(Introductory apology: My thoughts on the following topic are not fully formed, and I doubt I'm going to come to some brilliant conclusion that solves everything, but hang in there, dear reader! Hopefully I'll say something worthwhile here that will get you thinking.)
My denomination, the Christian Reformed Church, has a system of classes, regional groups where the leaders of local churches meet to work together. Every once in a while a congregation will request to move to a different classis because they think their theological positions are too different from the positions of the other churches in their current classis. Each time I see a request like this on the agenda for our annual meeting, it makes me very sad. I can't help but think we've really gone wrong somewhere.
We humans naturally seem to seek out people that are like us. We join clubs or teams based on shared interests. We get our news from TV networks and websites and periodicals that echo our political viewpoints. We gravitate toward people who are our age or at least in a similar stage of life. Often we're more comfortable around people of the same gender or ethnicity or social class and so on. (These statements aren't true of every single person, but I think they hold true in general.)
I think a lot of our churches work the same way. Many of us are willing to leave one church for another that has a worship style we like more or that approaches theological debates and contemporary issues roughly the way we do or that has people who are more like we are in some way. Denominations split, and congregations realign with different denominations, and left to our own devices we risk becoming more and more compartmentalized. (Again, please forgive the generalizing. I'm trying to keep this from getting too long.)
But if our churches more and more become gatherings of similar people, then I think we've really missed God's design for the church. In Acts, God's Spirit brings people who seem like outsiders into the church on multiple occasions and shows that they belong just as much as the previous Christians did. Revelation describes God's people as being made up of individuals from every nation, tribe, people, and language. Ephesians argues that bringing different people together into one new people of God is a central part of God's unfolding plan. And 1 Corinthians' discussion of spiritual gifts teaches us that unity in the church does not mean uniformity or sameness but rather diversity and variety.
I don't want to downplay the differences between the beliefs of the various branches of Christianity. We have very distinct theological postions in some areas. I don't think it would be wise for us to ignore all our differences and only talk about general areas of agreement. The church here and now will never completely be what God intends until Jesus returns. But I think that even if our differences keep us distinct, they don't have to keep us separate. Maybe we can't just up and ditch our denominations and all worship together each week. But we can worship together from time to time. We can work and serve together in our communities and in our world. We can strive to have deep discussions that don't devolve into dead-end debates. I think the most powerful witness the church can give is to be a body of people who are different in every way that the world around us looks for sameness, a body of people who don't seem like we should fit together but who come together and fight to remain together simply because Christ Jesus brings us together and makes us one. Christ doesn't eliminate our differences; He transcends them and even delights in them. God is making the church the most diverse gathering of humans ever assembled. We who are many form one body. May we never forget or downplay that.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, June 25, 2018
Monday, June 18, 2018
#90 Church Lanie
As Lanie becomes more active and more vocal, she's been enjoying church more and more. Lately she's been waiting for me at the front of church before the service begins. When I walk up the steps to sit behind the pulpit, Lanie climbs up after me and sits on my lap during the prelude. After the service, Lanie expectantly waits for me to pick her up so she can shake hands with me. This weekend it was brutally hot in Iowa, so we worshiped in the basement where the air conditioners were. That meant I was able to hear Lanie banging on the table and babbling away. After the service she kicked me with glee whenever one of her favorite people came over to shake my hand. Lanie has a ton of fun running around and saying hi to everyone. The church members are wildly entertained by all of this, and I think it's pretty sweet, but Tess is just a little bit stressed by Lanie's noise and energy. Lanie's pretty manageable for now, but it's only a matter of time before Lanie gets away from Tess in the middle of a service. Then we'll really have some fun.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, June 11, 2018
#89 Man of Steel
As I've mentioned before on this blog, this year is Superman's 80th anniversary, and, as a huge Superman fan, I will be celebrating by occasionally writing posts about Superman things. This week—the 14th to be exact—is the fifth anniversary of the film Man of Steel. My little sister, Molly, and I went to see a midnight IMAX showing of Man of Steel on its release date. (It's the only movie for which I've gone to a midnight premiere, and at this stage of my life, it probably will remain that way.) I'd spent months, if not years, getting excited for this film. Superman was back! But I was also pretty nervous. My all-time favorite movie is 1978's Superman: The Movie, and I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy Man of Steel nearly as much. In the end my fears were unfounded. I love Man of Steel. Let me tell you why.
First and foremost, the visuals of Man of Steel were incredible. Director Zack Snyder and company shot Superman in a way that made the movie look like a comic book come to life. The flying scenes, especially the scene where Clark Kent first learns to fly, are simply breathtaking. Watching the movie pulls me into this world to the point where I believe a man can fly, move at superspeed, see through walls, and perform incredible feats of strength.
