What the Heck is Religious Fervor? — Comprehending A Great Awakening

What the Heck is Religious Fervor?

Comprehending A Great Awakening

If one were to Google the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings of the 1700s, and 1800s, it would be discovered that nearly every listing describes these eras as times of "Religious Fervor." While our cursory impressions of this phrase, along with the definitions below might shed some light on what they imply and what we might infer, I believe that this highly-overused, shorthand descriptor fails drastically to capture the electricity experienced during those eras. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's review what the dictionaries have to say.

Religious (Religion)

• Cambridge Dictionary: the belief in and worship of a god or gods, or any such system of belief and worship
• Merriam- Websters Dictionary: the service and worship of God or the supernatural, commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
• Collins Dictionary - synonyms: belief, faith, doctrine, theology

Fervor

• Cambridge Dictionary: Strong and sincere beliefs
• Merriam- Websters Dictionary: intensity of feeling or expression
• Collins Dictionary, synonyms: ardour, passion, enthusiasm, excitement

Defining the Undefinable

"Religious Fervor" implies committed and passionate devotion to God and, in this case, Christian practice and service. These are not incorrect assessments, however, they are incomplete and in some ways, potentially misleading. The word "Religion," for example, is not always seen in a positive light, neither do passion and enthusiasm always indicate positivity. Therefore, the idea of being fervently religious carries quite a bit of baggage along with it. Conveying the experiences of those impacted by these Awakenings is like describing what it means to be in love. As Paul McCartney said about love in his famous 1970s tune, Silly Love Songs, "I only know it when I'm in it..." Some experiences defy identification and description, especially one like "Religious Fervor" which in the minds of some is synonymous with zealotry and fanaticism over and above dramatic transformation and positive spiritual influence. In addition and as an aside, historic visuals like the one placed under the title of this article, sometimes add to this confusion. 

Love and Electricity

If we go back to the concepts of comparing "Religious Fervor," in its best sense and definition, to electricity and to love, we will begin to get a better sense of what these historic awakenings encapsulated. With electricity, it is easy to surmise that it is working based upon its effect. We turn on a switch and electrical power makes the light come on. Yet at the same time, it might be difficult to describe what is happening internally, beyond merely a scientific explanation. Stick your finger into a light socket and then compare your experience to the definition of electricity. They may not negate each other, but will likely be divergent in their emphasis. See what I mean? Defining love is no different. Take the time to call to mind both the sacrifices that love inspires, and the indescribable rewards it can produce. Then compare that to Merriam- Websters Dictionary definition of "strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties." 

Excerpts from History

What then is the term "Religious Fervor" trying to describe, or perhaps in some cases, failing to describe? We might get a better idea of how these well-documented and historic outpourings affected those it touched by hearing from some who experienced them. The following are just a few of those experiences. They are taken from the Journal of Christian Newcomer, an itinerant minister during the 2nd Great Awakening:

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October 20, 1802

Brother Geeting spoke with tender compassion. The people began to cry aloud.... Oh, what a sight! The scene could not be beheld without emotion. The congregation began to cry and moan and the excitement became general. Presently, one fell here, and another there. A woman hung on the breast of her beloved companion, and a daughter in the arms of her distressed mother — all crying for mercy. Never before have I witnessed the power of God in so great a degree among so many people. We commenced singing and praying and glory be to God, many distressed souls found peace and pardon of their sins in the blood of the Lamb. The meeting was protracted until late at night....

October 21, 1802

The congregation was more numerous than the day before. Brother Geeting spoke first with great power from 1 Corinthians 1:23-24. I followed him. The power of God was again signally displayed. The love of Jesus shed abroad and united all hearts in the bonds of brotherly love. At the administration of the Sacrament, it was clear that all distinction between sects had been lost in Christian love and fellowship. Lutherans, Presbyterians, Mennonite’s, Baptists, and Methodists — all drew near the Lord’s table and united in commemoration of the dying love of the Redeemer. Many were not able to avoid shouting and praising God for his unbounded mercy and goodness. With difficulty, we parted from the people, but we were compelled to leave them in order to fill our appointment...

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Back to the Beginning

These folks were not merely signing cards of commitment, or engaging in group think. They were touching the 3rd rail of Christianity, the one with the electric power potent enough to transform them as individuals and as groups of believers. These particular experiences are highly reminiscent of the first "Religiously Fervent," those in the Book of Acts. 

