Soma

Thanks so much for your prayers over the past week. We had an incredible time with the pastors up in Gulu and the Lord is working in mighty ways in Northern Uganda.

Two years ago on our first trip to Gulu there had been peace for only 3 months.  Northern Uganda had been at war for the past 20 years as LRA rebels from Southern Sudan continually attacked, much of the time kidnapping children to turn into child soldiers (see: Invisible Children, or for a more “big picture” history Uganda Rising).  Two years ago the peace was uneasy and no one knew whether or not it would last.

In addition, the pastors that we met with were very unequipped in how to study Scripture.  You can imagine that in the midst of a war-torn developing area pastoral training doesn’t end up as the top priority.  So, as we began to walk through the Old Testament we realized that many of the pastors used the OT prophecies for Israel as words and promises directly for Uganda.  You can imagine the type of theological confusiuon that could create.  As we taught through the basicis of Bible Interpretation (the same stuff you’ve learned if you have taken Bible Study Methods at Shoreline), it seemed like they were eating it up, but with the cultural barriers it was hard to know for sure if the things being taught were actually being internalized.  The relationships we began to build were exciting, but we were unsure about how much of the Biblical training we were providing was actually going to take root.

Fast forward two years…to (what seems like) a completely different place.

As we drove into Gulu this year the scene was quite different.  Crops were growing all along the roads, the town centere was busy with people and bota-bota (think: 120cc bike) traffic, there were kids playing in the streets (a scene that we did not see either of the past two years).  People have spent the past year moving from the IDP camps (gigantic refugee camps) where they have lived for the past 15-20 years back to their villages and what is left of their homes.  While it is a long and rough transition, this has provided a renewed sense of security in the area that has not existed there for a long time.  In fact, many of the pastors we had been training were in the midst of moving as well and were working on establishing churches in the villages that had been abandoned a couple of decades earlier.

As for the training, we were overwhelmed by the fruit we had the opportunity to see this year.  On the first day of our training we spent some time reviewing the principles of Bible Study Methods.  The most exciting part was that they basically explained it and taught it to us, as they demonstrated the incredible level to which they had internalized the basic principles of how to study the Bible.  As we continued, the extent of this internalization only became more and more evident.  This probably reached a climax towards the end of the week as we discussed issues of ecclesiology (the study of the church).  We discussed topics such as the nature of the church, the identity of the body of Christ, the call to the “one anothers” and spiritual qualifications for pastors.  As we did, the way that the pastors dealt with the text, elivated the authority of the text, and began to think through how to apply the text to their own churches and organizations, was overwhelming and extremely exciting.  They began to discuss what it would mean if the pastors in their churches were actually qualified to be pastors.  They caught the vision of church that was more than simply a meeting one day a week (a horrible tradition they had inherited from the west).  And as they did, they got more and more excited.  Their questions became more and more insightful and their spirits were lifted as the truth of God came to bare on their hearts and consciences.  It was a very humbling thing to be a part of.

As our time together came to a close, we gave them each certificates for completion of the program and after everyone was dismissed groups of pastors began to meet at talk about how they would move forward in trying to apply the truths of Scripture to their churches.  As we heard more and more of the pastors’ hearts moving forward we were so incredibly grateful that the Lord had been faithful to use our time and sacrifice to continue to build His church here in Northern Uganda.

And, I wanted to share all of this with you so that you may also share in the joy of what God is doing in Northern Uganda and the fact that He has powerfully been using your prayers.  Thank you for your prayers and praise God for His faithfulness to answer them and to do more than we could ever ask or imagine in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.  He is building His church everywhere, and it is humbling to get to see just another small piece of how incredibly true that is.

Great is His faithfulness!

