tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6377321055025343852024-02-07T10:11:21.079-08:00CONVERSATIONS Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-88856673300823354892019-10-30T12:07:00.002-07:002019-10-30T12:07:42.042-07:00Churches at the Crossroads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The Crossroads </b><br />
This is that point in the life of a congregation where a decision has to be made. Things cannot stay the same. It is now - or never. Whatever choice is made it has to begin with asking where God wants the congregation to be in 5,10 or 20 years. What purpose does God have for this particular body of Christ?<br />
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<b>Choices:</b><br />
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<b>1.Stay the Course</b>. Bring no substantive change to bear on the situation. Keep things just as they are. This is essentially a decision to not make dramatic changes and hope that circumstances will develop in your favor. Normal practices of worship, fellowship, and outreach will remain as they are. The physical demand on the congregation will be largely the same. The downside is that the statistical profile indicates a negative future in almost all cases unless something does - swiftly and decisively - change.<br />
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<b>2. Intentional Transition</b>. Explore new options for relationship. Would a merger work? A Cooperative relationship with another church or agency? Allow a larger, growing church to make the congregation and building a satellite of their ministry? Begin the dialogue and how the changes might be implemented. This path would take a church down the road of conversation about transitioning their current state into a relationship characterized by one of the above terms. This would be a process of research, conversation, and negotiation. It would require a willingness to surrender self-interests to a greater good. It could involve loss of the distinct identity the church currently has in favor of something brand new. The dangers include the possibility of a post merger atrophy.<br />
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<b>3. Radical Reinvention</b>. Assess strengths and weaknesses. Encourage buy-in to a 'break us down and rebuild us in a better model' approach. Develop a clear, detailed strategy. Assess costs. Implement and assign commitment (who is going to do what and for how long?) Evaluate and adjust as you go along. Radical Reinvention will require total commitment by the congregation. It will require brutal honesty as to what works and what does not. It will require a completely open attitude to change, innovation and experimentation. Familiar features may disappear and new expressions appear. The prioroty would be evangelism, outreach and relationship with the community.<br />
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<b>Know These Things to Be True:</b><br />
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A church reestablishing its mission and purpose - at whatever level will see people leave. They will leave because change is not happening, they will leave because change is being talked about and they will leave because they feel their place of power or authority is being lost.<br />
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As a church decides to reinvent itself and chart a purpose that is clear and disciple-making , people will leave but God's Holy Spirit will begin to send people to take their place and share the mission God has for the ministry of the congregation in its setting.<br />
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Churches go through cycles of development: the are grow, the achieve, they sit back and rest on past glories and then - unless they refine their mission and purpose - they begin a downward slide into eventual organizational death. That is when churches close.<br />
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Churches at the Crossroads of Change should engage in intense individual and corporate prayer for vision, should walk their community to really see where the needs are and what is going un fulfilled, and then they should make a decision to change in order to keep the ministry flexible and the purpose of the church healthy and moving forward for Christ.<br />
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The Church should never rest on past accomplishments, should never plan in such a way they lock themselves into any style, form or character. Growing things change, constantly, and God wants His Church to be more than brick and mortar but a living thing that is able to quickly reshape itself to meet new challenges and opportunities.<br />
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Dr. Marvin J. HudsonMARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-54373778014718767312019-09-25T07:49:00.002-07:002019-09-25T07:49:30.915-07:00New Phases: Retirement and Beyond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dr. Hudson continues his love of learning and teaching in retirement. He attended the Society for Biblical Literature meetings in the Dallas area in March of 2019, has taught several graduate level courses on topics of Church History and Bible. He speaks occasionally for churches and will, late in October, engage in a series of engagements in the Oklahoma Panhandle. He will be teaching a short course in Cushing at the First United Methodist Church in October (Tuesday nights at 6 p.m.-7p.m.) on the Didache and will fill the pulpit there on October 13th at 10:00 a.m.</div>
MARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-86732747603583928362015-06-07T15:18:00.000-07:002015-06-07T15:18:00.317-07:00On the Road Again <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViKh7Oy1AjtNb-9c2Cv2VisPjaszhyphenhyphen0GaaQXlMwHSLwWpHGgDEaVcmEEDVFMjPb64iR4sHdMJpAr1wYxHKXf5ip1VGJYIKTRgYVNK5gmCnaQ_94KeI8_a4RrX6DD-awgvsW6mWpuz_pA/s1600/MarvinCap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViKh7Oy1AjtNb-9c2Cv2VisPjaszhyphenhyphen0GaaQXlMwHSLwWpHGgDEaVcmEEDVFMjPb64iR4sHdMJpAr1wYxHKXf5ip1VGJYIKTRgYVNK5gmCnaQ_94KeI8_a4RrX6DD-awgvsW6mWpuz_pA/s1600/MarvinCap.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a>Dr. Marvin J. Hudson, Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist, was appointed May 28, 2015 by Bishop Hayes at the Oklahoma Annual Conference to serve as IIMS pastor at <span style="color: black;">the</span> Barnard Memorial <br />
United Methodist Church in Holdenville, Oklahoma.<br />
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Dr. Marvin J. Hudson, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I consider it a great joy to be appointed to work with Barnard Memorial UMC. The community is full of creative and capable people who will do great things, I am sure. I look forward to our shared journey of faith and ministry.“</div>
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Barnard is located in the loving rolling hills of southeast Oklahoma, southeast of Seminole and it was established in 1905. </div>
MARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-4258859754223623492015-04-18T16:17:00.001-07:002015-04-18T16:18:28.532-07:00Transitions and Passages<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAmUMB4mkzwClORXFEQw2nRHq5QAIn8dpCfKtZ1tYuw9guyN5mA7MheGRa46MfuDxhjWH1j1FO1UDt-IJHW6xFZ3qAKJXwwTPorW-94hCEbEQKvwocsFVnEVu1MKW3nhTITn0KKHER8o/s1600/f05141b3f9ec948918c8667e703d7c1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAmUMB4mkzwClORXFEQw2nRHq5QAIn8dpCfKtZ1tYuw9guyN5mA7MheGRa46MfuDxhjWH1j1FO1UDt-IJHW6xFZ3qAKJXwwTPorW-94hCEbEQKvwocsFVnEVu1MKW3nhTITn0KKHER8o/s1600/f05141b3f9ec948918c8667e703d7c1c.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>This image (source unknown) sums up what both pastors and people have to remember during any transitions. In some groups the clergy itinerate moving from one charge (church) to another as placed by superiors. I some groups a clergy is called by the congregation to come and assume the leadership in a location. Whatever the model, this principle from 1 Corinthians 3:7 is a reminder. </div>
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Churches need leaders in the pews who participate in seeking God's will, who pray for God's guidance and who involve themselves in fulfilling the mission of the Christian life in community. Churches need pastors who will teach, guide, direct, inspire and encourage in a loving and grace filled manner. One person in agriculture put it this way, "Church people are like a herd of sheep. I am their shepherd and I care for them, keep them safe, plan good for their future and teach them. I leave the making more sheep to them."</div>
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It is a good thing to remember that no one person can go into any situation and "fix" it. Major consultants indicate they, for all the thousands they are paid, are seldom listened to and less than a quarter of their clients actually implement the solutions suggested. The desire to be active in ministry, mission, and discipleship has to be born in the hearts of the people on the pew, they have to be released to follow that vision, trained as needed and then feed regularly a diet of good spiritual food.</div>
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Don't wait for the Rev. Bandage Who Will Fix All Our Problems to unload in your town, stir up the gift God has already placed in the hearts of his people, and make it possible for God to work in your heart, in your town and in your church.</div>
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---Marilyn A. Hudson, dedicated to all those moving to minister in new settings.</div>
MARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-35698735610275792492015-04-14T10:46:00.001-07:002015-04-14T10:46:14.072-07:00RETHINKING CHURCH: Three Keys<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">RETHINKING A CHURCH- </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three Keys to the Future from Dr. Hudson </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">08/11/2014 </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bgUke4avDpxB8HCxe8PsQYS3e91k2lrheOWWOlfBmW6-05takHsguf_LsAkqsTB0ts0ZMSmxEO01DKfVOqB_3XzNYDZYTPNTyEx4Ff2M7kMLY9OB6GnO_Burm79bt8WywJ2EqGCdyTXP/s1600/MarvinJHudsonJTF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bgUke4avDpxB8HCxe8PsQYS3e91k2lrheOWWOlfBmW6-05takHsguf_LsAkqsTB0ts0ZMSmxEO01DKfVOqB_3XzNYDZYTPNTyEx4Ff2M7kMLY9OB6GnO_Burm79bt8WywJ2EqGCdyTXP/s1600/MarvinJHudsonJTF.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a church engages itself in the
process of re-thinking church, there is an awareness of many ideas, obstacles
and dead ends. It is not an easy task. It is akin to pausing at the edge
of a vast wasteland with mountains in the distance. You know you want to
be ‘there’, but it is not clear just how to get from ‘here’ to there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are always leaders and hopers who
will be hard at work trying to deal with such realities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will always be those who resist change. No
matter what master plans from other churches are reviewed, there always seems
to be three common elements. These three keys spell the successful future
for a congregation <u>if they have the courage</u>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Key
One: Spiritual Direction </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A church has to have a clear
understanding of what their foundational ideology is or they will be like a
lifeboat adrift on a turbulent sea of societal change. The Bible calls it
being blown here and there by the contrary or competing wind of doctrine.
