Reminder for WorldMovers

After many holidays and other irregularities on our Sunday School schedule, we will. attempt to be back on track this Sunday with a discussion on the cover article from this issue: April 23, 2011. 

In addition, please remember to renew your subscription this month.  If you subscribed through the church, you will need to initiate a subscription to your home addres, which will be much more conveient for keeping up with the correct issue. We will no longer receive a group discount for the church's bulk order, and extra issues will only be on hand for the benefit of visitors.

Easter sights from Dove Mountain

It was a glorious Easter for Dove Mountaineers. Here are my two favorite photos from Annette Johnson's extensive album (you can see all 62 photos if you are her friend on Facebook - and why aren't you?).

Above:  a bevy of Dovemountaineer beauties radiating Easter joy

Below:  Hannah Johnson makes friends with the Steve's "lamb" from the children's message.

Secular Salvation Gets its Come-uppance

For those not familiar with the story, in 1993 mountain climber Greg Mortensen was stranded in a  remote village in the Himalayas and developed a passion for providing schools for this and similar villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Eventually, Mortensen founded the Central Asia Institute which has reportedly started over two hundred schools in remote villages.  Okay, I'm leaving out a lot of details, to get to several points....

The impact of Mortensen's first book, Three Cups of Tea, was a triumph for secular salvation through education.  Finally, secular government educators had their own "missionary" hero, and Mortensen's book was touted at very teacher convention for over a decade. He sold tens of thousands of copies, particularly among those empty secularists who had been jealous of Christian mission stories for over a century.

Not only did Mortensen tout secular education as salvific for these poor villagers, he emphasized the need to educate girls, an idea novel to these Muslim communities, and one so politically correct that it enhanced his appeal to the left even more.

A recent Sixty Minutes episode (you can read the transcript here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/15/60minutes/main20054397.shtml) "exposed" what they allege are untruths and exaggerations in Mortensen's story, as well as alleged improprieties in the running of his non-profit Central Asia Institute.  The CBS report was not completely convincing, but will probably do some harm to Mortensen's relentless fund-raising. 

One of the entertaining sideshows in this hullabaloo is watching the attempts by avowed secularists to drum up "moral indignation," both in opposition to Mortensen and in defense of him, as well. It fascinates me that those with no absolute basis for truth claims in their philosophy can borrow Christian ethics when it suits them, and pervert said ethics when it suits them. Circular arguments with no resolution dissolve into rhetorical volume contests, and battles over who can get in the last word.  A whole host of "end justifies the means" advocates are having a heyday saying that what Mortensen has accomplished should have no relation to whether or not his story is true.  Really.  These are Brian McLaren and Rob Bell's parishioners, for sure.

When the general public criticizes Christians for not living up to our own moral code, we deserve it.  We responded to Christ's call, and that means living to a higher standard, and it also means being falsely judged at times, as Passion Week reminded us last week.  Now that the cynical public is pulling down the left's heroes, we should not rejoice.  We should continue to repent daily, and continue to support Christian missions - missionary efforts which have, over the last two hundred years, founded and developed thousands more schools than the CAI, in scores of third world countries that Greg Mortensen has never heard of. 

It's Wednesday....

.,..and in my absence (see yesterday's blog) I am publicly charging Jeremiah Richards (from the Choir Practice tradition) and Stevie J (founder of the New Barleymen) to cohost in my absence this afternoon.  And I expect Jeremiah to post a report afterwards on the FB group page - which I will be checking from Prescott.

Prescott Adventure

Following Aslan's adventure this week takes me to Prescott, Arizona, where I'll be serving with a team of Christian educators from Arizona and Colorado as we review the work of Trinity Christian School, as they pursue accreditation with the Association of Christian Schools, International.  Trinity is led by an amazing young man named Kyle Maestri, who also served on the accrediting site visit team for Cornerstone Christian Academy here in Tucson back in 2007.

I request the prayers of my fellow Dove Mountaineers for

      1.  travel mercies - pray that the old van will handle those mountainous roads!

      2.  for wisdom in making our recommendations - that we may "judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24).

      3.   physical strength for the long days and late nights. 

Looking forward to seeing you - back in Tucson - on Sunday! 

Conflicting Demands: Feed the poor or pay the debt?

As promised, and as a particular convenience to WorldMovers, here is a link to the latest:

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/morality-in-america/

As with all Presidential Prayer Team articles,

1.   Let it be a guide for prayer.
2.   Be ready to discuss in class - how do we connect to the needy locally in Tucson?

He is Risen Indeed!

Crist is arisen! Arisen he sothe!

¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado!

Cristo è risorto! È veramente risorto!

Christ est ressuscité! Il est vraiment ressuscité!

Χριστός ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!

Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!

Christus is opgestaan! Hij is waarlijk opgestaan!

Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!

ハリストス復活！実に復活！

 !המשיח קם! באמת קם

基督復活了 他確實復活了

Hu'ta' QISt! Hu'bejta'!

Krestos a uprisin! Seen, him a uprisin fe tru!

Holy Saturday

The Entombment of Christ - Titian - c. 1520

Good Friday

Father forgive them, for they know not what they do

Luke 23:34;  Then Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do".

