Why inclusion? Why lock in on one part of a complex theological system and make that my focus? Because its en vogue to be an inclusionist these days? Because Im nothing more than a shock jock who wants to contradict orthodoxy at every turn? Because Im marked for rebellion? Because Im trying to make a name for myself? Why are all those in quotes? Because those are things thrown at me every day about what I preach, as if I have spent my time simply perpetuating something out of a sick desire to stir the pot. Nope. Its way more personal than that. I was trapped in a loveless marriage, and like all marriages that hit that point - it was no fault of either one of us, or both of our faults collectively. Either way, the marriage was over, we just hadnt ended it yet, and the death that surrounded began to fester. I had reached a point where to me the only way out of this darkness was to end the darkness on my own terms. Sure, I hadnt plotted the means and method, but the thought was there. And then I came across this little verse. For Christ is all, and is IN all (col 3:11) Wait, what? Did Paul just say Christ is in ALL? And can that really mean what I think it means? Oh sure, we try to explain away as some of all types but that only works for those who dont take the first second to look at the greek grammar... all means all here. In an instance, all my thoughts of ending the darkness became null...and it became about one thing - if Christ is in all, then we have utterly failed humanity by teaching them that he is away from them at any point. Which brought me full circle... If he isnt away from us, then hes here in my darkness too. And then I found Baxter Krugers book Across All Worlds. If I were limited to one book I had to recommend for people to read it would be this book. It is that powerful. And short. Kruger doesnt mince words, he says what he means... In an instant my life was transformed. What had been you can be reconciled if you do this became you have been reconciled because he did this. Suicidal thoughts left my mind, depression left my life, and purpose entered. If it pleased God to reveal his son IN Paul (Gal 2:20) then I wondered if it could bring me joy too. We all know the old christian acronym for joy - Jesus, Others, You... Quaint. And absolutely true. Jesus is in others, and hes in you. Thats what produces joy, revealing the son in others. Sure it doesnt grow your church or your offering, and people will likely stop supporting your ministry because of it, but its the truth. Id rather die poor preaching the truth than pander for a larger offering any day. And that is just what this message is - truth. Now dont hear that wrong, I didnt say its The truth. Jesus is the only one qualified for that definitive article. Nevertheless its truth. You are included. Your unbelief doesnt change it, your belief doesnt change it. It already is. The gospel is good news, news is a report of something that has already happened, not a good hope of something that may happen. Inclusion ignites faith, it doesnt discourage it... Why do I preach inclusion? Because it saved my life, healed my soul, healed my vision of God, and renewed my faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Inclusion tells us how the Godhead operates - with perichoretic, familial love and relationship, with outgoing spontaneous generosity to quote Wright. Inclusion tells us our origins - that we began in the thoughts of the one who holds all things together with his words. #ImperfectThoughts theimperfectpastor/index.php/blog/item/199-why-inclusion
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:22:37 +0000
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