"God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:36-37)

More than merely emotionalism, or determination towards devotion, these seasons were termed "Great Awakenings" for a reason. Follow along with another example from Newcomer's Journal culled from many others:

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November 13, 1803

Sunday — Today we had indeed a little Pentecost. From 300 to 400 persons had collected — more than the barn in which we had assembled for worship could contain. I preached to them from Titus 3 with great liberty and effect for the salvation of souls. The congregation was remarkably attentive to the word. Though it rained, those that had no shelter in the barn kept their stand in the rain without the least disturbance. It is indeed surprising and at least to me, somewhat mysterious to behold, the manner in which the power of God works here among the people.... Sometimes the excitement would be so great that I had to stop speaking for several minutes until the noise abated. Some few were praising God and shouting for joy. Brother Christian Berger addressed the congregation. When I had concluded my discourse in the German, I then preached in the English language from 1 Peter 1:3 and the effect was again the same. At night I preached at Mr. Swartz’s. Here also several persons of both sexes fell to the floor and others were crying for mercy. This lasted until after midnight. 

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Far More Than An Historical Footnote

Perhaps the generic and incomprehensible term, "Religious Fervor," has been so widely adopted in connection to these outpourings because these reports are so difficult for most, especially secular historians, to comprehend. These reports certainly do not reflect what society understands concerning, and what most Christians experience, on Sunday mornings. That's because the views and experiences which prompt the use of phrases like "Religious Fervor" are based upon our experiences outside of these kinds of awakenings. Yet despite our ignorance of them, these accounts do not stand alone but exist alongside of many others recorded during this period of revival and awakening. Nor were these times of spiritual wonder and growth specific to one geographic location or noted by one solitary event. They were quite pervasive and were experienced across the country and over multiple decades. Yet for brevity's sake, and for purpose of more easily categorizing, and in some cases, ignoring their impact, these experiences have been filtered together and dumped down into one singular category of "Religious Fervor." 

In Newcomer's case, he experienced and held within him enough so much "fervor" that it prompted him to ride more than 150,000 miles on horseback for well over 40 years in an effort to share and perpetuate the change undertaken in his heart. And, he was not alone. It is sure that the great wars and conflicts over the last couple of hundred years have affected our country both culturally and spiritually, however, people like Newcomer and his contemporaries, Francis Asbury, Freeborn Garrettson, and many, many others were more than footnotes among those regarded as "Religiously Fervent." Through their tangible and unapologetic relationship with God, these and many more like them, helped shape their culture and bring relief and personal freedom to multiple generations.

That's what I call Religious Fervor!

 “You Can’t Have Everything. Where Would You Put It?” 

~ Stephen Wright

All Things

The good news is that God does have everything, and he knows just where to put it. But what about us? Through the plan of redemption, he transferred all things to Jesus until the time comes for all things to be delivered back to himself (1 Co 15:24). Until that time, all these things, those that have to do with life and godliness, have been entrusted to you and to me through Jesus (2 Pe 1:3). So despite Stephen Wright's very funny observation, it looks like we really can have everything. 

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 NIV)

But what does that mean?  

The Center of All Things

While every good and perfect gift does come down from God himself (Ja 1:17), I've experienced some less than perfect things drop into my lap as well. These are the trials, stumbling blocks, and tribulations which according to scripture, line the path to the Kingdom of God on earth, that even Jesus said were destined to come (Acts 14:22; Luke 17:1). While these things would not be considered good, God still has us covered.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 ESV).

He makes all things work for my good. Therefore, it is more productive for me that I set my focus upon the One who holds all things together than it is to focus upon the things themselves, whether they be good or bad (Col 1:17; Ro 8:28). My focus must always be upon...

“... Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV) 

Jesus Christ is the center of all things and as we live our lives in him, we benefit from all that he is, all that he accomplished on the cross, and all that he has provided to us as believers. See: Eph 3:9; Jer 10:16; Jn 1:3; Acts 14:15; etc.

All Things I Commanded You

As we skim through individual passages without connecting them to the whole of scripture, it is easy to overlook that God is the "God of all things." Consider, for example, how we have reduced the Great Commission down to a singular task of evangelism while in fact, Jesus' commands are far more encompassing. The Great Commission is not about just one thing, it is about ALL things.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...” (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)

All authority... all nations... all of Jesus' commands...! Jesus is the all in all and has called us to all the things that he is about! But where do we begin? 