From November 13th - 25th I’m going to be in Uganda finishing up the third installment of some pastoral training we’ve been doing there over the past couple of years.  We will be in a town called Gulu in northern Uganda, just south of the Sudan border (for those of you who have seen Invisible Children that is the town…although the rebel forces are no longer active)  We are providing Biblical, theological and practical training to a group of about fifty pastors who do not have the resources or ability to go to a Bible school or seminary.  I’m really looking forward to our time together and to the opportunity to see some of these fellow pastors who I have developed some really unique relationships with.

Will you please be praying for us?  Please pray for the training and our teaching that it would be faithful to Scripture.  Please pray for our time together that it would be edifying and loving in far more ways than simply gaining knowledge.  Please pray for the hearts of the pastors who will be learning and thinking through their own lives and ministries.  Please pray for our hearts and as well, as it is impossible to teach the Word of God without thinking through our own lives and ministries too.  And Please pray for humility as we interact together and pursue God’s glory in each others lives.

If you would like to pray for each of the pastors individually, here are the names of those I expect to be there (usually a few more show up as well):

Samuel Lagen, Francis Uma, Samuel Kakamer, Kasto Ologia, Joseph Oryem, Bensom Otim, Charles Odokonyoro, Jackson Olany, James Kolo, Paul Ocan, Bosco Kilama, John Olara, Gerald Ochayo, Victor Odong, Mwaka Alwoch Batomayo, Morish Rwiot Wupaka, Vincent Okot, Charles Kara Odong, Moses Onono, Francis Irwoi Odong, David Oyoo, Michael Orote, George Owak, Pullimena Arenyo, Patrick Pokeny, Charles Ongom Akoko, Alex and Juliet Atine, Charles Sserwadda, Geoffrey Okello, Alfred Kimara, Ezekiel Simon, Alber Ocan, Constantine Aduounono, Richard Ouma, Quinto Obote, Moses Oketa, Christopher Morris Okumu, Francis James Otto, Stephen Bostel Lubega, Charles Oyoo, Geoffrey Oling, Gabriel Gumkura, Charles Odong, Samuel Ojok, Peter Patrick Gore, Simon Owot

And no…”Christopher Morris Okumu” is not a typo…there really is an African version of Chris Morris…but I don’t think he sleeps in his van.

This weekend, our Servant Minsiters got together and discussed twelve instructions that God gives for the church to live in community.  These twelve are generally representative of the majority of the “one anothers” in the New Testament.  We discussed which ones were really happening in the community of Shoreline as well as which ones weren’t.  Then we discussed some of the different things that get in the way of this kind of community.  What do you think?

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
John 13:1-20

“…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”
Romans 12:3-8

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor… Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-21

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
Romans 14:13

“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
1 Corinthians 14:26

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:1-5

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:18-21

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:1-5

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13

“…keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us… Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
James 5:16-18

“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another… By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
1 John 3:11, 16

Over the past few weeks (especially in the context of the election) I realize that I’ve used some pretty strong language regarding how God (and his people) view the taking of innocent lives in abortion.  However, all weekend I have been burdened by the thought that (while absolutely true) my words may be more hurtful than helpful, and so I thought that I’d take a moment to clarify and to speak specifically to any of you who have had an abortion in the past.

I am not speaking to anyone in particular that I know of, but I know enough to know that there is a real chance that one of the women reading this blog may have had an abortion in the past, or that one of the men reading this blog may have had (either according to or against his wishes) a child of his aborted.

If that is you, I have a very simple message for you.  Through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, YOU ARE FORGIVEN.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19

Therefore, if anyone is in CHrist, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Regardless of the situation, regardless of the pain that it may have caused (and be causing), you are forgiven!  There is hope in the gospel of Christ, there is hope in the love of the Savior and in the comfort of the body of Christ.  There is hope because Christ has dealt with ALL of your sin, and desires for you to be fully reconciled to Him, regardless of what you have done in the past.

I pray that no one’s past sin ever pushes them away from the body of Christ out of fear and humiliation.  We are all sinners (horrible sinners!) who are brought together because we share a common experience in the saving and sanctifying grace of Christ.  Grace that is yours as well!

