Removing Barriers Placed In Jesus' Name: "Why Jesus is the Standard Bearer"

 

Why Christ Doesn't Need Christianity
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shane-hipps/why-christ-doesnt-need-christianity_b_2258246.html?utm_hp_ref=religion

by Shane Hipps
December 13, 2012

The long slow decline of religion in America has produced much hand wringing among Christians. The grief and anxiety are inevitable, but not entirely necessary. After all, Jesus didn't come into this world to start a new religion. His stated purpose was actually to announce the presence of the "kingdom of God" (Luke 4:43). A reality, which he said, was located within us (Luke 17:21). Oddly enough, the very religion that bears his name has often built the biggest barriers to him and the life he promised.

 

One thing that might ease our anxiety is to remember that Christ and Christianity are not the same thing; If Christ is the wind, then Christianity is the sail. Some sails are better than others at catching the wind, some sailors are better at using the sail, but there is always and only one wind. A sail without the wind is a limp flag, wind without a sail is still the wind. The relationship is only one way.

 

Just because Christianity claims Jesus as its own does not mean that Christ automatically claims Christianity as his own.

 

In one sense, Christ is the pre-existent creative power of the universe with no birthday or death date, Christianity on the other hand is an institution built with the intention of harnessing that power. If the institution goes away, the power remains. Put simply, Christ is much, much bigger than any religion.

 

The book of John tells the story of a woman at a well. Here Jesus introduces her to the possibility of eternal life. This woman was a member of a religion starkly at odds with his own. She was a Samaritan, he was a Jew; the gap between these two is comparable to the gap between Muslims and Christians today. Yet, throughout their conversation, he never once made religious conversion a requirement for her to access eternal life. To paraphrase, Jesus essentially says to her, "I don't much care where or how you worship, but if you can recognize me, streams of living water will flow from within you."

 

In the story above, Jesus focuses her attention on a deeper interior reality, rather than external ones. The religion of the woman is immaterial. However, we notice a minimum requirement to recognize Jesus in order to get the goods he offers. It might be tempting to conclude that as long as we recognize and name Jesus that is what matters.

 

The problem is sometimes even recognition isn't a requirement for Christ to work in our lives. In John Chapter 9 Jesus spat on the ground, made mud pies and smeared them on a blind man's face. Soon the man could see. The method of the miracle is so bizarre that we often miss the most important point. The man didn't ask to be healed. He was minding his own business when some guy rubs dirt and spit on his eyes and them tells him to go wash it off. He didn't even know the name of his assailant. Here Jesus performs a miracle without anyone asking or recognizing who he was. Jesus served as an anonymous donor, able to give gifts without getting the credit. If we, who are merely human, are able to give anonymous gifts, how much more is Jesus?

 

The truth is that Christ is able to do his work with or without Christianity or recognition. This doesn't mean he's against Christianity, only that he doesn't require it. Just because my religion bears his name doesn't give me the ability to wield or withhold the saving or healing power of Christ as I see fit. Such misconception is a dangerous, even arrogant illusion. If we buy into this assumption, we become like the sail who believes it controls the wind.

 

Jesus may not need religion, but it seems he is glad [to] let us help if we simply join his agenda, rather than insisting he join ours. The question is, do we know his agenda?

 

 

Shane Hipps is the former teaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He is the author most recently of 'Selling Water by the River: A Book About the Life Jesus Promised and the Religion that Gets in the Way' (Jericho 2012). To learn more visit www.shanehipps.com

 

 

 



The Gospel is neither Exclusive nor Excluding

How low does God set the bar so that the

Gospel may be heard by all who seek Him?

• Who can receive the Gospel of Jesus?
• What restrictions should the church place on the Gospel?
• Who is the church willing to share the Gospel of Jesus with?
• What happens when Christianity is embraced by other religions?

Hear Shane Hipps

 (Podcast: Download)


(the text of Acts 15 may be found at the end of this post)


Shayne Hipps, Acts 15.1-35 - "Calling More Gardeners"

http://marshill.org/teaching/2012/05/06/acts-15v1-35-more-gardeners/

The download is also available from the Mars Hill Archives -

http://marshill.org/teaching/past-teachings/

Shayne Hipps, Mars Hill, Grandville, MI
May 6, 2012

A drawing of an Angry Bird

Security outside of the Louvre Museum of Paris

Painting of the Mona Lisa inside the Louvre

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, Paris, France
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_lisa

A gardener trimming a bush

 

Acts 15

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Jerusalem Council

15 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. ³ So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.^{[a] 4} When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. ⁵ But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. ⁷ And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. ⁸ And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, ⁹ and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? ¹¹ But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

¹² And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. ¹³ After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. ¹⁴ Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. ¹⁵ And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written,

¹⁶ “‘After this I will return,
and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen;
I will rebuild its ruins,
and I will restore it,¹⁷ that the remnant^[b] of mankind may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things ¹⁸ known from of old.’

¹⁹ Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, ²⁰ but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. ²¹ For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers

²² Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, ²³ with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers^[c] who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. ²⁴ Since we have heard that some persons have gone out from us and troubled you^[d] with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, ²⁵ it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, ²⁶ men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ We have therefore sent ²⁸ For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: ²⁹ that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

³⁰ So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch, and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. ³¹ And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. ³² And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. ³³ And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.^{[e] 35} But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Paul and Barnabas Separate

³⁶ And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” ³⁷ Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. ³⁸ But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. ³⁹ And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Footnotes: 

1. Acts 15:3 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 22
2. Acts 15:17 Or rest
3. Acts 15:23 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 32, 33, 36
4. Acts 15:24 Some manuscripts some persons from us have troubled you
5. Acts 15:33 Some manuscripts insert verse 34: But it seemed good to Silas to remain there

What does the resurrected Jesus say about the after-life?