No matter how we choose to act out that spiritual conviction, having it firmly
enmeshed in our lives as the yardstick we measure success on is crucial.
We have to believe in something, know what we believe and what it means to live
out what we believe. There must be clear spiritual direction and vitality
in a church if it is to grow and be in mission and service.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Key
Two: Unity of Purpose</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There has to be a group of people
who stand united behind the identified purpose of the church. The Bible
expresses repeatedly that unity of spirit, mind, and vision are part of the
work of God among a people. The pronounced presence of disunity,
fracture, and fragmentation is evidence that the ‘mind of Christ’ is not at work
among His people. As children, we learned that we could express our views
in a class election, but then we had to unite behind the decision made and act
as a cohesive whole. I heard a children’s story one time about a small
town trying to pick a giant turnip. One person tried and failed. Another
person tried and failed. The solution came when EVERYONE got involved and
pulled the giant turnip out of the ground. Sometimes it is true;
everything we need to know we really did learn in Kindergarten. Unity of
purpose is a must for a church to achieve its true purpose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Key
Three: Committed Achievement</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perhaps you have witnessed a group
make a decision in a meeting, shake hands and then leave, and never return to
the subject of the decision. A major key to success is a two-part
step. There must be the act of decision-making but then there must be the
intentional follow through to accomplish the goal contained within the
decision. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many churches across the country go
into each New Year with unfulfilled goals of action plans never achieved
through committed work. Those goals and plans are like the ponderous
chains of Marley that Dickens wrote about and rattle in the background of every
meeting and event. A church and its people must be committed to achieving
what they plan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
These questions (among others) should guide us as we think about what we do,
how we do it and why we do what we do. Do we see the spiritual signposts
on our journey and follow their direction? Do we strive to find and keep
unity of purpose in all we do as a church? Are we committed to not merely
planning but achieving what we plan?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Marvin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pray that as you contemplate these
ideas, that you ask God to guide and direct everyone as they work to find the
future of your church.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-14544700238464028032015-04-14T10:35:00.000-07:002015-04-14T10:35:05.334-07:00The Original Optimist Club<div class="post-meta clearfix">
<div class="post-date-inline updated">
<span class="value-title" title="2014-12-24T09:41"></span> A Word from Dr. Marvin J Hudson, Minister</div>
</div>
<div class="entry-content clearfix">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uKqmcCroKnVoXV3NAuxm449dnQ0tL6R3LZ93iEWpqq0-Su-qi2Ob1jSbusaBtk9TXEd57f_OMgq9Rfxz12Myz2KkivKuct-Zp9j-BMfSBQ5iWziWgc6ryb4SWPSOn0VMajJo8xcstiw/s1600/MarvinCap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uKqmcCroKnVoXV3NAuxm449dnQ0tL6R3LZ93iEWpqq0-Su-qi2Ob1jSbusaBtk9TXEd57f_OMgq9Rfxz12Myz2KkivKuct-Zp9j-BMfSBQ5iWziWgc6ryb4SWPSOn0VMajJo8xcstiw/s1600/MarvinCap.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<h5 style="text-align: justify;">
<em>
</em>
Most of us grew up hearing about the various civic service organizations
of our American communities. Jaycees, Lions, Rotary, and others were
all familiar names on signage at the entrance to many of the towns we
grew up in. Often, we were not fully certain what these groups did, but
they were a part of the fabric of our lives and somehow a reassuring
part of the normal order. One of the groups that I was always fascinated
with was the “Optimists” civic group.</h5>
<h5 style="text-align: justify;">
I confess that I knew little
about them, but what a great name. It suggested to me in early years a
group of individuals who got together on a regular basis to share their
optimism with one another. Could it be better than that? I suspect that
there is more to it than that rather naive thought. I do however still
imagine that in their choice of a name, they reflect a creedal
commitment to a philosophical viewpoint. They are committed to
approaching the issues of community from an optimistic stance. Someone
may correct me on that, but that is somewhat beside the point. I really
want to point to what I think was the original optimist club. </h5>
<h5 style="text-align: justify;">
The attitude of the early church was that Christ had provided for
something wonderful as a response to the reality of life. Through
Christ, redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness, and freedom were now a
present reality for “Whosoever will”. This optimism radiated within
every message shared by the Apostles. Peter offered the hope of
salvation and the infilling of the Holy Spirit to anyone who wished it
on the day of Pentecost.<br />
<br />
Paul and Silas were so optimistic that they
could sing hymns at midnight while chained in a jail cell. Paul could
optimistically declare that “Nothing can separate us from the love of
God in Christ.” He could also affirm that “Whatever may be the promises
of God to us, in Jesus they already have their yes.” I am thinking that
we could use a dose of that kind of optimism in this time when it seems
that we are surrounded by so much negativity in our society.<br />
<br />
What a gift
to be optimistic when we are tempted to believe that everything is in
some kind of mortal decline. Is it possible that in such a time as this,
we may benefit from hearing the assurance of our faith once again that
no matter what; our Lord will never “Leave us nor forsake us?” I suspect
so. I encourage you to be of good cheer. God is faithful!<br />
<br />
Be an Optimist!</h5>
</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-14650405477278933852015-03-08T07:19:00.003-07:002015-03-08T13:10:18.867-07:00The Perfect Church<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scan any catalog and there will be several dozen books from authors telling you how to build a perfect church. What is a perfect church?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a question that is prone to numerous responses. A lot of tradition, experience, needs, and culture go into the answering of it for most people. Some will even consult the Bible and come to some view of what the 'church' is supposed to be in those pages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, the perfect church is simple.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People coming together as a group to worship God, to learn about God, and share with others God.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
No big buildings, no high budget programs, and no bells and whistles. Just people living their lives and sharing their faith in meaningful ways.<br />
<br />
No stress, no tension, and no pride. Just people following in the footsteps of Jesus to change their world. People more concerned about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for those unloved than about their own form of "who will be first in the Kingdom, Jesus?"<br />
<br />
People getting up every morning filled with a passion for God, motivated by a need to be the hands and feet of Christ, and informed by a dynamic personal faith relationsjip with a God of love, courage, and peace. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I said, it is simple .</div>
<br />
<br />Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-59964712140935608282014-07-14T09:59:00.000-07:002014-07-14T09:59:00.279-07:00The Church Year and Spiritual Growth<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Church Year and Spiritual Growth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BhxowUgV7vq-h6gBQEaVud1I5TQxyKNphhPmt6dz1PKyX6LMDGCrAPK1h6HXEKXU7KiwW8Fw369e67R8yn0Ve6eKkD9IqbO3uPJ0OaReb8Y2h8591eetFsqJCwWt6RxxE3nA4h2UVdQe/s1600/MH900427607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BhxowUgV7vq-h6gBQEaVud1I5TQxyKNphhPmt6dz1PKyX6LMDGCrAPK1h6HXEKXU7KiwW8Fw369e67R8yn0Ve6eKkD9IqbO3uPJ0OaReb8Y2h8591eetFsqJCwWt6RxxE3nA4h2UVdQe/s1600/MH900427607.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>I have often found that persons are unfamiliar with the
concept of the “Church year”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many
congregations, including Methodism, we see and take for granted certain
practices without fully understanding them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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The practices I am referring to include the changing colors on the
altar, the pulpit and lectern, as well as choir robes and other features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, we often see or hear terms that we may
not fully understand; Advent,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lent,
Eastertide, Kingdom tide, and others may not translate meaningfully. There are
even special days that may seem strange, such as All Saints Day, Christ the
King Sunday, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Epiphany, Ash Wednesday and
Maundy Thursday..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it all about?</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Church year is about reliving the life of Christ in an
ongoing seasonal manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The year begins
with Advent when the promised coming of the Messiah is remembered through
specific readings, music, and acts of worship. Advent climaxes with the
Christmas celebration of the nativity. The year proceeds with Epiphany in a
manner that walks the believer through the public appearance of Jesus, his life
and ministry. With the arrival of the Lenten season believers recall his passion,
death. The climax here is Easter when we experience the resurrection of the
Christ. From Easter we move towards Pentecost and the birth of the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The balance of the year explores the
important themes of what it means to be the body of Christ in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in general terms, the cycle begins again
as we approach Advent.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, as they say, “What’s the point?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that correctly understood, the
Church year can be a valuable tool to allow us to grow spiritually as we
meditate upon and study the major movements of our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The early church understood the Christian
faith as both an organized set of beliefs (credens) and a vital condition of
the heart (fiducia) .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One played into
the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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We too may find that by
reliving the seasons of the year with their focus upon the Gospel message, our
own faith will be more completely informed and more deeply felt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As we approach the Advent season, be on the lookout for
resources that will be displayed around the church to aid you and your family
in mining this treasure trove of the Church year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Blessings!</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-72882897033045036232014-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:002014-06-23T09:55:00.422-07:00Uninspired?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Uninspired?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Doubtless, many of us, if not all, have had the experience of
beginning a day (or even a period of life) with the lackluster sense of having
no inspiration about the routine facing us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_REThJdlTzfZYGpzY9oX24RzNDd7Ry8mH9DC2Pp-6qq1zKUW86PUxnUKF_XEbvemcGAolXpRQeomfRiWnPPCrLaDRk4p8CfKzFLfWAPkIOcDvvWe94J7a6RrG7uWfhvY-BsVYSLEo6Qp7/s1600/MH900411831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_REThJdlTzfZYGpzY9oX24RzNDd7Ry8mH9DC2Pp-6qq1zKUW86PUxnUKF_XEbvemcGAolXpRQeomfRiWnPPCrLaDRk4p8CfKzFLfWAPkIOcDvvWe94J7a6RrG7uWfhvY-BsVYSLEo6Qp7/s1600/MH900411831.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one more day of doing something that is just pretty tedious. There
is no challenge, no excitement, and no fulfillment on the horizon at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the time window involved can be
shockingly long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Years ago, I worked with a fellow who shared with me a
startling personal observation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
been employed for thirteen years doing a particular job and had never enjoyed a
day of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, I found that
troubling. I still do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not like the
