On Starting Over - Part 3: Living Like the Last Witness

This is the third of a three part series. These posts examine the idea of re-creating Christianity. In essence, how would we “start over”? For the introduction, visit Part 1.

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A man with an experience beats a man with knowledge every time.
- Pastor Dave Norris

Now that we understand that the world can know Christianity again through the Bible and the parables of others, it may seem that all is well. Things will fall into place, sinners will come to repentance, and Jesus will be Lord of the earth again. Yet, we are misled if we think this way. If we think that all people need is the Bible and some stories to live as a Christian, we are mistaken. In our past, I’m sure we can think of examples where people had a Bible, had some good stories, yet weren’t living like Christ. So, what else does it take?


It takes an example. This is the part that will keep the world from missing Jesus. If they never see Him they can never be Him. Not only do people need words and stories, they need LIVING epistles (II Corinthians 3:2-3 below). I can know the Word, but if I’m not living it, it helps no one.


In a Christ-less world, that means my example becomes even more important. If I am trying to re-create Christianity, the most effective way to do that is through my lifestyle! I must live a Spirit-filled life of joy, peace, love, patience, self-control, meekness, and gentleness. I must be a positive person in my environment. I must be Christ in the earth.

Will I be hurt? Yes. Will I suffer? Yes. Will I sin? Yes. But I must overcome. I must live in victory. I must live as if I am redeemed. Then, people will wonder, “what does he have that keeps him joyful and at peace?” At that moment, grounded in the word and armed with testimonies, I can begin to share my witness. Combined with my example, my witness will have power and a depth that reaches souls. And one by one, with each salvation, I can see a new world receiving Christ and reflecting his likeness across the earth. What an amazing sight to behold!

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Thank you for traveling through these thoughts with me for the last three months. I pray they have empowered you to be a better disciple. Let’s live our lives as if we are the last Christian on earth. Peace and love on the journey.

Lord, thank You for loving each of us as if we were Your only children. You have never given up on us, never left us, never dismissed us. You are our constant source of strength. Please be with those that don’t know You today. Help them see You. Please also help those of us who say we know You. Help us show the world Your goodness, grace, and mercy. God, bless us to care about souls enough to study the Word, appreciate stories, and live like Jesus. I love You. I keep finding out just how much You love me too. Thank You.

Living,
j.a.g.

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II Corinthians 3:2-3 (NKJV)
2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

On Starting Over - Part 2: Sharing New Parables

This is the second of a three part series. These posts examine the idea of re-creating Christianity. In essence, how would we “start over”? For the introduction, visit Part 1.

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Stories, stories! Though the Bible is critical in sustaining a spiritual life, it isn’t what most people use when relating spiritual truths. Most people use stories to prompt spiritual reflection, testify of God’s provision, or warn of moral consequences.

We can look at the example of Jesus to see the effectiveness of stories. In fact, Jesus was quite fond of telling stories (what He called parables). Rather than giving direct answers to questions, He would often share a story that held a significant message. Some of the most popular are the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, and the parable of the talents. Jesus chose to use stories exclusively to share spiritual truths (Mark 4:33-34 below).

One reason (of many, I’m sure) for using parables is that they can be used with non-believers and believers alike. Parables or stories have a way of crossing lines in ways scripture can’t. Jesus knew this and spoke in a way that those who “had an ear could hear” (read Matthew 13:10-17 for more on why Jesus used parables). Simply put, stories are often pivotal in sharing our faith with others. While the Bible is important to read and remember, it is often the accounts of others that add depth and believability to the gospel message.

There are many parables today that can inform and strengthen us for a life of faith. These modern messages can also convince others of the greatness of God. Such stories include:
· Football great Kurt Warner’s improbable career and character.
· The humbling conversion of brilliant writer and former atheist Joy Davidman (wife of C.S. Lewis).
· The story of faith of the Brice family during the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti.



These witnesses remind us that the power of the gospel is not only in pages, it is at work in the lives of men and women. If we are to start over again, we need to keep the stories alive.