This first saying of Jesus on the cross is traditionally called "The Word of Forgiveness". It is theologically interpreted as Jesus' prayer for forgiveness for those who were crucifying him: the Roman soldiers, and apparently for all others who were involved in his crucifixion.

Today you will be with me in paradise

Luke 23:43;  And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise".

This saying is traditionally called "The Word of Salvation".  According to Luke's Gospel, Jesus was crucified between two thieves, one of whom supports Jesus' innocence and asks him to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus replies, "Truly, I say to you..." (ἀμήν λέγω σοί, amēn legō soi), followed with the only appearance of the word "paradise" in the Gospels (παραδείσω, paradeisō, from the Persian pairidaeza "paradise garden").

Behold your son: behold your mother

John 19:26-27:  Jesus saw his own mother, and the disciple standing near whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son". Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother". And from that hour, he took his mother into his family.

This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Relationship" and in it Jesus entrusts Mary, his mother, into the care of a disciple.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me

Matthew 27:46;  Around the ninth hour, Jesus shouted in a loud voice, saying "Eli Eli lama sabachthani?" which is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

This saying is traditionally called "The Word of Abandonment" and is the only saying that appears in more than one Gospel. This saying is given in Aramaic with a translation (originally in Greek) after it. This phrase is the opening line of Psalm 22. It was common for people at this time to reference songs by quoting their first lines. In the verses immediately following this saying, in both Gospels, the onlookers who hear Jesus' cry understand him to be calling for help from Elijah (Eliyyâ). The Aramaic word šabaqtanî is based on the verb šabaq, 'to allow, to permit, to forgive, and to forsake'.

I thirst

John 19:28;  He said, "I thirst".

This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Distress" and is compared and contrasted with the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan Woman at the Well in John 4:4-26.

It is finished

John 19:30;   Jesus said, "It is finished".

This statement is traditionally called "The Word of Triumph" and is theologically interpreted as the announcement of the end of the earthly life of Jesus, in anticipation for the Resurrection.

Father, into your hands I commit my spirit

Luke 23:46;  And speaking in a loud voice, Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit".

This saying, which is an announcement and not a request, is traditionally called "The Word of Reunion" and is theologically interpreted as the proclamation of Jesus joining the God the Father in Heaven.

Maundy Thursday

Why is the day of Jesus’ final supper and his institution of the bread and wine service called “Maundy Thursday”? Why not “Last Supper Thursday,” “Lord’s Supper Thursday” or “Communion Thursday,” to give three examples of possible substitute titles? No doubt, some other name might be more descriptive and meaningful in our modern age, but once we understand what “Maundy” signifies, we’ll see that it is an apt term to use for our celebration. In fact, Maundy Thursday is more than just about Communion, though that is certainly the important event.

The word “Maundy” is generally thought to refer to the word “commandment” in Jesus’ command for his disciples to love each other. That being so, the word “Maundy” tells us why it is possible for us to partake of Jesus’ death and life; it is through the love God has for us.

The name of the Thursday of Holy Week – Maundy – is derived from the Latin word mandatum, or command. Hence, the English word “mandate,” or commandment. The idea in “Maundy” is based on the command Jesus gave his disciples at the last evening meal of his earthly ministry, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). In Latin “a new commandment I give you” is Mandatum novum do vobis. And that is why the celebration day is called “Maundy Thursday” – or “Holy Thursday,” as it is known outside English-speaking nations. Footwashing, included in some Maundy Thursday services, is simply one illustration of how Christians are to love and humbly serve one another.

It is because God loved us in his freedom that he came in Jesus to save us through his death and resurrection. We read in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God, because of his love, sent his Son to save the world through him. Jesus’ death is the ultimate expression of this love. Jesus also said: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:13). Here, again, is command – mandatum – Maundy.

Both the bread and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus given for us, and his washing of the disciples’ feet are acts of love in service to others. It is love that lies behind the acts that Jesus performed during Holy Week – the love of God – for us. And Jesus’ command to us is to love God above all and to love each other as he loved us (John 15:12). Thus “Maundy Thursday,” or to say it in modern English – “Love Command Thursday” – is a perfectly appropriate term to use in summarizing what should be our response to the love and grace of Jesus in his death for our sinfulness.
                                                                                                  from Grace Communion International

Holy Week: Jesus Tells a Parable

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

This is a reproof of the late repentance of those who never think of what they are in want of, till the door is shut against every remedy. For those who do not make provision for a long period are charged with folly, because they are careless, and flatter themselves amidst their poverty, and allow the season of mutual intercourse to pass in such a way as to despise the aids which were offered to them. As they do not, in proper time, bethink themselves about procuring oil, Christ, mocking the knowledge which they have acquired when it is too late, shows how their stupidity will be punished, when they shall see themselves to be empty and unprovided, while there is no remedy.   John Calvin

Holy Week: Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Note in the text above that Jesus states he desires to have gathered the "children," not the "Jerusalem." It is not God's elect resisting, rather it is the seed of the serpent (the leaders of Jerusalem, the tenants) waging war with God's servants (Gen. 3; Rev. 12), whom Christ is gathering. Thus, this "Jerusalem" was preventing the children from being gathered at this time. It is these unregenerate ones that are resisting the proclamation of the Gospel because it is in their nature to do so (John 12:40; Romans 9:18; 11:7; Acts 7:51). How were they doing the preventing? By killing the prophets and stoning them, etc.! They even crucify the very Son of God!

