Saturday, 30 May 2009
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Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations
By Alex Harris, Brett Harris
see relatedQuestion Everything
What does the name of God mean? When do we go to heaven after we die? Will my dog go to heaven? Where is hell? Why do we worship on Sunday; isn’t the Sabbath on Saturday? What is the difference between a spirit and a soul? How can I know God’s will for my life?
These are just a few of the questions we will be addressing on Sundays this summer at Oaklawn as we Question Everything? Earlier this year, I asked our congregation and community to bring me questions. And, boy, did we receive them! Some of your questions were born out of heart-wrenching desire to know God better. Some questions were born out of confusion and pain. And, let’s face it, some of these questions were just to make me work real hard to seek the answers! It’s working. Some of these questions are really difficult… which is good. Life is full of hard questions.
Jesus’ life was full of questions. As we read His story in the Bible (found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) we find time and time again that Jesus is interrupted… and asked questions. Sometimes the questions were from His friends, struggling to understand His way. Other times, the questions were from the strictly religious in an attempt to prove Jesus wasn’t who He claimed to be, or at least to make Him look bad. Many times, the questions came from men and women in the community, just trying to do day-to-day life. Even after the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus gets involved in life’s questions.
There is a story, found in Luke 24, about two of Jesus’ disciples walking along the road, in a deep conversation about the death of Jesus that they had witnessed, and the fact that they had just found His burial tomb to be empty. You have to believe their heads were spinning with questions. Look at what happens next:
In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. –Luke 24:15(Msg)
They didn’t even recognize Jesus at first. So, He answered all of their questions by starting with the Creation story and walking them through the Law of Moses and the teachings of the Prophets. Then, He sat down to a meal with them, and when He broke the bread so they could share it, they realized why He had all the answers – it was Jesus!
Some wonder where the questions end and faith begins. I think faith grows stronger through questions. Actually, I don’t think a belief that has never been questioned is worth really believing in. God is certainly big enough to handle any question we may have, and I bet He loves His children to come to Him and ask questions. Just remember, in the middle of your questions, Jesus comes up and walks along with you!
BE blessed and BE loved.
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Comments (6)
i have a question... it's about the problem of trying to be too holy- as a person and a church. the whole "holiness" thing seems to shut out the world and make us isolate ourselves so that we don't "catch" the sins of the world- but we aren't called to isolation. we are called to be salt and light- and a room with light doesn't need more light and dish with salt doesn't need more salt. where's the balance in this, steve?
Question everything. That's a great idea. I'm so very glad to see that others can learn what I did - that you can ask anything and through faith and the willingness to learn, scripture and the holy spirit will reveal the answers to these questions. I'm sure you'll find a lot of amazing answers and some I suspect will be quite challenging to accept.
I'd love to sit at your feet and hear what you have to say about these things. I really would.
@jerjonji - This certainly has caused a lot of the issues and pain that are coming to the surface in the relationship between Christ-followers and others. Holiness is not about separating oneself from the world, but embracing the world with the perfect, holy love of Jesus Messiah. When the phrase "set apart" is used, it is meant to be "set apart" to God... in whatever culture one happens to find themselves living in. And, in my opinion, the biggest problem we encounter here is when we "try to be holy." The way of Christ isn't trying to be holy, but living in the reality that without His presence I can't be holy. A lifetime of trying will not make it happen. It is when I rest in his love and holiness that I am transformed and can love the world around me with holy love.
@FKIProfessor - some of the answers I am discovering are definitely stretching me!
@IamDonnaC - www.oaklawnchog.com/podcasts.asp Usually updated every Monday. :}
Sounds like an interesting summer at your church. When I was in college (eons ago) I took a course in Philosophy from a prof who had been a Baptist preacher, but became an atheist. He made us question everything, and it was very good for me. I had been raised in church, but after that course my faith was much stronger. I had to question why I believed what I did.
Hi bro. Sounds like you have a busy and exciting summer ahead.I just want you to know that if you want to pick my brain for any info on what our books say,I'm there for you and the fine people that hang with you.Just email me at Hezakiah4@aol.com; easiest way to get me. Just put your Xanga monicker in the subject line so I know it's not spam.Peace all