Made New

In the last five years I have explored, experienced, and studied the Biblical text in Turkey and Israel. Being in the text has changed everything, and it has changed me. The Divine continues to make me new again and again and again. Exploring the text in this way has taught me how to teach in fresh ways, so as to leave those journeying with me with less to unlearn. American Christianity is far too often wrapped in all sorts of cultural trappings, starting with an individualistic consumer approach that is unhealthy and often unbiblical. It can quickly spiral into a message about my prosperity and comfort, rather than God's kingdom breaking into and through our self serving kingdom. Heaven is often viewed as some other place in some other time, namely after death. Western Christians can be found talking about the Jesus who died for me, but not about how Jesus lived and what he taught in order to guide all of us. Religious folks like to talk about the person Jesus, but too often dismiss or downplay Jesus's message in which we are to be shaped and reshaped. The Kingdom of God, the Good News, is about way more than my sin and a supposed life after death. It's about renewal, the putting back together of all things, and Christians are invited to co-create with God so that all of creation reaches its fulfillment. Shalom, a wholeness and fullness of life for today that slides right into the age to come.

Let's do both. Let's immerse ourselves in who Jesus is and what he has taught, where he taught it and to whom he was teaching. Because context matters. The geography and the land matter, so let's dive into all of it so as to grow as disciples - students of the master Jesus.