idea of feeling trapped in a role that brings no sense of fulfillment at
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a painful thought to consider
that one might be engaged so long in such a manner as my friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, I suspect that it is not all that rare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Do you know someone that gets up each day and simply plods
though the process because they feel that is their only option?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds kind of bleak, does it not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there nothing one could do about it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have known people who “live for the
weekend” as a way of coping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They endure
the tedium and see Friday as an escape window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the next two days, they try to cram all the living into forty-eight
hours that they can and then it is Monday again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be better than nothing, but not
much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I wonder if it would be better to consider other
options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we looked for ways to
make our life count throughout the week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be a part of some group or activity that brings vitality to our
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is we took a class that
was completely impractical?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classes that
are not job related, but allow us to paint a picture, read a book or explore a
hobby? What if we joined a club or civic group that allowed us to experience
fulfillment and friendship on a regular basis?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if we volunteered for a service project or a mission trip that
called us out of our routine and allowed us to experience something radically
fresh? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have found that inspiration comes not from routine, but
from the extraordinary in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often
engaging the extraordinary requires us to leave our rut and dare to do
something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a thought. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-29324302993521889362014-06-17T10:39:00.000-07:002014-06-17T10:39:02.396-07:00A Green and Living Thing<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C7Hy8lOwB_AtETxeV0AwBtJraYuRoiaB-CDInvV_nHNJ2xFNsEknoC5oUD3y9GaZ4G2mNJcHajFksr-OskL6_X1r4lWD9lItGV4jaJ9ZAFHt8MrkUqwwYHRPyT4WRfr5aoIyLGcUnWPI/s1600/Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4C7Hy8lOwB_AtETxeV0AwBtJraYuRoiaB-CDInvV_nHNJ2xFNsEknoC5oUD3y9GaZ4G2mNJcHajFksr-OskL6_X1r4lWD9lItGV4jaJ9ZAFHt8MrkUqwwYHRPyT4WRfr5aoIyLGcUnWPI/s1600/Tree.jpg" height="172" width="200" /></a><i>"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord...he is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." -- Psalm 1.1-3</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In recent years, drought has threatened many areas and loomed high on the scale of fears that might destroy lives and communities. In some spots lakes and bodies of water shrunk to levels unseen for decades. Communities drowned to form sporting lakes rose ghostlike as the water levels lowered. Where once green and lush grasses and trees flourished there were acres of sand and blowing dirt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the modern American church there is a lot of discussion of the lack of growth, the aging congregations, and the lack of real evangelistic growth of the gospel being preached. There is increasing tension between the demands of the Gospel and the demands of the Culture. Lines of faith and spirituality blur. Traditional values fall to the dictates of modern life, growing secularism, and a worldview that stems less from the Bible than popular opinion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The church is scurrying around seeking relevance, community engagement, and social justice as primary goals. Yet, we are like trees without leaves, bearing little fruit and desperately seeking something more than the dry sands of modern society.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Perhaps, like the tree in the verses, we struggle in a dry and barren land because we listen to the counsel of the wicked, we stand by and say nothing as faith is mocked, and we no longer delight in the law of the Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The message is simple: when we find delight in the law of the Lord, when we do not listen to the advice of those who do not know God and we do not mock faith, we are trees that grow lush and productive fed by the streams of spiritual water. To live in relationship with God is to be part of a green and living thing. When we stop seeking relationships and when we stop drinking from that living water of spiritual vitality we petrify. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Better to seek to send our roots searching for that fresh and flowing water of spiritual relationship. Then, and only then, does our faith become a green and living thing.</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-62994389223704850312014-06-10T09:52:00.000-07:002014-06-10T09:52:02.948-07:00Living In Interesting Times<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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One of the blessings of living in Oklahoma is the relatively
tranquil life we share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we have had
our crises, but compared to what seems to be going on around the world, I think
we are living in a good place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel
secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We trust our neighbors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do face bad weather of all sorts, but we
do not live in anxiety about mad bombers generally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grant you, we were among the first to live
through the tough event of a bombing terrorist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has occurred to me over time that much of what brought us through
that time were the values that we shared in common as Oklahomans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Those Oklahoma values are the point of this column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am convinced that we must not take our
heritage and values for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
bind us together in a community that makes this state a treasure among the
fifty states of our union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My spouse and
I have lived in a variety of locales over the years, and I can say with no exaggeration
that there is no place that I know of where I would rather live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I reject the image of a day when these
qualities that make us Oklahoman' s would cease to be predominate as the norm of
our communities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Having said that, our values need to be nurtured and
defended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to be nurtured
within our families; instilled and passed on from generation to
generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That requires intentionality
on the part of citizens and families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They need to be defended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Much in
our culture is contrary to, and even hostile towards, the traditional values that
make this a great state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message if
often that we need to fall in line and get on board with values that have
worked very poorly in other locations, but are the popular trend of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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Oklahoman's would do well to be clear with our
leaders on every level when these trends threaten to dissolve the time-tested positive
values of our state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in Oklahoma
because it is a place where our families and communities may flourish within
the matrix of qualities that made this the premier country in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want nothing less for ourselves and our
future generations.</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-39324204532373618422014-06-10T09:45:00.000-07:002014-06-10T09:45:18.187-07:00TOO OLD?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIq-lVdLrWDTtkF3lO8sI7SE4NqgGF260zxiGPo5L0VP2z60jzrcpXHO3wA7LiGcEXlLvm9orh9ljiEkKNtb164n1j5u9RntJBBW5kh6Wauvr1qCuj2AikzUYusWq_pfAHQdPRvshO9nf/s1600/singleservingcup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIq-lVdLrWDTtkF3lO8sI7SE4NqgGF260zxiGPo5L0VP2z60jzrcpXHO3wA7LiGcEXlLvm9orh9ljiEkKNtb164n1j5u9RntJBBW5kh6Wauvr1qCuj2AikzUYusWq_pfAHQdPRvshO9nf/s1600/singleservingcup.jpg" /></a>It is interesting that in a society that so praised the vigor of youth in the turbulent 1960's finds itself confronted with that which it so disdained. Old age.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Somewhere along the way we lost the idea of the honor and respect of old age. Somewhere along the way we idolized all that was young. Talk about your schisms! A hammer blow of division cut apart two aspects and stages of life that once contributed to the other in a healthy and symbiotic manner. Youth, dumb, foolhardy, and not much into deep thought was in close quarters with Age, experienced, skilled, and knew enough to think about things from many angles. The two halves became positive wholes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also suspect that all the ills of disrespected age may be our own fault.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Somewhere along that route we took where we lost the idea of honor and respect for old age we also picked up some bad habits. Habits of narcissism, of having things our way, and minimizing the ability of others to grow in experience and skills. The grumpy old men, the grouchy old women and the inability to give up the reigns of control helped drive that wedge even deeper between the generations. The wrong headed idea that we could exit life to play invaded the church as well. "I am too old to help anymore" has become a familiar chant of church members but have they really? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The process of life is bringing up a new generation, sharing the wisdom and experience gained, but then having the strength to step back and let that younger generation assume control. It is like that first time with a child on a bike with training wheels. At some point, you have to let the bike, and the child, go on their own. As you watched that child ride away, did that end your parenting role? Did that stop the guiding hand or the wise word? No.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is the same with life. Your aches and pains may say, "Gosh, I am old." You may be tempted to say, 'there is nothing I can do anymore." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is more you can do. With the idea that retirement should be moved to 70 or even 75, there is a new understanding of what 'old' means. People are remaining vigorous far longer than any previous generation. Sometimes what ages us is not the years but the limit of our focus. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So remain active in ministry and people caring as possible. If ill health limits you find your area of Christian service at the phone, the computer, through letters and through prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Too old? You are just getting started!</div>
<br />
<br />Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-59429266496509120672013-12-16T11:27:00.000-08:002013-12-16T11:27:00.041-08:00Solitude<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The ancient church utilized a number of so called spiritual
disciplines to aid in the process of spiritual growth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were intended in various ways to
encourage the emergence of a rich and healthy spiritual quality within a
person’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among these was the
<b>discipline of solitude</b>. In the simplest of terms, it was an intentional
commitment to times of withdrawal to be alone with God and one’s thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A time to simply commune and listen to what
the Spirit might say to a person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSoB7CGqdGabx3O_jLbS8DEuf98Z6nVryMEKYwXTgF5jW3yi1LeLm2Pa77tYtoT3CMNayn5jPZ0OpDUUi7EU0yY2CgZbbwUn9aHkZUXmX24Yg4pEiTC7dpkC69RAV5KObe4vEFtTXLUXn/s1600/MH900409444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSoB7CGqdGabx3O_jLbS8DEuf98Z6nVryMEKYwXTgF5jW3yi1LeLm2Pa77tYtoT3CMNayn5jPZ0OpDUUi7EU0yY2CgZbbwUn9aHkZUXmX24Yg4pEiTC7dpkC69RAV5KObe4vEFtTXLUXn/s200/MH900409444.JPG" width="200" /></a>Probably very few of us have ever actually engaged in this
activity as a discipline. Certainly some have perhaps been thrust into it by
