Making other people's faith your own

Many times we hear people say, "Don't just believe it because your friend's believe it." While I definitely agree with that statement, I think we may miss a subtle reality if we don't think a little more deeply about it - the reality of how other people's beliefs definitely shape our own.

Here are a couple of incidences where we are commanded to be edified by other people and their beliefs:

• Proverbs 3:1 - "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,"
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
  
• Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

While I understand that I must embrace a belief in order for it to be "mine", I also want to encourage everyone out there reading this note that we are shaped by so many things. We believe what we believe in large part because of so many external realities that surround us (things that God has ordained). And, sometimes, in the real bleak and dark times of your life, we almost need to cling to the beliefs of other people around us. We need other people to stir us up when we don't feel like we can hold on. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, we are wearied until we go "into the sanctuary of God" (v 17) and experience the encouragement of other people pointing us upward!

So, while I agree that you can't just believe something because others believe it. I also believe that, if others are abiding in the Word, you need to have them in your life, preaching Truth to you. And, at times, you need to make other people's faith your own.

Willow Creek Repents?

The following is an article on Christianity Today's blog regarding Willow Creek and their discipleship process. Hybels says that their church has made a mistake and they need to re-think their ministry model.

The article is fascinating, and I'd also recommend that you listen to the video clip by their executive pastor and also Hybels himself.

While I'm not sure I totally agree with Hybels conclusion on what they think is going to "fix" the problem, I do think that what is happening here is a very positive thing!

Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll

Not sure how many people are reading these posts, but for anyone who is, I'm requesting help.

If you look at my "Current Reads" section, you'll find that one book I'm reading is called "Radical Reformission". I was drawn to the book because of an interview that White Horse Inn did with Mark Driscoll a few weeks ago.

If you're familiar with the book, you'll understand what I'm about to say.... "OUTSIDE OF MY BOX!"

I'm about half way through the book and I'm left with many questions. Maybe he'll answer these as I continue to read, but I want to form somewhat of a dialogue on my blog to see what responses I can get from you, my readers. Let me take you briefly through what I've learned so far from Driscoll.

(note: I'm not saying I agree or disagree with him, it's merely what I'm learning about his philosophy of ministry)

Everything in his book is pointing to evangelism/magnifying Christ most effectively in this world - focusing on the incarnation. Driscoll explains that evangelism is more broad than simply going to ask someone to pray the "sinner's prayer". Although, he acknowledges that there are instances in Scripture that people did come to Christ in that fashion. However, there are more instances where relationships grew between Christians and the world because Christians integrated themselves to the culture in which they lived - Jesus being the primary example (incarnation). Because of this, we need to be IN the world, but not OF the world. So, we separate ourselves from SIN. But, Christians too often describe a certain type of culture to be sin. One of Driscoll's points would be that we can participate in culture by getting tattoos and some Christians can even have the biblical freedom to smoke or own a bar (since these practices are not explicitly forbidden in Scripture for all believers in all times) as long as their desire is to magnify Christ and they don't abuse their freedom.

The pull of this philosophy is the apparent freedom that's proclaimed. I'm sure questions are already popping into your head with the things mentioned above. But, there's even more questions that I have relating to the church.

I believe that most (if not all) of my readers would agree that the local church is comprised of both believers and unbelievers. However, a point of divergence with Driscoll might come when you read about his church having Christians and knowingly non-Christians participate in his church. Having said that, he doesn't allow non-Christians to take specific leadership roles like pastor or deacon; however, a non-Christian could potentially lead or participate in other things (ex: lead a hiking trip). At this point, the dominos seem to fall. And, at this point, I'm asking questions:

1. How does this fit with a church discipline model? An unbeliever is constantly living in defiance against God. Based on that reality, they shouldn't be a part of the church.

2. 1 Corinthians 5:12 seems to make it clear that an unbeliever is supposed to be considered an "outsider".

3. What is the purpose of a church gathering together on a Sunday morning? Is it's primary concern evangelism? Discipleship? Both? What's primary and what's secondary? Does it ever change?

My understanding of the church is that it consists primarily of believers desiring to draw closer to Christ and reach others for Him. However, the church needs to have it's own culture focused on obedience to Christ. We can have different types of ethnic groups, music styles, and cultural influences in a church without sacrificing the Truth; however, our implementation of worship in our gathering is based not primarily on the unbelievers who are walking into the church or even in our community at large. We base it on the unity that God has placed in our church body currently. And, as more people take part in the church, things will change. But, the Truth must remain.

I believe that Driscoll and I agree completely on the last line. Who knows, maybe we agree more than I think we do. I love his passion and the risks he's taking for the Kingdom. But, I definitely see some holes that I'd like clarification on. So, if anyone has any thoughts, please comment.