Rob Bell's Replacement Speaks Out on Bell and Hell
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/156093-rob-bell-s-replacement-speaks-out-on-bell-and-hell.html

by Shane Hipps - http://shanehipps.com/
November 2011

Editor's note: Shane Hipps, the teaching pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church, recently posted his thoughts surrounding Rob Bell's book and the issue of hell. The discussion about hell is still very important for the church today and we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comment section below--we also encourage you to be civil and use Scripture to back up your arguments. Tomorrow, we will feature a post on hell from Francis Chan.

Shane Hipps discusses hell, theology,

and the post-resurrection teachings of Jesus.

There is a lot of talk these days about heaven and hell. Recently, a handful of best-selling books have been published on this topic (23 Minutes in Hell, Erasing Hell, Heaven Is for Real, God Wins). Some of these are in direct response to Rob Bell’s book Love Wins (incidentally and ironically, a book almost entirely concerned with this life, not the next one).

As a Christian who believes in the Bible and Jesus, I have found the intensity and certainty of the debate all very bizarre. It’s strange that so much passion and ink has been spilled over something that is all speculation.

Here’s what I mean: If you died, took pictures, and came back to life again, then you would know with certainty what happens after death. Of course, you would only know what happens to you, not everyone else. But if you haven’t died, you can only speculate about what happens to you and everyone else.

This speculation is perfectly fine. As long as we recognize these are only our beliefs. And beliefs by nature are not certain; they are faith based assumptions. That’s what makes them beliefs. Once you can prove them, they are no longer beliefs; they become a kind of knowing. And the funny thing is once you know, you don’t need to debate anymore.

I have never died, so I don’t have a theological position on heaven or hell. I can only entertain theological possibilities. There is a big difference.

I take a position when I know something with certainty. Almost always through direct experience. If someone pinches me, I don’t believe they pinched me. I know it. I experienced it. It doesn’t reside somewhere in my head. Nothing to debate. It happened.

I consider a possibility when it’s something I don’t know. This is something I merely believe. Either because someone I trust told me, or the Bible seems to say it, or reason supports it. But until I’ve experienced it, this is only something I believe– a possibility. And possibilities should be held with an open hand, perhaps with some humility and even humor. Who knows, I could be wrong about what I believe?

Now having said this, I’m only aware of one person who died, and I mean really died, like three days dead, and came back to life again. His name was Jesus. Upon his return from the dead, he didn’t believe anymore; now he knew. So if I wanted some indication about what happens after I die, I should probably pay attention to what he said after he came back from the dead.

Here’s what he said about heaven and hell after his resurrection. Nothing. Nada. Zip.

What did he talk about? Here’s just a sampling:

• He tells his disciples to make students of him (Mt 28:16),
• to share the good news of liberation in this life (Mk 16:9-20).
• He says, “Peace be with you,”
• and “I’m hungry.” (Lk 24:36-41)
• He says, “Receive the holy breath; now you can forgive sins.” (Jn 20:22)
• He says, “It’s me, really, touch my side” (Jn 20:27),
• and “The fishing is better on the right side of the boat.” (Jn 21:6)
• He says “Let’s eat” (Jn 21),
• “Feed my sheep; now follow me” (Jn21:18-20), and
• “Stop worrying about the future and the fate of other people; just follow me.” (Jn 21:22; Acts 1:7-8)

Not exactly a systematic theology of the afterlife. Mostly, it’s a repeated invitation to trust and follow him and not worry about the future. Apparently, he is also hungry a lot. If anyone had the authority and credibility to provide a coherent-once-and-for-all description of exactly what happens after you die, it would be Jesus upon his return from beyond the beyond. But he didn’t. He didn’t even seem all that interested.

If it were important to him, you’d think he would have written a book about it. Or preached a sermon or two. But he didn’t. After Jesus rose from the dead, he spends his time talking about this life.

It would seem Jesus is more concerned with this life than the next. Perhaps we should be, too.

We only get one, and it’s short.

Shane Hipps - How Technology Shapes Our Faith

Shane Hipps: God's Presence in a World of Absence

Biola University Chapel, Sept 26, 2010

Shane Hipps is a Teaching Pastor at Mars Hill Church in Michigan.

Digital Formation: How Technology Shapes Our Faith

Part 1 / 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkZ9G6ZxtmI

Uploaded by BiolaUniversity on Sep 26, 2010

We live in a rapidly changing digital age. We see changes happening all the time but stand oblivious to the hidden ways we are being shaped by our technologies. Beneath our conscious awareness a revolution is taking place. Our understanding of God, relationships, and the gospel are radically changing under the influence of technology. Learn to see beneath the surface of things so that we can learn to use our media rather than be used by them.

Digital Formation: How Technology Shapes Our Faith

Part 2 / 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4MrF_stuns

Uploaded by BiolaUniversity on Sep 26, 2010

For most of us it begins in college. Our journey of purpose. What are we going to do? Who will we be? How will we contribute? We are inundated with voices all beckoning us; our parents, our culture, our friends, our fears, our God. But how do we know when we are hearing God and when we are hearing something else? Learn the art of listening for God's call in your life.

 

Shane Hipps On Anabaptism, Mennonites, and Non-Violence

Shane Hipps - Mennonites - A History of Non-Violence

[Audio Clip] March 25, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHC9VunluQ8

For Much More Information on the History of Anabaptists

please see this excellent site - http://www.anabaptists.org/history/