Second, Hans Zimmer's score for the movie is fantastic. I'm a big Zimmer fan, and the music adds a lot of weight and emotion to the film. The theme that plays when Superman flies is easily my favorite.
Third, I think Henry Cavill makes a fantastic Clark Kent/Superman and Amy Adams is a terrific Lois Lane. Superman beams in peaceful moments of flying and responds to serious threats and challenges with appropriate seriousness. (I'm always a little bit thrown off by superheroes who show eerie permanent smiles as they fight for the safety of the world. People's lives are at stake here! Focus on the work at hand! [Maybe it's because my normal face is pretty neutral, not super smiley.]) Clark naturally wrestles with being different, but despite his parents' concern for his safety, he jumps into action to help others when anyone needs saving. When Superman springs into action, I feel the hope the movie is going for. Lois is a nearly fearless reporter who holds her own throughout the movie and plays a big role in saving the day. And Lois and Clark are wonderfully comfortable together.
Fourth, General Zod is a great villain. He's intimidating, calculating, and extremely powerful. What really makes his character work is that he truly believes he is right. Superman's physical struggle with Zod is big and memorable, but the ideological struggle is just as important.
Finally, I really enjoy the story of Man of Steel. The opening history on Krypton is exciting and crucial to the film. I find Clark Kent's journey to discover his identity very relatable. We learn about Clark's psychological vulnerabilities. We see how choosing to fight for Earth means standing up for people who largely view him with suspicion. We watch Superman face challenges way beyond anything he's ever encountered or even thought about and find a way to push through because that's what Superman does. Finally we see him reject the people of his home planet to do what's right and save innocent lives. That's a hero. That's Superman. I've watched Man of Steel more than any other movie since its release. I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.
Grace and peace,
BMH
First and foremost, the visuals of Man of Steel were incredible. Director Zack Snyder and company shot Superman in a way that made the movie look like a comic book come to life. The flying scenes, especially the scene where Clark Kent first learns to fly, are simply breathtaking. Watching the movie pulls me into this world to the point where I believe a man can fly, move at superspeed, see through walls, and perform incredible feats of strength.
Second, Hans Zimmer's score for the movie is fantastic. I'm a big Zimmer fan, and the music adds a lot of weight and emotion to the film. The theme that plays when Superman flies is easily my favorite.
Third, I think Henry Cavill makes a fantastic Clark Kent/Superman and Amy Adams is a terrific Lois Lane. Superman beams in peaceful moments of flying and responds to serious threats and challenges with appropriate seriousness. (I'm always a little bit thrown off by superheroes who show eerie permanent smiles as they fight for the safety of the world. People's lives are at stake here! Focus on the work at hand! [Maybe it's because my normal face is pretty neutral, not super smiley.]) Clark naturally wrestles with being different, but despite his parents' concern for his safety, he jumps into action to help others when anyone needs saving. When Superman springs into action, I feel the hope the movie is going for. Lois is a nearly fearless reporter who holds her own throughout the movie and plays a big role in saving the day. And Lois and Clark are wonderfully comfortable together.
Fourth, General Zod is a great villain. He's intimidating, calculating, and extremely powerful. What really makes his character work is that he truly believes he is right. Superman's physical struggle with Zod is big and memorable, but the ideological struggle is just as important.
Finally, I really enjoy the story of Man of Steel. The opening history on Krypton is exciting and crucial to the film. I find Clark Kent's journey to discover his identity very relatable. We learn about Clark's psychological vulnerabilities. We see how choosing to fight for Earth means standing up for people who largely view him with suspicion. We watch Superman face challenges way beyond anything he's ever encountered or even thought about and find a way to push through because that's what Superman does. Finally we see him reject the people of his home planet to do what's right and save innocent lives. That's a hero. That's Superman. I've watched Man of Steel more than any other movie since its release. I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, June 4, 2018
#88 Fried Chicken and Friendship
Today is the fifth anniversary of my return from Indonesia, so I think it's appropriate to tell one of my favorite stories from my time overseas.
A month or two into my stay in Malang, Indonesia, I went through a period of loneliness. I knew the people I worked with at the Christian international school, but they had all been in Indonesia longer than I had and had lives and friends of their own. My command of the language was poor at best, and I was often keenly aware that I was an outsider. One evening I was just feeling kind of down as I went out to find some dinner. I was lonely and needed a friend, but I don't think I could have put that into words as I walked around the neighborhood. That night I decided I would eat at a new restaurant that a friend had recommended to me. The place was dead when I arrived: I think I was the only customer. I ordered some fried chicken and white rice and sat down to eat near the cash register. The cashier, probably bored out of her skull, decided to make some small talk with me. Outside of the school I didn't encounter too many Indonesians that spoke English well, but this young lady did. (In fact, she was taking English courses in college.) We chatted for a while (the restaurant stayed slow that evening) and got along really well. Before I left, we decided that we would be friends and would try to hang out some other time. As I walked back home, it suddenly dawned on me how God had been at work. I wasn't even fully aware that I needed a friend, but God prompted me to go to a restaurant where I'd never eaten before. There He lined me up with someone who spoke English, had time to talk to me, and was comfortable making small talk with a foreigner. I had the friend I needed, and we hung out a good number of times over my remaining months overseas. God's work in my life isn't always clear to me, and sometimes I go through long periods where I don't seem to get just what I need. But I will never forget this one night, and hopefully because of it I will never forget that God knows my needs and watches out for me.