In this passage, Jesus is wrapping up his final rebuke of judgment against the leaders (seed of the serpent) who opposed him (the seed of the woman). They were trying to keep the children of Jerusalem (chicks) from coming to salvation; but, as Matthew 23:38 states, their house will be left to them "desolate." In other words, as much as the leaders of Jerusalem desire to prevent the elect of Israel from be gathered to Christ, he will gather them despite their resistance.      Joseph R. Nally

Holy Week: Jesus Foretells His Resurrection in the New Covenant

19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.   from  John 2

Now what did Jesus mean? Did he simply mean that he would die and then rise again—his body would be destroyed and then raised up in three days? If that's all that he meant, then why did he refer to himself as the temple? And why would he say words like this in the temple itself, knowing that most people would take him to refer to the temple building and all that goes on there?
I think the answer is that both for those who had ears to hear, and for those who thought this through after his resurrection, Jesus meant: When I die, the temple dies. When I am destroyed, the temple is destroyed. This whole system—all these sacrifices, all this blood flowing to make atonement for sins, all this priestly activity surrounding the holy place where God's presence dwells—it all ends when I die. You destroy me and in dying I destroy the temple.     John Piper

11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.    From Hebrews 9

Happy Palm Sunday!

From today's Losungen:

Watchword for the Week -

And being found in human form, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Philippians 2:7,8

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11

They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest. Isaiah 9:3

The crowds that went ahead of Jesus and that followed were shouting,  'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!' Matthew 21:9

Hosanna, Son of God most high, hosanna! You are the promise of God who came to earth and became flesh to save us. We give thanks to you, Lord, for all you sacrificed for us. Amen.

Praying the Psalms

Two Sundays ago I commended Dove Mountaineer John Bailey for using so much scripture in his congregational prayer.  I have always beleived that it is important that we follow scriptural models in our prayer life.  Last fall I mentioned this when I was teaching the couples' group how to teach their chidlren to pray.  One of the moms asked at the time, "Where do I get examples of phrases of adoration my children can put into their prayers?"  I told it was a thoughtful question, with an easy answer: Psalms.   Dietirch Bonhoeffer wrote, in one of his last books, "The Psalter filled the life of early Chrisitanity.  But more important than all of this is tht Jesus died on the cross with words from the Psalms on his lips.  Whenever the Psalter is abandoned, an incomparable treasure is lost to the Chrisitan church.  With its recovery will come unexpected power."                           

Battlegrounds for Moral Courage

One of the reasons that I have not been posting as frequently on Dove Mountaineers as I used to is that I have spent much of my writing time on projects for Presidential Prayer Team.org.  As a service to Dove Mountaineers, I will begin providing direct links from this blog each time a new PPT article is published.  Here is the latest:

http://presidentialprayerteam.com/opinion/

Further thoughts on Mephibosheth

As usual, guest pastor Stu Sherrard brought us a great message Sunday, this time from 2 Samuel 9, the story of David and Mephibosheth.   As I continued to meditate on what we learn from this story, I found the following remarks by David R. Reid to be helpful:

"Mephibosheth’s attitude in response to David’s discovery of him is very significant in the picture of 'Mephibosheth and Me.' Even before Mephibosheth knew what David had planned, he prostrated himself and said, 'Here is your servant.' He didn’t try to justify himself or make excuses for his connection with Saul or throw the blame for his situation on others. In the same way, we had to come before God with a 'dead dog' attitude in order to benefit from His mercy. There was not much lower in the Hebrew culture than a dead dog. Many people today are unwilling to assume such a humble attitude. Their humanistic pride and arrogance keep them from experiencing the love and blessings of the King. Let us, the Mephibosheths who are now eating at the King’s table, reach out to them in love and compassion with the King’s official invitation. He wants them to join us in the picture of 'Mephibosheth and Me.'"

Victory for School Choice in Supreme Court!

Rejoice with those of us engaged in the war for the souls of America's children today with the news that the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit, dismissing the group of atheists protesting it as "having no standing" in saying that their tax money is being used to support religious schools, since they are not direct donors to a scholarship organization.  My employer, Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, was the plaintiff in the case, and we have waited expectantly since last November to receive this ruling.

Not surprisingly, the vote went along party lines, with the five conservative justices voting in the majority of a 5-4 vote.  Somewhat encouraging was the fact that President Obama verbally weighed in on our side.   Groups such as associations of Jewish schools, independent schools, and virtually all Christian denominations also filed "friend of the court" briefs in our support. 

A big "thank you" goes to all who faithfully prayed with us for this outcome.  Also, here's a reminder that if you have not filed your 2010 taxes yet, there is still a way to make a donation on your 2010 income.  Any Dove Mountaineer needing more info on how to do this may contact me directly.