We begin by looking at all things Jesus commanded his first disciples to do. These are the works Jesus said that we would do in his name (Jn 14:12). The fight over whether these works are for today might be settled more easily when we understand why it is so important to Jesus that they be performed. It starts with what he gained on the cross and gave to the Church.

All Things Given to the Church

All things work for our benefit because they've been given to us that we might co-labor in administering "all things" in every way. Remember, we've been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. The works Jesus said we will perform in his name are merely facets of his full life which has been provided to us through his death and resurrection. When Paul talks about these things, he is not shy about emphasizing the massive scope of the Great Commission.

“... He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:19-23 NIV)

Our calling and purpose is directly connected to his fullness and therefore, our individual assignments within our corporate calling should reflect everything that Jesus is. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Co 12:27 NIV). 

When fitly joined together carrying out his mission, we begin to look like him in this world (1 Jn 4:17). That is the key to achieving the end game.

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.... speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:11-12, 15-16 ESV).

The End Goal of Everything is All in All

God seems to have gone "all in" on this concept of "all" and "every." Many of us have come to believe that his plan was simply to fill heaven, while all along, his plan has been to fill "everything in every way" (Eph 1:23). But what are we to fill everything with? 

What would Jesus have us to be praying for and carrying out in his name? Fortunately, the disciples asked Jesus the very same question and his response indicates that it has to do with making a stand for his Kingdom on earth, in all its many facets, as it already is in heaven (Mt 6:10). The Lord's Prayer, sometimes called the Disciples' Prayer, has been used to entreat the God of heaven for over 2,000 years so that his Kingdom would come and his will would be done on earth as it is in heaven... that he would be able to redeem all of his creation back to his original intent.

"Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:24-28 ESV).

Like me, you probably admired the poetry of this passage without realizing the depth it contains. And like me, you may have also missed in one respect or another that the good news is more than just the gospel of salvation, but that it encompasses the whole of his Kingdom purpose. We proclaim and demonstrate the gospel as Jesus modeled so that "all things," not just all people, would come into subjection to God.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:7-10 NIV).

For all things in heaven and earth to unite in him, his influence must chip away at the effects of the fall so that all things begin to look more and more like his dwelling place than it does now. Surely, he can't bring all things together by making heaven look more like this fallen world. Something has to give. And surely, God does not intend to change the nature of heaven that it be like the nature of earth. 

All is Not New

Perhaps it is because his thoughts are so high above our thoughts that it has been difficult for us to dream beyond the idea of sneaking people past the gates of hell into heaven while Satan wasn't looking. Even our grandiose notions of end time events pale in comparison to what he has repeatedly announced throughout scripture. Prophets under an inferior covenant had a grander and clearer vision of what God has in mind than we do today.

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14 NIV).

Even though God cast this vision throughout the Old Testament, we have somehow fixed our gaze upon heaven, despite the angels' warning given after Jesus' ascension to not stand staring up into the sky (Acts 1:11). See: Numbers 14:21; Psalm 22:27; Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 40:5; Jeremiah 31:34. 

Let's not forget that when the God of glory created the earth, he looked at his creation and proclaimed that all things were very good. While all things went downhill after the fall, they are not beyond redemption and from the foundation of the world, he had a plan to remedy the fall and fill his creation with his glory again.

A Return to All Things

Once this topic rises to the surface, it is inevitable that fears of inclusivism, universalism, and even pantheism will rise up with it. Despite these aberrations, God is very interested in moving ahead with his plan to manifest the hope of the glory that he has planted within us (Col 1:27). We have been adopted as his sons and daughters and have been translated into the Kingdom of his dear son (Col 1:13). If we don't feel up to the challenge, James suggests that we look to Elijah as our example (Ja 5:17).

This prophet not only brought rain to the earth after three years of drought, but did so amidst a challenge to the prophets of Baal — kingdom against kingdom where Elijah quite convincingly demonstrated the superiority of the Kingdom of God. We are called to the same task. And so, the Great Commission is not only about personal salvation, it's also about our cooperation in the mission...

"...That he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago." (Acts 3:20-21 NIV).

This passage parallels the theme of Jesus' discourse on the night he was betrayed. There he announced his mission being carried out by the Holy Spirit after his soon departure so that believers might receive all that Jesus was appointed to do.

