It's interesting I'm in the midst of writing some liturgy for an alternative worship event put on by Poasis around the theme of " Sorrow to Glory." The challenge has been to look at the cross, and get beyond just me...making it so personal that it leaves everyone, and everything around me out of the picture. Sort of like thinking I can save a fish by not having to worry about the fish bowl and everything else in it...if that makes sense. Anyways, I'm reminded if these great thoughts by Christopher J H Wright...
Most of all, we need to go back to the Cross and relearn its comprehensive glory. For if we persist in a narrow, individualistic view of the Cross as a personal exit strategy to heaven, we fall short of its biblical connection to the mission purpose of God for the whole of creation (Col. 1:20) and thereby lose the Cross-centered core of holistic mission.
It is vital that we see the Cross as central to every aspect of holistic, biblical mission—that is, of all we do in the name of the crucified and risen Jesus. It is a mistake, in my view, to think that while our evangelism must be centered on the Cross (as of course it has to be), our social engagement has some other theological foundation or justification.
Why is the Cross just as important across the whole field of mission? Because in all forms of Christian mission, we are confronting the powers of evil and the kingdom of Satan—with all their dismal effects on human life and the wider creation. If we are to proclaim and demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God and his justice, then we will be in direct conflict with the usurped reign of the evil one. In all such work, social or evangelistic, we confront the reality of sin and Satan. In all such work, we challenge the darkness of the world with the light and Good News of Jesus Christ and the reign of God through him.
By what authority can we do so? On what basis dare we challenge the chains of Satan, in word and deed, in people's spiritual, moral, physical, and social lives? Only the Cross. The Cross must be as central to our social engagement as it is to our evangelism. There is no other power, no other resource, no other name through which we can offer the whole gospel to the whole person and the whole world than Jesus Christ crucified and risen.
I always thought that it was best embodied in, "For God so loved the world . . ." I think when it comes to the forces of evil, we must not leave the meaning and intent of the word love out of our dialogue. Many people nowadays seem to be confused on the good fruit of the Spirit, on outward signs of inward grace and, considering "The Secret" what the will of God for humanity really is. I see a lot of selfishness being promoted through faith--and this is where you open and I agree with you on it wholeheartedly.
God's peace!
Posted by: Annie | March 02, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Hi Annie, your so right, we really get caught up about "me", we forget the reality of " that God so loved the 'world'." Think back to the thought of Christ, the " Word " speaking creation into being, into existence. God see in it and say," it was good, very good."
If Christ is in, of, and holds it all together...shouldn't redemption and saving, be about " all " of creation.
And, don't get me started on " the Secret ", it just more of a gospel of prosperity. Recycled, pursuit of happiness and the power of positive thinking.
Posted by: ron cole | March 02, 2007 at 10:41 AM
I've been in the middle of an argument about The Secret for a week! *It's terrible! I think Satan is winning souls! lol*
Remember the hazelnut? Yes, I think that redemption and saving is about "all" of creation!
"At the same time, he showed me something small, about the size of a hazelnut, that seemed to lie in the palm of my hand as round as a tiny ball. I tried to understand the sight of it, wondering what it could possibly mean. The answer came: "This is all that is made." I felt it so small that it could easily fade to nothing; but again I was told, "This lasts and it will go on lasting forever because God loves it. And so it is with everything that God loves." I saw three properties about this tiny object. First, God has made it; second, God loves it; third, that God keeps it." --Julian of Norwich
Posted by: Annie | March 02, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Annie, what an absolutely beautiful parable. If you don't mind, I'll post it out in the open. It's just such a gem, I hate to hide it. And, thanks for sharing it. I love how parables paint images in our minds...that are greater than thousands of words.
Posted by: ron cole | March 02, 2007 at 02:33 PM