paradoxum

“On our own we are little more than bits off stone and glass. Together we are the body of Christ.”

I remember my first seminary class on Church History. I walked in as a rugged evangelical individualist who had only heard the word “tradition” in sentences like, “we will not be bound by tradition!” I thought “tradition”, especially tradition spelled with a capital “T”, was something Jesus came to destroy! Michael W. Smith expressed my view of Tradition quite well in his song “Secret Ambition”. My sense of Church History was that Jesus and the Apostles started things out and then things went terribly wrong for 1500 years until the reformers came and finally got things back on track. Needless to say, I was in for quite the revelation. I’ll always be indebted to Dr. Ted Campbell for opening my eyes to the BEAUTY & WEALTH of our shared Christian Tradition.

Since my seminary days I’ve had many opportunities to discuss our Christian heritage with people who, like me, have a very limited exposure to our shared Christian Tradition. I’m always saddened at how little is known about it and even more, how little it’s appreciated. I guess it’s not odd that we don’t stop and ask the question “where did all of ‘this’ come from?” since really, we don’t even ask that question of our own families (pity that). It’s always with great delight that I share the story of “the church” with the uninitiated, and, without fail, the response is no different than when a child hears a fairy tale for the first time. The imagination begins to fire as connections are made and the heart comes alive to a much, much bigger story. Too many Christians are caught up in a very small story. I was. My view of Christianity and Christ’s Kingdom / Body was no larger than my local church. Seeing the BIGGER STORY has deepened and broadened my faith, and I’ve seen it do the same for many others.

How does one begin to be introduced to the Christian Tradition?

This is a question I think anyone who appreciates the Tradition contemplates and most of us have attempted, in some form, to address. It’s for this reason that I’m so pleased to see the release of the MOSAIC bible by Tyndale House. The purpose of this bible is “to provide a way to encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian History.” Wow. In fact, I must say that I’m even more excited about it because my friend (ANTHONY SMITH) is a contributor!!!!

Click to read more ...

Amazing, but the Rock Hill Herald broke the story of the year.

Check out the new Bible ("Mosaic") released by Tyndale House today. I was pretty impressed by the product description: "...to provide a way to encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian history." Anything that reminds us that Christianity has a history (!) and seeks to connect us to those upon whose shoulders we stand is a good thing.

Today my son Luke turned 14. He is my boy. This is for him:

Luke, I will always be your biggest fan and greatest admirer. I know what is within you...even if you can't see it yet. I know you will become what I know you are because I saw it in your "golden eyes" from the time you were just a little boy. I truly do admire your courage, confidence and unstoppable drive.

Above all, Luke, gaurd your heart. The enemy knows who you can become...and he fears it...and he is coming for you. Stand in Christ...walk in the glory he has given you...never be less so others can feel like more. Be the MAN you are...and others will be more because of it. Rebuke passivity and fully engage in life...Jesus came that we might have it to the FULL.

I love you and I believe in you.

Your #1 fan...Dad.

Wow. You owe it to yourself to watch this video.