"... He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine... In that day... whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.... Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.... I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father" (John 16:14-15, 23, 28 ESV).

Jesus also spoke about going away and sending the Holy Spirit who was being sent to, "... glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine."

All the Body

I believe it is all too easy for us to be comfortable in our isolation and disconnectedness. We often do not gravitate towards the joints and sinews designed to pull us together and make us all that we can be. Christ in us as the hope of glory may sound good theologically, but living it out is another matter. It will take all us working in tandem so that we might see God's plan come together.

"... Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV)

"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:17-20 NIV).

We don't want to be the ones to tell God he can't have everything simply because we cannot conceive of him having a place to put it.  

You Can't Have Everything, Unless You Ask!

Now that I've teased the concept of "all things," you might find that this theme is far more prevalent in scripture than you formerly realized. The Great Commission is not only about personal salvation, it's also about our service in the redemption of all things. 

"...That he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago." (Acts 3:20-21 NIV).

We can have it all. This is simply because God's word in scripture tells us that we've already been given it all.  

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 NIV)

He who gives good gifts is also the one who desires that receive and take full advantage of what we have been given. Consider for example that Paul exhorts us to not only follow after love, but that we earnestly desire the gifts that build the Body of Christ to maturity (1 Co 14:1-5; Eph 4:16, etc.). This phrase, "earnestly desire," literally means to burn and bubble over for in order to attain. So when Jesus says that he will give us whatever we ask for in prayer, perhaps, this is what he was talking about (Jn 14:13, 15:7, 15:16, 16:24-27).

A theology of all things, therefore, is not one that believes that all things make up God, but that God is the God of all things and he wants all his things returned back to him. Admittedly, my vision for this has been far too narrow. Our hesitation in rising together in the full stature of Christ to any measurable level might stem from our lack of belief. We might not believe that the God who created all things wants us to partner with him that he be known as the God over all things. He wants his nature and culture as it is in heaven to begin to permeate the Church that they might spread out and fill all of his creation.

 The Train is Leaving the Station

All Aboard!

I’ve noticed something about train travel from watching movies; as long as one makes an effort and the train hasn’t picked up speed yet, it is never too late to board. But when getting on board, it is important that we’re on the right train. Metaphorically speaking, I believe that many feel like life in God has passed them by. If this is you, listen to this “All aboard” announcement. God is inviting all who will heed the call to join him for a tremendous excursion. The guy in the scene above from A Passage to India gets it.

Get Your Tickets!

We’re all aware of the mass exodus from the church over the last decade or so. Whatever reason for this, the tickets to board the train of service remains open to all who will hear it. Sure, some luggage too cumbersome for a hasty departure might need to be left on the platform, but the train is already well-equipped and well-stocked. In addition, there are those already aboard willing to see that you are equipped.

It's Not Too Late!

Full potential resides in those who have stood on the side of the tracks up until now, as long as they're willing to make a run for it. Remember the parable of the vineyard workers hired in the final hours? Their last-minute employment resulted in no deficit in reward. This train is full of redemption and its potential for service harkens back to the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings, The Welsh Revival, Azusa Street, and Pentecost itself. This trip is not a trend focused upon a particular destination, but is a vehicle for service which concentrates on the journey. And, as long as you have a ticket to ride, there is plenty of room on board.

New Travel Plans

The definition of the Greek word, metanoia, is that we change our minds and direct our thoughts towards God’s perspective and away from our own, especially in relation to conclusions about him and ourselves which we’ve formed based upon the challenges we’ve faced. Metanoia is translated into English as the word repentance. It is our agreement to reach back into our pockets and pull out the tickets we’ve been given. Our call, after all, is to “Go,” and on our way, he’s arranged to have works follow us that will transform people’s lives. Leaving our old ways of thinking behind begin with simply a determination to do so. Boarding the train is simply a part of that ongoing process. 

There's Something About a Train

The national train service, Amtrak, used to have a jingle to entice passengers, reminding them that “There’s something about a train.” And there is! The difference between life on a train and taking up space in the station is as different as night and day. But, we are not called only as highly valued passengers, we are also called to be the train’s supernatural crew. Our exploits will cause towns, cities, and villages to sing, “I hear that train a coming...” But remember, this train is on a time table and therefore, it’s heading out soon. So, you might be asking what does it take to get on board?