the circumstances of life. I am thinking of our widows and widowers who too
often pass many days and nights in a state of aloneness not of their own
choosing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be others as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of us as often as not,
find the idea of solitude a very desirable dream in the midst of lives where
every hour is tasked to the maximum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We
rush from commitment to commitment, activity to activity with an occasional
moment when we wish fervently that we could just get away from it all for just
a little bit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I fall into the category of those who have been committed to
the fullest extent possible in days gone by, and also those who have had
solitude thrust upon them by circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During the past year, as I have served as an intentional interim minister, I was geographically distanced from my family and spent a fairish amount of
time alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the day, I
live the life of a bachelor returning to my house where no one awaits. I have
learned some new lessons about all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First, solitude can be very difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At first, it feels a great deal like loneliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hours can drag. It can feel like the
house is closing in around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
quiet is oppressive. There can be a temptation to simply go to bed and wait for
tomorrow with its promise of distracting activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not feel very spiritual at all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the positive side, I have “slowly” (I emphasize that
word) learned how to transform aloneness into solitude. Solitude should be
understood as solitude with God. I am learning how to read the Bible again with
a devotional eye rather than an exegetical eye. I am learning afresh how to
pray in a flowing manner where prayer extends for minutes stretching into
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am learning how to simply
listen to my thoughts in the conscious presence of God and to allow the Spirit
to critique my foolish notions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is
dawning upon me that this window of my life was a wonderful gift, but I have
found in a visceral way that it is also hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like so many, there is probably a part of me
that wants spiritual growth to come in easy doses, conveniently swallowed so
that we may move on. I believe that it does not work that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a labor of time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I cannot tell you how to achieve this in your life,
especially if you are among those who are scheduled for every minute of every
day. I can only tell you it is worth thinking about and exploring as one is
able.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not expect it to be easy, but
do expect it to be a gift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-61050055849994753062013-11-18T11:10:00.000-08:002013-11-18T11:10:00.248-08:00The New Mars' Hill<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I confess I
am not a good Face Book person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a
page, but I rarely post anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I view
it mostly when someone includes me in one of their posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have viewed it enough however, to develop a
perception of that electronic community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbyK8XJ-JG_9kipyHHO8F2GRnG_sXjrTvR8SpKsKlFs2fE0R3KTbVkLbWlSjQ35HPhX9XJA2pfs5agkTUDHBLDV8-Y75Aa2SzJKDqsvJ9qu01UusSExGVk1fSfQy-1w_ttQH8W1zTXjt1/s1600/MH900057844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbyK8XJ-JG_9kipyHHO8F2GRnG_sXjrTvR8SpKsKlFs2fE0R3KTbVkLbWlSjQ35HPhX9XJA2pfs5agkTUDHBLDV8-Y75Aa2SzJKDqsvJ9qu01UusSExGVk1fSfQy-1w_ttQH8W1zTXjt1/s200/MH900057844.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
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While many people use it as a way to stay connected with the happenings
of their friendship circle, I see a surprising amount of people who regularly
employ it as a sort of philosophical forum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You know the ones I mean—those persons who set forward religious,
political, cultural, and/or ethical viewpoints that are important to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more extreme examples can become quite
strident in their denunciation of “those other people” whose views differ from
their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some ways, these ideological
face bookers remind me of the story in the biblical book of Acts. Paul arrives
in Athens and
discovers that a regular gathering takes place on “Mar’s Hill”. The gathering
is a free forum of new ideas and radical positions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mar’s Hill may have been something like
“Speaker’s Corner” in London’s Hyde
Park. At Speaker’s Corner today, anyone with a point to make may
draw up their soap box and proclaim their message. The catch, (perhaps with
both settings) was and is that everyone listening has the right to “get in your
face”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did so with Paul, and do so
today in Hyde Park.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So what is
the point?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Face Book demonstrates,
our culture is a large arena of competing ideas in many different arenas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether as a Christian or otherwise, do you
and I know what we believe and why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
we established considered opinions that we may articulate (hopefully
graciously) when the occasion demands?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me encourage you to give your deepest convictions some
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you believe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you believe one thing as opposed to
another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could you offer a cogent
summary of what you believe, and even more importantly why you believe it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ability strikes me as pretty important
in our present day with its complex culture.</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-51957531145622404622013-11-15T11:13:00.000-08:002013-11-15T11:13:00.163-08:00The Church Year and Spiritual Growth<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have often found that persons are unfamiliar with the
concept of the “Church year”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
congregations, including Methodism, we see and take for granted certain
practices without fully understanding them.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR2lXLco2_22D9p4-kNx4wbaziuB0gwtNZSiBYvrgKEficlRAKZb_1Y6P4wXWZ84qdAut6STMPGlKp2OF6-WYsSCsFCc9i2a_E8A7bH1qINxoA0j9z52FFizETkaSzLj4bRVkJor4sGxh/s1600/put_this_on_calendar_clip_art-285x300.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXR2lXLco2_22D9p4-kNx4wbaziuB0gwtNZSiBYvrgKEficlRAKZb_1Y6P4wXWZ84qdAut6STMPGlKp2OF6-WYsSCsFCc9i2a_E8A7bH1qINxoA0j9z52FFizETkaSzLj4bRVkJor4sGxh/s200/put_this_on_calendar_clip_art-285x300.gif" width="190" /></a>The practices I am referring to include the changing colors on the
altar, the pulpit and lectern, as well as choir robes and other features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, we often see or hear terms that we may
not fully understand; <i>Advent,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lent,
Eastertide, Kingdom tide</i>, and others may not translate meaningfully. There are
even special days that may seem strange, such as<i> All Saints Day, Christ the
King Sunday, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Epiphany, Ash Wednesday</i> and
<i>Maundy Thursday.</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What is it all about?</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Church year is about reliving the life of Christ in an
ongoing seasonal manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The year begins
with Advent when the promised coming of the Messiah is remembered through
specific readings, music, and acts of worship. Advent climaxes with the
Christmas celebration of the nativity. The year proceeds with Epiphany in a
manner that walks the believer through the public appearance of Jesus, his life
and ministry. With the arrival of the Lenten season believers recall his passion,
death. The climax here is Easter when we experience the resurrection of the
Christ. From Easter we move towards Pentecost and the birth of the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The balance of the year explores the
important themes of what it means to be the body of Christ in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in general terms, the cycle begins again
as we approach Advent.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, as they say, “What’s the point?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that correctly understood,<i><b> the
Church year can be a valuable tool to allow us to grow spiritually as we
meditate upon and study the major movements of our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The early church understood the Christian
faith as both an organized set of beliefs (credens) and a vital condition of
the heart (fiducia).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One played into
the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We too may find that by
reliving the seasons of the year with their focus upon the Gospel message, our
own faith will be more completely informed and more deeply felt.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As we approach the Advent season, be on the lookout for
resources that will be displayed around the church to aid you and your family
in mining this treasure trove of the Church year. Then as you note those dates, places, events, and activities for the coming year, include these built in times for your own (and your family's) spiritual growth. </div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-22444278941402022172013-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:002013-11-01T11:25:01.129-07:00You Feed Them?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA_R0j6IOrAXF79HBsIq0CGNXZSDd2054iCtDKlvGed5yIWY4lTKJSV57T902CwlU0fM02vyLWCD0xyP5U06G-Mf9T10_HAXcqs3HyHJqmXDEbLuDyAfJzbYL3cgdH-JYcFVZ3z6cC6E7/s1600/Feeding_the_5000001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihA_R0j6IOrAXF79HBsIq0CGNXZSDd2054iCtDKlvGed5yIWY4lTKJSV57T902CwlU0fM02vyLWCD0xyP5U06G-Mf9T10_HAXcqs3HyHJqmXDEbLuDyAfJzbYL3cgdH-JYcFVZ3z6cC6E7/s200/Feeding_the_5000001.jpg" width="171" /></a>Perhaps one of the most familiar stories of Jesus’ ministry
is the feeding of the five thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of us probably know it well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A large audience had spent the day listening to Jesus teach about the
work of God upon the earth and as the late afternoon drew on, his disciples
approached him with the words, “ It’s very late, send the people away so they
may go to the surrounding villages and buy food to eat.” (Mark 6:35)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Jesus shocks the disciples with the
direct command, “<b><u>You</u> give them something to eat</b>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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There is the <b>first lesson.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be so much more convenient if we
could just send people with needs away somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Send them to DHS, or the Salvation Army, or
some other church, or day I say it…to the pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Jesus does not give his disciples that
option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You feed them!” he says to the
twelve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As believers, that instruction
echoes to us this very day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we alert
to the situations in our community that may call for us to meet the needs of
people for food, shelter, or even emotional support?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now it is not difficult to understand the consternation of
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ill prepared people not told to feed five thousand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder they said, “That would require
eight months wages to do. Do you expect us to come up with that much?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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Now here is the <b>second lesson</b> of Jesus. He
responded, “What do you have? They responded “Five and two fish”. Jesus said,
“Give them to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message is clear.
The answer lay in, first, our being willing to give what we have and second, to
give it first to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often, we do
not give because among other reasons, we perceive that we have nothing adequate
to the task. What will my five dollar bill accomplish? What will my small bag
of staples really do? How do I meet this great need with only this small sack
lunch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says, “Let me worry about
that.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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<br /></div>
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Second, the lesson is also<b>, don’t
just give to the need; give to Chris</b>t. The disciples were not instructed to go
immediately to the crowd, but to bring the bread and fish . In a way, it is
God saying to us that it is never about what we can do…it is about what he can
do with what we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an old
hymn entitled, “Little is Much, When God is in It.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That hymn proclaims the message that when we
yield our bit, God can do great things. Do you have a loaf or a fish that you
could share today?</div>
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<b>to him</b></div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-27734279284105361252013-10-28T06:52:00.000-07:002013-10-28T06:52:00.288-07:00Looking Forward<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZVUS9BPwiWwZ2nbeX1o38Z0gAOWApiMbFcLQLev-XsYsj9YH6qhRkr8JbiADkuMbzQlaobq4l-Fv6Tbwi06CVppQIY8wUybOvZMQW_2pnbeua1gNFyskINg2v6BYS82ejF2SKmv_2X-S/s1600/MH900341630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZVUS9BPwiWwZ2nbeX1o38Z0gAOWApiMbFcLQLev-XsYsj9YH6qhRkr8JbiADkuMbzQlaobq4l-Fv6Tbwi06CVppQIY8wUybOvZMQW_2pnbeua1gNFyskINg2v6BYS82ejF2SKmv_2X-S/s200/MH900341630.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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In the autumn many people begin to think of next spring and plant some lovely trees, shrubs, and bulbs to bring color to those post winter days. In this process are some good tips for our lives as well. What can a church or a heart of faith do to look forward and prepare for a burst of life and color in their future?</div>
<br />
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<b>1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let the seed
break open.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue to embrace the
idea of being a dedicated person or a dynamic church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
imagery of the grain of wheat that falls into the ground and dies, let the heart or the community be willing to explode with fruitfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The single seed in its package accomplishes
nothing, but when it meets the moisture of the soil and surrenders to the
destruction of its shell, it accomplishes a feat that never ceases to amaze the
observer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not
be willing to remain in the package, but be sown into the soil.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Love one another.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been my experience that tremendous potential emerges when a church or person steps outside of their personal concerns and simply
pours out love for people around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This includes both others in the congregation, and those in the
community and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, like all
churches, there are times when we rub the fur the wrong way, but I have noted
that humans have the ability to put such frictions into their proper place and move
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please build upon that love in every way possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a worthy effort.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Protect the work.</b>" Gardeners spread a layer of mulch down to protect the tender plants. A lot of effort goes into getting things to grow and it is important to protect that work. Safeguard the tender shoots, nurture the growing, and see the results bloom. A church or person who throws away efforts by not protecting the work they have done, nurturing the tender spiritual plants around them, and providing a warm place of love and growth will see no bright spring.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Like so many truths of scripture, looking forward involves us minimizing the "Me" window on our life computer and reaching out to others with encouragement, investment of self, and a promise to safeguard their journey to spring. </span></div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-45256441152374979732013-10-27T06:24:00.000-07:002013-10-27T06:24:00.337-07:00Obedience: All Alone, Part 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Part 2: All Alone</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTkvAkR2-wrJT8Ps5Q1EGhyCr3NMey6MUl_TJ8wBdQazWRXG0fiMaOvOijOS-d-VtCizxNX1cDHnYpvr7VYVRDe4fiKRmfo8sj-jXuPtCKx2cqaFVoEI2cXSAScXYUr0de_rIT-vYkA68/s1600/208224_summerheat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTkvAkR2-wrJT8Ps5Q1EGhyCr3NMey6MUl_TJ8wBdQazWRXG0fiMaOvOijOS-d-VtCizxNX1cDHnYpvr7VYVRDe4fiKRmfo8sj-jXuPtCKx2cqaFVoEI2cXSAScXYUr0de_rIT-vYkA68/s1600/208224_summerheat.jpg" /></a>With the Garden experience behind them, the descendents of
Adam and Eve spread out to the far corners of the ancient world to find a place
for themselves. The humans were now on
their own searching to recapture the sanity, the justice and the peace of that
Garden sanctuary.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It would be convenient to state absolutely what early
humanity understood obedience to be, but harder to prove. What we do know is that
from the earliest written records there was a searching to reestablish the
order of the Garden, the peace, and the stability through standardized written legal codes . These set the limits for “right” and “wrong” and
listed the consequences of doing what was unacceptable in the society they
represented.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In about 2050 B.C.E. one of the earliest such “ law books “ was
written. Today, only fragments of The <i>Codex
of Ur-Nammu</i> exists but it reveals clearly an early attempt to follow some
higher course than humanity’s own basic, and often base, instincts. These laws consisted of social justice that
addressed issues of taxation, standardized measurements, legal recourse, and
the rights of the widows and orphans. (The World of The Bible. Eerdmans, 1986,
p.223).</div>
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<br /></div>
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Like its predecessors, The Code of Hammurabi attempted to set
up a standard of ethical conduct for the people of Babylonia and the regions
which adopted the code for their own use.
The Code was written about 1700 B.C.E. and was inscribed on a stone slab
(stele) of black diorite eight feet tall discovered in Susa in 1902 (The
Pictorial Bible Dictionary. Merrill C. Tenney, ed. Southwestern Company. Nashville.
1972, p.332). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Some of these laws have a familiar ring to them : 196, “If
an awilum has put out the eye of a mar-awiliam (lit.’son of an awilum’), they
shall put out his eye.” (Babylon, Joan Otes.
Thames and Hudson, 1979, pg. 75). Others are quite harsh: 195, “If a son has
struck his father, they shall cut off his hand.” Consider laws 229-30 stating a
builder whose work was shoddy, causing the death of the owner, the builder was
put to death.” (Babylon, Joan Otes. Thames and Hudson, 1979, pg. 75).</div>
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<br /></div>
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Both laws, and the later Law of Moses, are examples of what
scholars call the “casuistic” style. Each
law or code shows how a wrong action “causes” an opposite reaction as society
deals with the lawbreaker. Each
attempted to correct the imbalances in society by saying what was right and
what was wrong. Humanity was learning that limitations on conduct were needed so that the rights of another were
not trampled.</div>
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<br /></div>
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No matter how far away humanity might roam from the garden,
the instinctive urge and innate need for obedience to a standard of conduct
dogged their steps. In all cases, the ingredients do not match, but the basic
formula was there: the recognition that humanity need to be obedient to
something in order to achieve a small portion of the harmony known in the
Garden setting.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Why was there one set of laws in 2050 B.C.E., another in
1700 B.C.E., and yet another around 1280 B.C.E. (The Hittite Code)? If humanity realized the need to a obey a
higher standard of life, why was there a constant move to rewrite and reiterate
the laws? Without a doubt, even the
earliest human found it impossible to respond effectively to the sense of “moral
oughtness” existing within.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In his book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction:
Discipleship in an Instant Society, Eugene H. Peterson tells of being in a
hospital room with a man who swung between rational thought and harsh
hallucinations of death, which caused him to scream out “I’m going to die!” He would then beg his pastor, Peterson, to
pray for him. Later, in moments of
lucidness, the man would recant any such prayer. “The parabolic force of the incident is this”,
Peterson noted. “When the man was scared, he wanted me to pray for him, but in
between…he didn’t want anything to do with a pastor.” (Peterson. A Long
Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society.
