In an article exploring the impact of C.S. Lewis, Wheaton Professor Lyle Dorsett notes Lewis’s belief that: in every Christian, the Holy Spirit is present; in some, the Spirit of Christ is prominent; but in only a few is He preeminent. Dorsett, who believes that Lewis’s impact was the result of the Oxford professor’s goal to be “radically obedient” to Christ.
Meanwhile, I had a chance to review Billy Graham’s last message. Put simply he said: 1) Do everything you can to follow in the steps of Jesus. “We’re to live a life in which we love one another, we help one another, we live according to what Jesus lived;” 2) read His Word every day; and 3) go to your knees and pray, until you and God have become intimate friends. “I cannot describe to you the joy and the peace that He gives to you as a result of that daily routine that you have in prayer.”
To Be Read:
- Speaking of Graham, this Monday’s Wall Street Journal contained an article by George W. Bush entitled, “How Billy Graham Changed My Life.” In the piece, Bush shares his faith in Christ, and credits Graham for helping him understand salvation by grace not works.
- A recent post on BuzzFeed now ranks as one of the more disturbing things I’ve read in a few years – and that is saying something, because when I was working on Futureview, I read some pretty disturbing things. In Infocalpyse Now, Aviv Ovadya, the chief technologist for the University of Michigan’s Center for Social Media Responsibility, explains our new ability to flawlessly modify video. This not only means that some will start splicing celebrities’ faces into pornographic videos, it means people will make it appear as though world leaders are saying things they never actually said. As if it wasn’t already hard enough to know what to believe.
- In an effort not to be written off as Chicken Little 2.0, let me also direct you to R.R. Reno’s piece – End-Times Anxiety – which appears in the most recent edition of First Things. In it, Reno notes that an amazing number of things are going well.
Quotes Worth Requoting:
- Be busy learning to pray. C.S. Lewis
- Student often; teacher sometimes; servant always. Roger Berry
- I don’t know what your destiny will be. Some of you will perhaps occupy remarkable positions. Perhaps some of you will become famous by your pens, or as artists. But I know one thing: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer, world-renowned theologian, musician, and missionary doctor, in a 1935 speech to students.
Thanksgiving
- As I noted above, in his last message, Dr. Graham suggested we start our day on our knees. For many years that was not my practice. I started my day with prayer, but not on my knees. In recent years I have kneeled. I am glad to note that, two months after knee surgery, I am able to kneel again. I find it makes a surprising difference.
- Last weekend’s baptism service was a joyful celebration of faith and rebirth. Ten area churches joined in the party. Lots of people publicly identified with Christ. It was a great time of worship and a fun display of unity.
Prayer Requests:
- As I have noted in earlier Updates – many of our staff are navigating personal and family difficulties. The same is true at several local churches. Please pray that those facing challenges would experience His joy, peace and favor, and that they would face their challenges with faith and courage.
- This week I joined two other Christ Church staff for a 24 hour trip to Kansas City to explore opportunities (and best practices) in pastoral residency programs. Christ Church is positioned near Trinity seminary, a blessing we want to steward well. We make much of that opportunity today, but we could do more. Pray that we make wise next steps.
- Next Friday is Advance Commitment Night, the first opportunity for people to complete financial commitment cards towards the REACH campaign. It is based on I Chronicles 29:6, where David (and other leaders) were the first to donate towards the building of the Temple. Our campaign goal is to help everyone take a next step in faith and service, and to secure commitments of $19M over two years. Given that our budget is just shy of $6M, that means we are hoping to raise three years of funding in two. The ultimate goal for REACH is “to fuel a movement that Reaches People and Renews Communities.” Locally we want: 1) to launch 3 new campuses; 2) expand our work among the under resourced and; 3) help other churches grow and thrive. Globally we want to help our partners in Turkey, Ghana and India start churches that are going to reach people and renew communities. Right now we are working to finish the campaign strong and get things lined up for a fast start assuming we hit our targets.