Discover Your Passion!

If you at one time left the station in disgust, consider whether you actually went anywhere or if your thoughts are still stuck in your memories of station-life gone wrong. If so, this is your invitation! Discover what it takes to head towards the platform. There is something about a train and if you see this train moving, run alongside if you have to. Do whatever it takes to get on board this train of service. It is leaving the station and will soon begin to pick up speed.

Measuring Faith

While we’ve each been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3), sometimes we’re found measuring things by our doubt and unbelief rather than by the faith we've received. What do I mean? Let’s follow Peter out on the Sea of Galilee as we attempt to evaluate and compute what happened there.

The disciples had been rowing across the Sea of Galilee throughout the night and making little forward motion. Then suddenly they saw Jesus walking towards them on the water, totally unencumbered by the waves and the wind. They were all afraid, yet despite his fear, Peter called out and said:

“‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.’ He said, ‘Come.’ Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the water and went toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he yelled, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’ Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?'” (Matthew 14-28-31 NHB).

A Small Measure of Faith

If you had been rowing for hours and hours, getting nowhere, and then saw Jesus walking effortlessly on the water, wouldn't you want to leave your labor behind and hope to join him? Before you answer, we know that Biblically speaking, only one twelfth of believers would follow that inclination and ask Jesus to call them out on the water. So that makes the following fact all the more impactful. If Peter had only "little faith," enabling him to get out of the boat and walk upon the Sea of Galilee, the faith of the other disciples was likely not sufficient to even be measured.

Perhaps it's time, therefore, that we reconsider and remeasure Jesus' "rebuke" of Peter and begin to see it as, at least in part, an affirmation of Peter's belief. Remember, the one who called Peter one of "little faith," is the same one who declared that faith as small as a mustard seed is sufficient to cast a mountain into the sea. We should join Jesus and commend Peter for his small measure of faith for it enabled him to exit a boat during a storm, and walk upon a path of rough waters. And, he was successful up until the point that he began to doubt.

A Measure of Doubt

What a teaching moment this was — holding Jesus' hand while standing on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus used the opportunity, not to degrade Peter but to affirm and instruct him. In essence, Jesus said, "You had a sufficient amount of faith to join me on the water. Things were going so well, why did you doubt?” Doubt! What exactly is doubt and why is it so destructive?

One way to understand doubt and its relationship to unbelief is to see it in light of hope's relationship to faith. Faith, after all, is the, "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Heb 11:1 NIV). Doubt is the confidence in the things we see that contradict hope and faith. So, as hope is the fuel for faith, doubt then is the fuel for unbelief. Hope has the ability to believe the impossible, while doubt has the ability to put our focus on the circumstances around us. Peter's focus was broken and his attention was given to the wind and the waves about him, causing him to doubt not only Jesus, but the measure of his faith, successfully walking upon the water. Hope is realized in our focus upon Jesus as the Word of God. Doubt is realized and measured by our focus upon those things contrary to Jesus and the Word.

“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete” (Hebrews 12:2 CEV)

As it is said, “We become what we behold.” Paul says that we’re transformed into Jesus’ likeness as we gaze into his glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and what is possible through our faith in him and put his eyes upon those things devoid of Jesus' glory. When he began to sink, believing that he needed to be saved, that's when the measure of his doubt outweighed the measure of his faith.

Measuring Contrary Winds

The strong winds enticed Peter to lose his focus, but it is easy to see why he had begun to remeasure the situation, despite his success thus far. The evening before, the disciples had been serving as waiters, helping Jesus feed over 5,000 hungry people. Afterwards, Jesus sent them off in a boat, rowing across the lake. By the time Jesus caught up to them, walking on the water, it was sometime between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning. They had been rowing against the wind for many hours. 

In the moment that Peter shifted his focus off of Jesus and upon the strong winds, it was because he knew what it was like to strive against those winds and fail. He and his fellow disciples had been doing that for a measurable period of time in the dark of night. So, when he began to measure his current situation by the doubt that those previous experiences had created, that's when he began to sink. 

We will do the same whenever we look backwards at our failures instead of looking straight ahead towards Jesus.