I also know that just because you know you are forgiven, that does not mean that the pain is taken away.  Our actions have serious consequences in our lives, and the pain that they inflict on ourselves is one of the most significant.  So, please, let us (as your brothers and sisters) help you.  Let us come along side you and walk this painful road with you.  That is what we’re here for.  Just as we have a heart and a passion for the unborn, we have a heart and a passion for you…to provide you a safe place where you can experience the forgiveness, grace and mercy of God, and begin to truly heal.

And, even if the sin that has had this kind of painful affect on you is not that you have had an abortion, but is something else, this message is for you as well.  In reality, this is a message for all of us.

But, specifically regarding those who may have had an abortion in the past, I don’t know who I’m writing this to, or who I’m writing it for.  But, maybe, I’m writing it for you.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Romans 13:7

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

1 Peter 2:17

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Heavenly Father.  We praise you for your incredible sovereignty and for the gift of democracy that you have given us.  And while we appreciate the opportunity to participate in our government, we know that it is ultimately you who raise up leaders and bring them down.  We praise you and thank you for making Barak Obama our president.  We praise you for putting a man like him in power, who has honor and integrity.  We praise you for the fact that his presidency allows our country to take another large step in healing some of the horrible wounds that have been inflicted upon others in the past.  And we praise you for the peacefull exchange of leadership that we are experiencing.

Lord, we also pray for President Obama and his time as the leader of our country.  We pray that you will give him wisdom beyond his years and ability.  We pray that you will convict his heart where he has strayed from your ways, and that you would humble him before you.  We pray that you will allow him (and those around him) to see that his presidency is not a true source of hope.  We pray that you will decicevely demonstrate that a mere human on this earth cannot provide lasting hope, and in so doing show the glorious hope of the gospel.  Lord, I pray specifically for President Obama’s heart towards the littlest ones.  Please convict his heart of his error and show him the glory of your creation in the souls of the unborn.  Lead him to be humble enough to change his mind as he realizes that his fight for abortion is nothing less than murder.  Please open his eyes.

And, Lord, as we recognize your sovereignty and your love for your people we pray for the next four (or eight) years under President Obama’s leadership, that he would lead in such a way that, as believers, we would be able to live peaceful and quiet lives, focused on the godliness you have called us to.  And during that time will you please develop in the church a heart of respect and honor for the man whom you have called to have governmental authority over us.  Will you check our tongues when we are tempted to defame him.  Will you check our hearts when we are tempted to be imbittered against him.  Will you help us to think soberly and reasonably about how we ought to vote in the future, but in the meantime act with the utmost integrity as we live under the authority you have provided.

God, we confess that it is not easy for us to do so.  In fact, we have often not honored or respected our current president as we should have.  So, thank you for President Bush.  Thank you for President Obama.  And in all that is done in our country and the world may you recieve the glory now and for all generations.  Amen.

Some people may tell you, “It doesn’t matter how you vote…just vote.”

Not true!

It DOES matter how you vote…so VOTE (as thought you weren’t voting)!

And as you watch the results come in tonight, take great hope, peace, and joy in the unending, unparallelled, unquesitonable sovereignty of God.

To Him be the glory today!

Now, you may be getting tired of all of the election hype (I mean your pastor won’t even stop talking about it on his blog).  But, I feel like we have a unique opportunity to address the quesitons our society puts in front of us and particularly some of the idols of our hearts in this volatile election season.  For this reason, I’d love it if you took a look at this video of John Piper.  Piper seems torn and without a clear cut decision on the best decision in this presidential election, and because of that I identify with him.  He also seems like an imperfect man, just trying to stay faithful to God as he thinks these things through, and because of that I identify with him.  Finally, he seems like a pastor who is more concerned about the hearts of his people than about the outcome of the election, and because of that I identify with him.  Take a look, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Maybe my last two posts contradict each other…I don’t think they do, but I’m just trying to figure this out too.

HT: Matt Kleinhans