Grace and peace,
BMH
A month or two into my stay in Malang, Indonesia, I went through a period of loneliness. I knew the people I worked with at the Christian international school, but they had all been in Indonesia longer than I had and had lives and friends of their own. My command of the language was poor at best, and I was often keenly aware that I was an outsider. One evening I was just feeling kind of down as I went out to find some dinner. I was lonely and needed a friend, but I don't think I could have put that into words as I walked around the neighborhood. That night I decided I would eat at a new restaurant that a friend had recommended to me. The place was dead when I arrived: I think I was the only customer. I ordered some fried chicken and white rice and sat down to eat near the cash register. The cashier, probably bored out of her skull, decided to make some small talk with me. Outside of the school I didn't encounter too many Indonesians that spoke English well, but this young lady did. (In fact, she was taking English courses in college.) We chatted for a while (the restaurant stayed slow that evening) and got along really well. Before I left, we decided that we would be friends and would try to hang out some other time. As I walked back home, it suddenly dawned on me how God had been at work. I wasn't even fully aware that I needed a friend, but God prompted me to go to a restaurant where I'd never eaten before. There He lined me up with someone who spoke English, had time to talk to me, and was comfortable making small talk with a foreigner. I had the friend I needed, and we hung out a good number of times over my remaining months overseas. God's work in my life isn't always clear to me, and sometimes I go through long periods where I don't seem to get just what I need. But I will never forget this one night, and hopefully because of it I will never forget that God knows my needs and watches out for me.
Grace and peace,
BMH
Monday, May 21, 2018
#87 The Son Becomes the Father
I was born in 1991. That same year, Nintendo released the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Pretty early on my dad bought a SNES and began playing Super Mario World. As I got older, I found this game fascinating, and, as little kids do, I wanted to join my dad in whatever he was doing. So Dad handed me the spare controller and let me push the buttons and bounce around. Then I really loved the SNES. Before long I was old enough to actually play, and I still enjoyed it. Even as I got older and the SNES grew more and more outdated, I continued playing and having fun. So I kept the SNES with me as I moved to college and then to seminary and then to Iowa. One day a couple months ago I hooked up the old SNES in the basement. Lanie sat and watched me play for a bit, but she didn't seem to care too much. Then last week she decided that the basement was the most fun place in our house. Day after day we went down to explore, and before long she found the SNES. So I turned it on and handed Lanie the spare controller. Suddenly she loved it. The past few days she's been asking me to play with her, so I let us play for about 10 minutes. (She normally loses interest by about then anyway.) Things have come full circle. If Lanie keeps enjoying herself and the old SNES hangs on, maybe we'll get to the point where we can really play together. Then we'll really have fun.
Grace and peace,
BMH
P.S. Look at how cute Lanie is!
Grace and peace,
BMH
P.S. Look at how cute Lanie is!
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
#86 Power
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses…" (Acts 1:8)
I've felt drawn to this verse from Acts for several years. Last Sunday it was at the heart of my preaching on Jesus' ascension. When Jesus returns to heaven, He sends His people His Spirit so that He may continue His work of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God through us. There are no maybes in Acts 1:8. Christians will receive power, and Christians will be Jesus' witnesses. There's no room for questions; there are no other options. Christ Jesus, the Son of God, the Risen Lord, the Exalted King, promises to equip His people with His own power to enable us to carry out the great task of spreading the good news to the whole world. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus' ministry will now empower Jesus' people. Nothing is too difficult for God, and so there's nothing to fear.
I understand all of that. I really think I believe it. I can proclaim it as I did here, and I try to find to comfort in it. But, if I'm being really honest, I fail to live out those beliefs again and again. I fear a lot. And that fear keeps me from witnessing as I should. Even though I know that conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit always goes both before and with me, somehow I continue to convince myself that witnessing is all up to me. And if it really were all up to me, then I'm too weak and stupid and unworthy to do it properly. So again and again I fail to be what Jesus really wants me to be. I have the power of God inside of me, and yet I think I can't do something God gives me to do. Satan has been defeated and will be destroyed, and yet again and again I let the devil silence me and win, even though Satan is no match for the Spirit living in me. That's messed up. And I know I'm not the only Christian who struggles miserably in this way, especially in the U.S.