Well-measured

A small amount of faith is nothing which we should be ashamed. We can, according to Jesus, accomplish great things as long as we do not measure our situation by doubt and unbelief. It is Jesus who gives us our measure of faith and the means by which it is applied. How we measure and apply doubt and unbelief to a situation, however, is totally upon us. Peter had seen Jesus walk on the water and applying a sufficient amount of faith (little), he walked out on the water. But once Peter's doubt based upon his own experience became his focus, the measure of his faith became inconsequential in relationship to the measure of attention he gave to doubt.

So if we are to learn from Peter's experience, we must first believe it a good thing to get out of the boat, answering Jesus' call for us to move forward. Then, we must strive to measure everything we do in light of the success Jesus had before us. He said that we would do the works that he did (John 4:12), which means that depending upon the need, we can look to his example as to what is possible. That's how Peter walked on the water. We must see Jesus as the author and completer of our faith (Heb 12:2).

Hope is the lighthouse that calls us forward and is the substance under our feet as we move forward in faith. It always tells us that there will be a place to step as long as our eyes are focused in the right place. That's how we measure where our next step is going, and that's how we combat the doubt that comes to counteract walking out the measure of faith we've been given.

Small faith is not an insufficiency. We've simply not known how to measure the value of the mustard seed faith within us. How we measure a thing determines its worth. The scales must be aligned properly and the gold within the believer must be valued based upon what Jesus says, not measured by the defeats and loses we've endured.

A Fringe Invitation

Fringe

I’ve been rewatching the series Fringe which is about an off-the-beaten path, science task force working within the FBI. Its assignment is to investigate and focus upon what some consider fringe science - areas outside of the traditional and easily explainable. While watching this sci-fi program, I’m noticing some parallels between it and the Churches mission in our day. We too can no longer dismiss, and/or avoid the works, what some consider the fringe areas of the Gospel, Jesus said that we would perform. While saying this, I fully realize that the supernatural aspects of the Gospel can appear to be, like in the aforementioned TV show, fringe elements.

That’s why I wrote The Gospel Served with the Works. My intention was to create an easily accessible and digestible, scriptural presentation of the Churches mandate to do the works of Jesus. 

“The supernatural is weird enough. Don’t make it any weirder.”

Holding Things in Tension

I recognize and appreciate the reluctance of some to embrace these aspects of the Gospel as many feel that who focus upon them are more invested in these "fringe elements" of the Gospel than they are the core commission itself. I would suggest that the pendulum often swings too far in both directions. Because of this, I suggest that we consider how we can hold these things in tension with each other instead of in extreme opposition.

One end of the spectrum is probably best exemplified by Thomas Jefferson. Being a deist, and more of an admirer than a follower of Jesus, Jefferson infamously cut up his New Testament, removing all the supernatural aspects of Jesus’ ministry, and pasting it back together using only the collection of Jesus' wise sayings and teachings.

On the other end of the spectrum, some have become so attracted to the flame of the supernatural aspects of the Gospel that they have come to believe that being odd and strange are a badge of spirituality. From my perspective, this too is missing the mark. As they taught us at Global Awakening in Mechanicsburg, PA, “The supernatural is weird enough. Don’t make it any weirder.”

Investigation and Immersion

I suggest that we must find ways to move outside of our comfort zone. Just like the Fringe division of the FBI in the aforementioned television program, we would do good to begin to investigate and immerse ourselves in the supernatural works of Jesus as presented in scripture. By doing so, we can begin to discover how we might integrate them into our understanding of the Gospel as they are so deeply embedded within Jesus' ministry and that of the early Church, that they are inseparable. Some are probably asking whether this is something that we can do without becoming weird. Well, weird and fringe are something that are defined and held within the eye of the beholder. Ultimately, our goal would be to be no weirder than Jesus, Paul, John or any of those who understood the marriage between the proclamation of the Gospel and the demonstration of the Gospel. 

No matter where we fall on the spectrum between the written and oral proclamation of the Gospel, and supernatural demonstration, we will likely appear weird to someone. This is an unavoidable fact and it's the chance we took by signing the dotted line. As we carry and perpetuate the Gospel, persecution from one direction or another is simply a fact of life. 

Identity

Whether we are stiff and rigid, or have become weird and wild as it pertains to the Gospel, these attributes probably have more to do with the quirks and leanings we brought with us into our Christian identity and ministry, than attributes that we have culled from the Bible. For many of us, we have gravitated towards and adapted scripture and theology which already match our personalities more than we have allowed the scripture and the Spirit that inspired them to renew and reframe our thinking (Ro 12:2).