Inter-Varsity, 1980, g. 17-158).</div>
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<br /></div>
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Early humanity was in this condition. There was a need to
obey that sense of moral oughtness when the individual was violated, when his
property was stolen, or her burdens were intolerable. Sometimes, a person might rise to altruistic
heights and cry out for the rights of others. Yet, those urges were at war with
a stronger urge to see to his or her own needs met, even if it meant at the
expense of another person. When the
stark injustice was pointed out, they would decry the situation. When injustice
visit her home, she could pull her hair and cry, “It isn’t fair!” In between those times, the commitment was
not always as clear or strong as might be wished. Man found he wanted to obey, but found he could
not unless he was made to through accepted legal codes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The old joke about when it rains we see the need to fix the
roof, but when it stops – where’s the need, could apply to early humanity
ability to and desire to keep the moral laws.
Repeatedly the rules , the codes, had to be set down, recognized and set
into action because of the fallibility of humanity.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In Romans 1:19-21, Paul hints at this innate search for
answers to what is “right”:</div>
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<i>“because that which may be known of God is manifest in them;
for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the
creation of world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse;
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was
darkened.”</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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People were given a witness of God and a chance to respond
to those “higher” urges of morality which were evidences of God. In addition, there was no doubt, especially
in these early years that a remnant of those Garden days lingered on in stories
around the campfires and in the towns.
The “witness” of right and wrong was there, weak at times, but
definitely there.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The discoveries of biblical archaeology seem to illustrate
clearly that certain things were accepted among nearly all early people of the
Ancient Middle East. A close reading of
the Pentateuch reveals the people had followed many standards of conduct and
law later formalized into the Code of Moses.
Even today people become tangled in “customary laws” or common ethics
that allow a person to be “good” without being righteous. They allow modern mankind to attain a degree
of ‘civilization’ and harmony, but, as always, these are supports of glass that
shatter under the weight of daily use because a crucial element is
missing. </div>
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Secular history presents us with documented records of both
the human failure to live up to the moral expectations as well as the tendency
of depraved humanity to distort understanding of the nature of right, wrong,
and obedience. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The Code of Ur-Nummu and the Code of Hammurabi were both
collections of social laws listing the expectations and accepted legal , religious,
social and civic actions of the Mesopotamian cultures. The tenor of each is constantly harsh and
negative, dealing primarily with death and mutilation. Humans understood a need for obedience but of
what that obedience was to consist of was largely unknown.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In seeing obedience defined as laws limiting activities,
enforcing life styles and plainly stating specific ethics, the laws underscore the inability of humans
to live up to their own expectations of what was right. They could envision , but could not reach the
goal.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Humanity was ever aware of a desire to do right, but was
always unable to achieve that vision in reality. Some piece of the puzzle was missing and
until that piece was found, obedience had become, and would remain, a
tantalizing elusive goal.</div>
MARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-47838375671175730552013-10-07T06:31:00.000-07:002013-10-07T06:31:00.339-07:00What If??<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Since the State of Oklahoma
instituted a lottery, I have heard the reports of this or that person winning a
large jackpot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we all take
note when it is a story from somewhere of a person who wins millions from a
random numerical drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are
like me, it is easy to play a relatively harmless mental game called “What if?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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This game involves imagining what
one might do if somehow we were the lucky winner of a huge lottery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a great danger in my case, for as
my daughter-in-law points out to me, you have to actually buy a lottery ticket
to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this trivial fact does
not diminish the fun of the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of my favorite scenarios is
that I would establish a foundation that would fund grants to families who
earnestly desire to adopt babies from India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I admit complete bias here as my oldest granddaughter if from Calcutta
and is an amazing treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply ask
me and I will show you several pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In any case, there are many children there and too few adoptive
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of the reason is that it
is expensive to adopt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically, it
will cost twenty to thirty thousand dollars to bring a child to your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I envision in my game a foundation that would
aid qualified families with financial assistance to fund the necessary
bureaucratic costs that would help them to adopt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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In my imaginary world, I would do
all of these great things, but since I have never purchased a lottery ticket,
it is only a fancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, wait does it
not suggest an alternative?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not
have millions, but what might I do with what I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there ways for me to make a great
difference with much smaller resources?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 78.75pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the old
hymn states it, “Little is much when God is in it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciples who brought a simple lunch of
bread and fish to Jesus discovered that it could be multiplied into something
amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All over our country, people
discover the power of the small gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
give what we can; not millions, but together they accumulate into a powerful
tool to accomplish something great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope the next time we have the opportunity to give, we will not stop short
simply because we perceive that we do not have a jackpot to draw from, but will
place our small gift with the many others to accomplish much good.</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-61262926135538749422013-09-02T06:28:00.000-07:002013-09-02T06:28:00.783-07:00Crossroads<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </sup>And he said to him, ‘Lord, I
am ready to go with you to prison and to death!’ <sup>34 </sup>Jesus<sup>[</sup></i></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2022&version=NRSVA#fen-NRSVA-25890f" title="See footnote f"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>f</sup></i></a><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup>]</sup> said, ‘I tell
you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times
that you know me.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 22:33</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BhxowUgV7vq-h6gBQEaVud1I5TQxyKNphhPmt6dz1PKyX6LMDGCrAPK1h6HXEKXU7KiwW8Fw369e67R8yn0Ve6eKkD9IqbO3uPJ0OaReb8Y2h8591eetFsqJCwWt6RxxE3nA4h2UVdQe/s1600/MH900427607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BhxowUgV7vq-h6gBQEaVud1I5TQxyKNphhPmt6dz1PKyX6LMDGCrAPK1h6HXEKXU7KiwW8Fw369e67R8yn0Ve6eKkD9IqbO3uPJ0OaReb8Y2h8591eetFsqJCwWt6RxxE3nA4h2UVdQe/s200/MH900427607.JPG" width="200" /></a>A number of years ago, a popular movie appeared based upon
the Faustian theme of an <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gist of the encounter
was a bargain emerged which gave amazing musical ability in exchange for the
predictable alternative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
thinking about that crossroad this week as an analogy of the place where we
live with our spiritual lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not
mean to suggest that we strike a deal with the devil, but rather that our
crossroad has to do with the heartfelt desire of our heart over against the
anxiety we feel as human beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We can often feel we are that</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
individual who met the devil one day at a remote
crossroads.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I perceive that as humans we frequently find ourselves at a
crossroad where on the one hand, we truly desire to be good servants of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love the Lord and want to do
his will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to live our lives in
significant ways that express the best of our discipleship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, we enthusiastically want to put our
hand to the spiritual plow and accomplish something for Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, we simultaneously discover
that the awareness of potential cost causes anxiety to arise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hesitate and too often settle back to a
condition of quiescence. The moment passes and an opportunity fleets by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We often find ourselves living between audacity and anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are simultaneously audacious for Christ and timid when step up time
comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is very human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We experience it in many aspects of
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have an opportunity
to do something arisen and we vacillated until the opportunity passed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often have we stepped into an opportunity
and then subsequently felt the emotion that has so often been called “buyer’s
remorse”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
These are merely mundane
examples of the very emotion that may prevent us from stepping forward into
what God has prepared for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer
is that the next time you find yourself at the crossroad of spiritual
discipleship; you will not allow the tension between audacity and anxiety to
defeat you. </div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-1868630040314145752013-08-31T18:53:00.000-07:002013-08-31T18:53:15.676-07:00Obedience: Our Quandary<div class="MsoNormal">
Scriptural Obedience, Dr. Marvin J. Hudson, c2013</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdH_i4ec0nexwNDunBs-b346E4-tUsS4AJMtCmAea9Ifi3NVrEonMwrPaorWdeCNFFOhycpGdr0jj2Of4LgNMIo2TN6Zbr_a0pmtLNd8NEaRmZkCUrdBm7fP0WALmbPG-7S0OamL6IYw/s1600/Greenmarvin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdH_i4ec0nexwNDunBs-b346E4-tUsS4AJMtCmAea9Ifi3NVrEonMwrPaorWdeCNFFOhycpGdr0jj2Of4LgNMIo2TN6Zbr_a0pmtLNd8NEaRmZkCUrdBm7fP0WALmbPG-7S0OamL6IYw/s200/Greenmarvin.jpg" width="150" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Part 1- Humanity’s Quandary</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Two Extremes</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Obedience…what a troublesome word. We all have recognized
its demands upon our lives at some point. Some of us will recall those dynamic
services when minister spoke of obedience and we trembled at our own
inadequacy. Others of us may recall being taught that the path of Christ was
simplicity and obedience was merely letting go of you in order to trust more in
Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Perhaps these two understandings of obedience represent
polar points, both of which may leave the door open for extremism. The first tends to lead us toward various
forms of legalism as we wrestle with what we perceive to be the demands of a
holy God. We find ourselves confronted
by the same quandary that people from Moses to Luther have faced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the other hand, God’s Word demands of us a standard if we
are to enter into His presence. Indeed,
His very nature requires us to come before Him with “clean hands and a pure
heart” (Psalm 24:4). We are faced with a
literal “do or die” situation. Yet, as
soon as the Law of God confronts us, we face a terrible reality: we simply do
not have the means at our disposal to obey this perfect Law.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Repeatedly we grasp the regulations of the Law only to fall
short of their demands.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The frustration we experience at this point often leads to
two different reactions: We either struggle even harder to keep this Law of God
, and thus become a modern Pharisee, or we may, as Luther stated, fall through
despair into even greater sin (Theology of Luther. Althaus).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For most of us, this frustration leads to the former
alternative. We monitor our every action to insure that we either become or
remain “holy”. We refrain from any
activity which we feel will retard our spiritual progress.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At this point a great danger appears. As time goes by, many of our decisions as to
what will, or will not, retard our progress, becomes dogmas that bind us with a
near unbreakable stranglehold.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Nor does the danger stop there, for we tend to believe in
these dogmas so strongly that we insist that they apply to others as well. The result is frustration and surprise. We are frustrated, because deep down, we are
never quite convinced that we are achieving the goal through this form of
obedience. In spite of all that we do, we are never quite as holy as we desire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Secondly, we are surprised because others do not accept our
dogmas joyfully; especially younger generations. This should not surprise us,
as there is little joy in legalism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The second of our two approaches mentioned in the first
sections of this discussion, at first glance, appear to offer great promise.