I know that I won't ever be perfect in this life, but I can be much, much better. I desperately want to be better. I don't know what God will do through me, but I'm sure that He can do immeasurably more than I can imagine. So I'm putting it here for anyone to read: I'm committing myself to praying that the Holy Spirit's power will annihilate my fears and to working to witness more and more with both my words and my actions. If you feel the need to pray for me, pray for that above all else. And when I pray for others, I'll try to pray the same thing.
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Grace and peace,
BMH
I've felt drawn to this verse from Acts for several years. Last Sunday it was at the heart of my preaching on Jesus' ascension. When Jesus returns to heaven, He sends His people His Spirit so that He may continue His work of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God through us. There are no maybes in Acts 1:8. Christians will receive power, and Christians will be Jesus' witnesses. There's no room for questions; there are no other options. Christ Jesus, the Son of God, the Risen Lord, the Exalted King, promises to equip His people with His own power to enable us to carry out the great task of spreading the good news to the whole world. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus' ministry will now empower Jesus' people. Nothing is too difficult for God, and so there's nothing to fear.
I understand all of that. I really think I believe it. I can proclaim it as I did here, and I try to find to comfort in it. But, if I'm being really honest, I fail to live out those beliefs again and again. I fear a lot. And that fear keeps me from witnessing as I should. Even though I know that conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit always goes both before and with me, somehow I continue to convince myself that witnessing is all up to me. And if it really were all up to me, then I'm too weak and stupid and unworthy to do it properly. So again and again I fail to be what Jesus really wants me to be. I have the power of God inside of me, and yet I think I can't do something God gives me to do. Satan has been defeated and will be destroyed, and yet again and again I let the devil silence me and win, even though Satan is no match for the Spirit living in me. That's messed up. And I know I'm not the only Christian who struggles miserably in this way, especially in the U.S.
I know that I won't ever be perfect in this life, but I can be much, much better. I desperately want to be better. I don't know what God will do through me, but I'm sure that He can do immeasurably more than I can imagine. So I'm putting it here for anyone to read: I'm committing myself to praying that the Holy Spirit's power will annihilate my fears and to working to witness more and more with both my words and my actions. If you feel the need to pray for me, pray for that above all else. And when I pray for others, I'll try to pray the same thing.
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Grace and peace,
BMH
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
#85 By the Slice
My little sister, Molly, graduated from my alma mater, Trinity Christian College, on Saturday. Congrats, Molls! While Tess and I were in the area, we made our usual stop at Nonna's Pizza in Crestwood. Nonna's claims to sell the world's largest pizza slice. (It's definitely huge, but I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical of that claim.) Now Nonna's is by no means the finest pizza on earth, but the pizza is big and doughy and hot, and I've always enjoyed it. Plus, Nonna's is open 24/7. When I was in college, a normal slice with drink and tax was $5. Nonna's was a college student's dream: lots of relatively cheap food available at any time. I devoured many, many slices of Nonna's over the course of my college career.
So whenever I'm in or driving through Chicagoland I make an effort to stop at Nonna's. My mom always rolls her eyes at me, and even Tess thinks I'm a little bit crazy, but I love Nonna's. As much as I do enjoy the pizza, it's more about the memories. One of the first nights my cross country teammates and I were at Trinity, we went to Nonna's. That was the first of many trips with my teammates and friends. We even convinced our coach to stop there after a meet one time. But that wasn't all. Tess and I would often split late-night slices. There always seemed to be Trin folks around on Thursday nights after Outcry (our praise and worship night). I made a lot of good memories over slices of Nonna's. Being around Trinity will always be a different now that I've graduated (and Nonna's itself has changed some), but when I stop at Nonna's I don't just get a slice of pizza, I also get a slice of my college life. And that's always worth it, even if the price is now $6.
Grace and peace,
BMH
So whenever I'm in or driving through Chicagoland I make an effort to stop at Nonna's. My mom always rolls her eyes at me, and even Tess thinks I'm a little bit crazy, but I love Nonna's. As much as I do enjoy the pizza, it's more about the memories. One of the first nights my cross country teammates and I were at Trinity, we went to Nonna's. That was the first of many trips with my teammates and friends. We even convinced our coach to stop there after a meet one time. But that wasn't all. Tess and I would often split late-night slices. There always seemed to be Trin folks around on Thursday nights after Outcry (our praise and worship night). I made a lot of good memories over slices of Nonna's. Being around Trinity will always be a different now that I've graduated (and Nonna's itself has changed some), but when I stop at Nonna's I don't just get a slice of pizza, I also get a slice of my college life. And that's always worth it, even if the price is now $6.
Grace and peace,
BMH
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