Lord, let me challenge myself to hear new parables. Please give me the wisdom and patience to reach beyond the Bible and see Your hand at work everyday. I trust that the world is Your sermon and we can hear it if we pay attention. Let this spirit rest on all of those who would dare be chosen to re-create the gospel message. Let the parables of Jesus guide our thoughts and actions. You are good – You are everything. I love You…









Hearing,
j.a.g.









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Mark 4:33-34 (NIV)

33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.

34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

On Starting Over - Part 1: Writing a New Bible

Nearly 10 years ago was the infamous Y2K scare where many thought the world would turn upside down. Some gathered extra food, others backed up their computer files, and many bunkered down at midnight preparing for the worst. Would the world be over as we knew it?

Thankfully, the clock struck 12:00am without much abnormal happening (except Dick Clark seemed to get even younger…?). As the New Year approaches, this moment made me think about the apocalyptic reality of starting over. The question entered my consciousness, what if Christianity had to start all over again tomorrow… with me?

Whoa – Would I be capable of relaying the message? Could I write a new Bible? Could I explain countless testimonies and spiritual revelations? Have I learned/heard/experienced anything spiritual that is worth writing about?

This idea has captured my thoughts for the last week. What would I need to do in order to share the spiritual world of Christianity all over again? The very concept is hard to completely grasp, but so far, I would at least need the following: a connection with God through scripture, the spiritual testimonies/stories of others, and a personal relationship with God. I will spend the next 3 posts exploring these.


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Writing a New Bible

I mentioned that I think I would need a connection with God through scripture. Before moving forward though, why use the Bible? Should I even write another one? There have been wars, persecution, and endless bickering over it’s pages. Some don’t seem to read it much anyways. Would the spiritual world be better off without it?

In some ways, yes, having a standard text that proclaims itself to be the irrefutable word of God can be divisive. Yet, in other, I believe more important ways, a spiritual text is critical in the life of the spirit.

Having a spiritual text is like a “home base”. It gives generations of believers a place to go that is consistent. It also sets certain precedents and expectations. Without it, people can waver between their emotions and the cunning thoughts of others. This is no way to lead a spiritually stable life. In order to build, you need a foundation. In order to build something solid, you need a solid foundation. The Bible, even with all of it's mysteries, provides that.

Ok, so I would definitely have to write a new Bible. But, where would I begin? To be honest, I don’t know. The only things I know would HAVE to be included would be the creation of the world in Genesis and Jesus in the gospels. I would have to recollect as much as I knew and write it down. It would be a much shorter version, but I would need to stay true to myself. If I don’t remember it EXACTLY like it was in the “old” Bible, I wouldn’t include it. (Sadly, the current - old – Bible we use may not have been constructed in the same way. More on that in the next post.)

There would likely be some mention of valuable lessons like Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Moses and the Israelites, Sampson, Esther, King David, King Solomon, and Jonah from the our current Old Testament. I would definitely try to include Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, the twelve disciples, Paul, Timothy, and others from our current New Testament. But this new Bible might focus on key concepts rather than detailed accounts from the Bible we remember. Maybe there’d be a chapter on love and hate. Maybe there’d be another on grace. Maybe another on sacrifice. Definitely one on the Holy Spirit. These themes might take the place of some of the stories we know now (probably some of the “begats” too – it’s impossible to remember all those).

Even more pointed, this new Bible would probably include topics that impact the spiritual world today outside of the church. It may include sections about education, politics, marriage, family, the environment, health, and money. I could also talk about some of the spiritual poisons of the world; greed, lust, violence, envy, pride, prejudice, and fear. Finally, I’d write about what happened and what was to come (Revelation 1:19 below). One thing my new Bible would have in these sections is a disclaimer: “Some of the views you read here may be personal interpretations through Jeremy Gilmore. There may have been other views on this topic, however, I believe those included have been revealed to me by God. Please pray for your own clarity and God's discernment about these matters.”


I feel like I could go on and on about this, but this is the general thought: a text can outlast a person. The Bible would need to be written if it didn’t exist. It should address contemporary issues and foundational tenets (which the original Bible does). