Theology vs. Empty Words

On my last evening in CA, I went to a friend of mine's Bible study. It was an excellent Bible study. The leader dove into Hebrews 12:1 and got far more out of it in 2 hours then I probably ever could. Honestly, it's more because I would get bored with it a lot quicker then he would (which I say to my shame). My friend mentioned I was a missionary to Scotland, so afterwards a lot of people asked me about it, what I do, what it looks like, etc. I was very happy to share what God has been doing. After that, we got into a theology discussion. The man I was discussing it with was very, very learned. He gave me a lot to think about. See, I've been having a few conversations with people who (for various reasons) have currently decided not to follow Jesus. After our discussion, I realized what made me feel uncomfortable (Brian, this is for you). I realized that in the end, theology without action is just babble. The pharisees were excellent at theology, but they missed it. I was reading in John today where Jesus heals a blind man on the Sabbath. (John 9) The pharisees are so caught up in the fact that Jesus broke the Sabbath that they insist that the man confess that Jesus is a sinner. I love his answer. He then answered, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." (John 9:25) I myself sometimes find myself so caught up in the minor details that I miss the big picture. We Christians (as a whole - not individually) get so caught up in debates about homosexual marriage and abortion that we miss the big issues - everyone has sinned sexually, everyone has at one time or another committed murder in their heart, everyone has sinned. Why do we get so self righteous about minor things? Instead of arguing and wasting breath about minor details, let's get out there and show Jesus to people.

Erwin

"I'm going to die, and you're going to die. I'm just going to die sooner and with more intentionality." - Erwin McManus

Well, right now I am hanging out in my mate Sean's flat in North Hollywood kind of decompressing from Conference. Conference was awesome! I made some really good connects and also established what hopefully will be some amazing friendships! Our speaker was Erwin McManus. I had visited his church (Mosaic) when I was last in Los Angeles, however, I approached him at breakfast and was able to speak with him a bit! He was a good speaker. He has written a few books. We were given "Barbarian Way" by him as a gift when we graduated from our participant year. I'm honestly not a huge fan of his writing, however, his speaking reached me right where I'm at. It reminded me of what fuels my passion to do what God has called me to do. My passion is to be where the people are, to be intentional about how I live my life. I want to live a life so in tune with Christ Jesus that others will never be able to see me, just Him. I want to be a redeeming presence in whatever neighborhood I'm in to whomever lives there. That is my prayer and my passion.

Home

This is the best way I could think of to let everyone know this. I'm flying home this Tuesday (June 6) for a week. I hope to reconnect with a lot of you and look forward to seeing everyone again before I fly out to staff conference in Santa Barbara, CA!

Spiritual Maturity and the Kingdom

"In a word what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5:48 I came across this verse a couple of days ago. It really jumped out at me because I realized that that's what God says to me. I don't always act like that, and I need to get with the program.