The trick is to allow Jesus work in and through us more and more so that our own traits and rough ages can fall into subjection to his identity in us. We invited him in not as a guest, but so that he could take over. That's what the word Lord means. While God created us uniquely and he cherishes who he made us to be, he calls us to more fully recognize who we are in Christ his son. We can never fully arrive at that perfection by we are pilgrims on a journey built that those things which hinder may fall off and those things he wants to build in us will grow. It helps, since we're all on this road together, to offer grace to each other as each of us strive to enter his rest and come into higher levels of maturity and identity in Christ.

You are the ones who are greatly needed in the supernatural presentation of the Gospel for you are the most sensitive to its abuses.

An Invitation and a Challenge

To those who value orthodoxy, seek integrity, and desire to be Christlike within the the proper bounds of the scripture, I would like to extend to you an interesting and serious invitation and a challenge to investigate the supernatural demonstration of the Gospel beyond your comfort zone. Being the ones who are perhaps the most sensitive to its abuses, your maturity and desire to respectfully and faithfully administer the Great Commission is your greatest asset and the full Gospel needs your unique perspective. That's the invitation. The challenge is that along the way, you might find that you have alienated yourself from others as they will likely deem your investigation as getting to close to fringe Christianity, but I'm only suggesting that you begin by going only as far as scripture demonstrate. 

If praying for the sick and other demonstrations of the works of Christ in the Church have appeared to you more like a sideshow than a presentation of the Gospel, then I encourage you to discover how to perform the works Jesus promised we would perform. That's why I wrote The Gospel Served with the Works.

This book presents numerous scriptural examples of how these works are not merely fringe elements, but together are a major component of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our commission. I challenge you to check it out and more importantly, jump back into the Book of Acts and see how the disciples and others who never met Jesus in the flesh, operated in these works.. 

In addition, find those around you who embrace the works of Christ in his Church… those you feel you can trust to help you stretch yourself and along the way, invest yourself in other solid biblical resources on the subject. Purpose to suspend your criticism of those in the Church who appear to you to be odd or overly flamboyant. It is amazing how our perception of how God works can change as our experience administering the Gospel grows. While it is true that God never changes, it is true that our perception of him changes and grows as we come to better know him and his ways.

Conclusion

The Gospel was never meant to be comfortable and this is perhaps a revelation not expressed adequately from our pulpits. That said, there is a real joy in letting Jesus administer the Gospel through us, bringing freedom, release, and the ability to serve him better to those around us. This call is likely best reflected in another series you may have heard of, The Chosen. In it Jesus is famous for inviting his potential disciples to Come and See, and once in, he challenges them to "Get used to different!" Different is not a dirty word.

As long as we can trust him to hold us and keep us from falling off the edge while we step out and take these kinds of risks, we will succeed. It might surprise you just how normal these "fringe," expressions of the Gospel can become. After all, they were normal for Jesus, the one who we are to follow. They are to become so normal, in fact, that Jesus says they will follow all those who will believe (Mt 16:17-18). Are you a believer? Are you up to accepting his invitation found in the Great Commission? We need you! 

Easter Monday?

Anything is Possible

Easter is a time where anything is possible. It's the day believers celebrate Jesus' resurrection. If he can pull that off, he can do anything... right? Easter Sunday has come! But, what about Easter Monday?

Interpreting the Resurrection

Jesus said something rather curious just before he raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. He said, “I am the resurrection.” But, what he meant always seems to be open to interpretation.

At Lazarus’ tomb: “I Am the resurrection and the life!”

At the cross: “I don’t look much like the resurrection right now!”

At the empty tomb: “See, I really am the resurrection!”

At various times in history: “Jesus WAS the resurrection!”

At the door of current circumstances: “???????”

Plugging Into the Resurrection

Paul found a group of folks who he commended for being full of faith, the Ephesians. Yet, he prayed for them (and for us), that they would come to better know the power of the resurrection:

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead…” (Eph 1:17-20 NIV).

24/7 Resurrection

Paul lets us know that for those who believe, there is also a Resurrection Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, etc.. So tomorrow, or whenever you read this, think about what Paul has to say about this and how he continues his thoughts on the matter a few verses later:

“… God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6-7 NIV).

Guess what? We're in those coming ages now. 

Eternally Yours

For when Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn’t take the power of his resurrection with him to pack away for safe-keeping — he left it here for us.