After all, we have seen that legalism did not work as we may have wished. Further, we have seen that legalism did not
work as we may have wished. Further, we
know that the New Testament teaches that Christ came to set us free from the
Old Law of death which was ,in reality, the same system of frustration that
many Christians have tried to follow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This second approach receives eagerly the idea that Christ
was and is our substitutionary avenue to righteousness and thus the theme of
obedience tends to be deemphasized. The
great danger here is that in this direction we find all manner of incorrect
positions ranging from apathy to antinomianism (the denial of any divine Law). Such
thinking often leads to apathy disguised as “tolerance” or “broadmindedness.” No matter what we do or do not do, we have a
comfortable “out” in that our theology tells us that we must not expect to be
perfect and we may simply continue to pile our actions at the feet of Jesus
only to return to the same life-style.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
These two extremes -
legalism and license- are two ends of a spectrum and illustrate the difficulty
the Church has faced for centuries.
Every Christian will struggle to find the middle road that will
ultimately lead to real joy and stability in the Christian life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The goal of this discussion is to see if that middle road
where law and grace are in harmony meet
is mapped as we try to search out the Biblical concepts of obedience. At the end of the journey, hopefully, will be
an understanding of obedience from both Old Testament and New Testament
perspectives. Along the way, an
examination of the complementary nature between the obedience and some to avoid.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>God’s Demands, Humanity’s Prerogative</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is significant that the matter of obedience is dealt with
from the very first chapters of the creation account. Adam’s relationship to
God included the fundamental principle of obedience. This obedience was enjoined to Adam in the
context of Liberty. As early as Genesis 2:16-17 we find the instruction, “Of
every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the
knowledge of goo and evil, thou shalt not eat of it.” Here is the tremendous reality: Adam holds
within his the potential to obey or disobey. What incredible consequences rest
upon simple obedience. How far reaching was the result of Adam’s decision. The outcome of this historic drama is a key
element of basic Bible literacy. Humanity has reaped the results of the fall of
Adam ever since.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What is crucial for us to see is that this obedience was a
matter of trust and free will. This fact is often overshadowed in our concern
with the simple fact of the Fall itself.
While obedience was a component of the relationship of humanity to God,
and an essential one, the real heartbeat of humanity’s relationship to God was
the principle that we identify by such terms as trust, love, faith and so
forth. This dynamic principle was the basis of the kind of relationship God has
always desired with His creation. This
relational principle appears repeatedly as one traces the concept of obedience
through scripture. It was also dramatically changed by the Fall and the result
was catastrophic for humanity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Fallen Humanity: The Crippled Creation</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It would be easy to become destracted in exploring the how
and why of Adam’s fall in the garden, but it is the result s of that Fall where
our focus should turn. All that follows
through the Old and New Testament rests on the actions subsequent to that
decision to not obey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In brief, humanity received disfellowship from God. Humanity
no longer enjoyed the benefits of the Garden life described in Genesis. Indeed, when God came to walk in the Garden,
Adam and his wife found they were unable to stand in His presence (Genesis
3:8). The perfect trust was destroyed and the human relationship with nature
was negatively affected, where once all had been available as easy bounty, now
all was to be obtained by hard toil (3:17-19).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Most importantly, humanity changed. From an estate of innocence,
humans discovered they were driven by base desires that warred with their
better selves. Over time it became clear
that the first human’s initial inclinations were often their worst
inclinations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Paul expresses this condition of the fallen human in Romans
7:19: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which would not, that I
do.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Theologians have referred to this as a “depraved” nature,
meaning that as humans we are firmly caught in a trap from which we cannot
escape. It is the trap of God’s demand
for perfection and our inability to achieve it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We may summarize humanity’s situation. We are the Fallen Man
and Fallen Woman. We have all sinned
against God and deserve the penalty of our rebellion, which is death. There are
no resources at our disposal to pay this ‘debt of sin’ and reconcile ourselves
back to God. Further, we are consistently powerless to change our course of
conduct. We are guilty and we are continually becoming guiltier. We stand in the rain of a fallen world, hands
raised, and scream through the ages, “O wretched man that I am! WHO will
deliver me?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who indeed….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>To be continued</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[Author's note. I am revisiting some work - consider this 12 part series, a work in progress and subject to change!]</div>
MARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-7105934308570674582013-08-12T06:24:00.000-07:002013-08-12T06:24:00.202-07:00NO PAIN, NO GAIN<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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A familiar animated father figure known to television
watchers is somewhat famous for his advice to his son who has failed at a
particular task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It runs, “Don’t worry
boy, it it’s hard, it can’t be worth doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I fear that during my lifetime this has been the credo for many within
our culture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcJlAaDeX60Dev8B9HhwtWFHrH2qcruUVCMn4SpTAzMfNZa-9QYxFiC9ALuANs2Aw7hqJv_RDZstEbPMUcjRqea20WSnTDJ6XeJHFxnmz5yQK_ANf-uM5bUFrPig4NJremrElctEini5l/s1600/MH900430595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcJlAaDeX60Dev8B9HhwtWFHrH2qcruUVCMn4SpTAzMfNZa-9QYxFiC9ALuANs2Aw7hqJv_RDZstEbPMUcjRqea20WSnTDJ6XeJHFxnmz5yQK_ANf-uM5bUFrPig4NJremrElctEini5l/s200/MH900430595.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
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During my formal educational years, it was well known at the time,
that my generation of students tended to avoid anything that was deemed
hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Science, math, and languages all lost
popularity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you recall the alarmed
reports from various authorities that pointed out that as Americans, we were
slipping behind other parts of the world in technical subjects, as students
opted for less rigorous coursework?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During my baccalaureate years, it was possible to obtain a degree
without any college math at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
remember postings from the Foreign Service that announced the increasing
difficulty recruiting competent linguists for duty stations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If it’s hard, it can’t be worth doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Encouragingly, I believe this trend is reversing to a
degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(No pun intended) However, there
is still a basic human lazy gene to defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over the past few months, I have been introduced to a series of
excellent historical novels that have stretched my mind and more than once
prompted me to stretch my arm for the dictionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeatedly, period accurate terms cause me to
say, “What in the world?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The link here
is that when I read the consumer reviews of the series, I was struck by the
number of persons who did not like the books because the words were too
technical (hard) or archaic. “If it’s hard, it can’t be worth doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder how much in life we miss because
this mantra sells us short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is harder
to make homemade biscuits and gravy than to go to a fast food place and have
theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, do we not all note
the tremendous difference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, what
are the achievements within your life of which you are proudest? I hazard the
guess that they are the ones you reached for with the most diligent
effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contemporary fitness buffs are
familiar with the phrase “No pain, no gain.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you making some gains in your life today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If it’s hard, it may be well worth
doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-4973163867546469042013-08-02T05:55:00.001-07:002013-08-02T05:55:37.260-07:00A Future-Seeking Church<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJdMqOdUC4RqiDc6ozZ126NOFyPIaNxjR7TNyE8y_8L7WFB0Uel96bgVar4WPgDIn8uZOhcQfwy5WOTht9LODCOPh8YCcuTWuk9B8dDXnz8a_1SKbRYNW2gAPaZPV98T__M8qI6PhXOM/s1600/541780_4645956914048_251908772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJdMqOdUC4RqiDc6ozZ126NOFyPIaNxjR7TNyE8y_8L7WFB0Uel96bgVar4WPgDIn8uZOhcQfwy5WOTht9LODCOPh8YCcuTWuk9B8dDXnz8a_1SKbRYNW2gAPaZPV98T__M8qI6PhXOM/s200/541780_4645956914048_251908772_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. M.J. Hudson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A church of Jesus Christ is a <b>future-seeking church</b>. It is a church that knows and appreciates it historic roots but recognizes what is in the past... is past. As the saying goes, the past really is only a prologue of the future.Any one person, at any one time, is to serve, as the active participant in a vast, generational torch passing process. As they pass the flame of faith the light should be burning bright and steady. Some churches – like the virgins discussed by Jesus – may have fallen asleep on the job. Their lamps are burning so low and so weak as to appear unlit.The modern American Church, however, has often fallen into several behaviors that are counter-productive to the true mission of the Church.</div>
