” What does it mean to live life in the faith? From insistently seeking the real Jesus to taking the faith to your neighbors and to sharing your life with your Christian friends, what is it God expects of us? This isn’t about what you need to give up so much as it is what you need to take on.

During your small group time, look specifically at how those in the church are to treat one another. Do a word search for “one another” and “each other” and discuss what these passages suggest about church relationships. Before the group departs, make some concrete plans on how you as a small group can embody these expectations.

Bill T-B