“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all” (Acts 4:33 NIV).

“…Through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord…. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” (Ro 1:4, 16 NIV).

From Death to Resurrection

It is worth noting that resurrection requires that some things die off. Paul spends a good amount of time talking about this in the third chapter of his letter to the Philippians. But before you cringe at the thought of having to lose something, check out Paul’s language. His resurrection Monday was filled with joy in knowing that what he left behind was nothing in comparison to what he had gained the day before. His experience taught him that the power of the resurrection makes dying more than worth while. 

A Week’s Worth of Resurrection

Resurrection Monday is worth it. That’s the message of the Gospel! We seek… we find… we move forward past Resurrection Sunday, taking with it the promise that we must shed some things along the way, but that the power of the resurrection has the miraculous power to make tomorrow even better.

The Christian Life is About Resurrection

Christians are famous for showing their faith two days a year, on Christmas and Easter Sunday. This fact isn’t always as much about a lack of consistency or commitment as it is a lack of experiencing Resurrection Monday through Saturday. We need to know that there is more, and if there is more, we can have it. It is not asking too much to receive what we’ve already been given.

Today is a Good Day to Die, and a Good Day to Come Alive!

For Christians, today is the day that we affirm Jesus’ status by recalling his profound invasion into human events and human history. Are you seeing a need for more of the resurrection? Seek and you will find! That’s a promise from Jesus! He, after all, is the Resurrection, and the Life we seek. Just start asking for more.

Watch Out for the Fleischmann’s

Yeast

Today, (if we are bread-makers) we throw a touch of Fleischmann’s, Red Star or some other brand of yeast into the dough so that it rises us and fluffs up bread the way we like it. Biblically speaking, however, yeast is mostly symbolic of sin which infiltrates and alters bread in a bad way. This is why Jesus warned his followers to be watchful for the yeast of the Pharisees. 

The greatest problem with the Pharisees was their inability and sometimes unwillingness to believe what Jesus was doing and who he said that he was. And while anyone who believes in Jesus today might feel they are immune to the effect of a little Fleischmann’s, Jesus did not seem to think so.

Bread of Life

Jesus was all about the bread! Think about it! He multiplied bread along with fish at least twice. He made it part of his very last meal before his death, and was known to eat it at least once after that… which is quite a feat. And of course, he let us know that he is the bread of life. That makes what he said about leaven even more important. It doesn’t take much yeast rolled into the dough for it to spread through, infiltrate, and interact with it. That’s just how yeast works. 

And so when Jesus declared himself the Bread of Life, he gave us context for where this leaven likes to grow. So while we might rightly recognize Jesus' identity, it is possible that we might choose to overlook the fullness of that identity through doubt, cynicism, and even pride… all things associated with the Pharisees. 

Consider this! Saul was a Pharisee and it took a knock to the ground, temporary blindness, and miraculous healing to undo the effect of yeast within him and transform him into Paul. Once we determine that phariseeism is something that only someone else can “catch,” that we are somehow immune, it is likely that at least a speck of yeast has somehow found its way into our own belief system. If spiritual yeast were not that pervasive, Jesus would not have put out the all-points bulletin that we should beware (Mt 16:6, Lk 12:1, 1 Co 5:6).

Prove It!

What things about Jesus do each of us raise our heads and discount in someone else’s spiritual walk or in ours? Likely, that’s an area where something has risen and has begun to spread. Consider Thomas! After Jesus had appeared to the rest of the disciples in Thomas’ absence, Thomas declared that the only way that he would believe that Jesus had risen from the dead is if he would be given substantial proof. This is reminiscent of the Pharisees who saw miracles performed in front of them, yet continually asked Jesus for specific signs to prove himself to them. Could it be that Thomas picked up a bit of that yeast along the way? It’s not hard to do.

Self-Check

Am I more adamant in denying Jesus’ activity in the world today and in my own life than I am about recognizing Jesus' desire to intervene as he did in the New Testament? Do I discount God’s action in those I disagree with because I’m convinced that my views, positions, and standing are “more right?”

Solution!

Fortunately, Jesus is very accommodating and reaches beyond our unbelief and judgmentalism declaring, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing (Jn 20:27).” It’s our choice; yeast just makes it more difficult to make the right choices, but it's definitely not impossible. That change is what the Bible calls repentance and that simply means changing from our position to God’s position.