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<b>The “Present-Tense Congregation” model</b>. They live for themselves focusing only on the present. The pews are too hard, the music too loud, the pastor does not visit enough, and the list goes one. This focus on self rather than on mission and outreach creates a tension in the church. The tension may be between those who know the mission of the church is not self-focused but ministry focused and those who want a nice comfortable chaplaincy church. It is the epitome of the modern consumer mentality that wants what they want and when they want it. Church, for these so-called Christian people, should be there when they have a need. As a result, volunteerism disappears, spiritual vitality decays, love is replaced by ego, and the church enters an ice age devoid of life or growth.</div>
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<b>The “Past Perfect” model</b>. Even though a past pastor might have been totally incompetent or the church people were so spiteful the church split – the past is so much better than the present. If only we could return to those halcyon days, life would be good. Don’t misunderstand me; history and an awareness of the past are crucial to successful church development to avoid making the same mistakes all over again! Often this model sees things in vague and hazzy terms lacking clarity or connection of cause and effect. </div>
It is through an awareness of the rich heritage of the saints of the past that we can appreciate our faith today. The church, like some like prehistoric creature in a slab of amber, does not remain static. The church is alive. It is organic. It changes and adapts to meet the needs and problems of every generation with the unchanging love of God.<br />
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<b>The “Transient Verb” model.</b> The people who attempt to manipulate a congregation by threatening to leave. They take offense, get their feelings hurt, are unappreciated and move off to the next church down the road with an “I’ll show them” attitude. It is not all-bad though. Some churches would have no membership growth at all if it were not for these folks. The truth is that most of these “here today – gone tomorrow” people are pure trouble mongers. Look around your community at the many tiny churches struggling to stay afloat and you often see the result of these people who bring division and leave discord.</div>
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The <b>“Future-Seeking Congregation”</b> is a church that has restored their relationship with Jesus Christ. They recognize their mandate is “Go – into all the world!” Church is then a refreshing station in their own individual ministry modeling the love of God in their slice of the world. Church is the place of encouragement and celebration. Church is the place to learn, to be equipped, and then back out into the daily grind as witnesses of the love and joy found in a relationship with God.</div>
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The “future-seeking congregation” is a church that does not rest on what they used to do but dreams about what they are getting ready to do in the future.The “future seeking congregation” focuses on serving others and making a difference in the world. The willingness to take risks, engage in vision, take action, and remain spiritually vital is the foundation of the <b>“Future-Seeking Congregation.</b>”</div>
MARILYN A. HUDSON, MLIShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466575630754478836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-57063550732121990012013-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:002013-06-03T06:15:00.520-07:00A Friend is Another Self<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Our title comes from Aristotle. It speaks of the close affinity that binds two individuals together <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIejdZFrmSTrvQzmLMuCpC9PE6BKbBcaLdeKhGgZL7m71fuJV1PSrKbQRTF3mGzWz1rF-IDwRtvAAB7WzcHTb1FF9wFJtvD3hzbGXQfkCr6uFFiJT6BzKzxm-dBd8MyVAnwsYrHoBIcFvd/s1600/MH900387491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIejdZFrmSTrvQzmLMuCpC9PE6BKbBcaLdeKhGgZL7m71fuJV1PSrKbQRTF3mGzWz1rF-IDwRtvAAB7WzcHTb1FF9wFJtvD3hzbGXQfkCr6uFFiJT6BzKzxm-dBd8MyVAnwsYrHoBIcFvd/s200/MH900387491.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
in a warm and affectionate relationship. This could of course be the relationship that one encounters in marriage, but by no means is it limited to that estate. <br />
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Aristotle is thinking of the kind of friendship where an individual is so closely related to a friend, that no falsity or dissimulation is thought necessary to preserve the relationship. Far from it, one may be open as though sharing with oneself. Patrick O’Brian places this distinction into the mouths of his literary characters as they occasionally refer to one another as their “particular friend”. This is a somewhat anachronistic figure of speech that describes not just a friendly acquaintance, but a true friend. <br />
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Now, let us assume that we have such a person in our life. How does one care for that relationship? Permit an illustration to get at this question. I have noticed that on Facebook, the category of “friends” is the general pot where persons we know are parked unless they are put into some other category such as family or the so-called V.I.P. list. Probably most of us have a good number of people in the friends category. In my own case, this is a repository for individuals who never seem to interact with me at all and I fear that I am equally guilty. </div>
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So, are they really friends? Further, would Aristotle define them as friends? I think not to both questions. These friends may only be acquaintances. In addition, in some cases, these friends may want to keep up with what is going on in your life without investing any energy in a personal relationship. Facebook allows them to hear the news with no time or energy expended in the relationship. This is friendship based upon a few keystrokes. </div>
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On the other hand, real friendship is work. It may be a labor of love, but it does require activity on our part. To care for a friendship requires that we extend ourselves on behalf of the friend. I believe that this is personal and intentional in nature. We have coffee. We go to lunch. We converse beyond the realm of passivity. I grant that we may legitimately offer examples of friendships that flourished over years and distance without the privilege of close personal interaction, but I posit that they are the exception. I have known some who affirm that they have friends that they had not spoken to or interacted with for years and when reconnected, they picked up as though they had never been apart. I must accept their affirmation, but my experience says that this is an exaggeration. People change and evolve and even as your high school sweetheart no longer is in the blush of youth, your friendship has not retained its same reality. </div>
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Therefore, returning to the question of how one cares for a friendship, I would say take care of your friends. Spend time with them. Talk to them. Go to lunch with them. You get the idea. Be a presence in their lives to the degree that is appropriate and allows the relationship to be nurtured. Even if this requires some long distance communication, for heaven’s sake, do not ignore them and then expect them to be “particular friends”. Take care of your friends. </div>
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Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-637732105502534385.post-2437712246558821132013-05-30T13:19:00.002-07:002013-05-30T13:19:22.420-07:00Killers in the Church<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can see the heads swirling around now checking the corners and the hallways. No, there is no mad monster with a power saw and a Halloween mask stalking the halls leaving beheaded corpses in his wake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ENX0JjT3Z3f_3OfgKPkSaXamLPUJLWdJ-o2kDkhGQVO1tDxm77z6AQJSV98-NmAZH9GA8-FVrGtRcDZbH7avTE6rLM4Y7AmnqEIHdeNR6XIyyfaOCzzQHvdd2Mw9gTjsR47RB1wN8WdT/s1600/face_clip_art_25359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ENX0JjT3Z3f_3OfgKPkSaXamLPUJLWdJ-o2kDkhGQVO1tDxm77z6AQJSV98-NmAZH9GA8-FVrGtRcDZbH7avTE6rLM4Y7AmnqEIHdeNR6XIyyfaOCzzQHvdd2Mw9gTjsR47RB1wN8WdT/s200/face_clip_art_25359.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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A killer walks but not that kind. The killer is that personality type that professionals call the psychopath or sociopath. Some sources indicate as many as 1 in every 25 people is a psychopath.</div>
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Simply put, these are people who lack certain elements of their makeup associated with the best of human nature. They lack sympathy, they are manipulative, they lie, they are self-centered, and their own needs come first. </div>
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The Gospel speaks of being born anew, Romans stresses the need for transformation by allowing Christ to consume the human nature changing it into His own, and Corinthians and the Letters of John warn of what happens when this does not happen.</div>
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What happens is there are killers in the church. There are people who are hard at work slaying the souls, the hope, and the dreams of those in the community of faith. They stalk like a hungry lion, leaping out when least expected and shredding human hearts. </div>
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They are often invisible, the classic mild next door neighbor who never caused any trouble, until they are captured and charged with a string of horrific murders. </div>
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The weapon for such stalking killers in the church is prayer and an ever deepening spiritual relationship with the God who saves, makes new and brings love.</div>
Dr. Marvin J. Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00962694379863301568noreply@blogger.com0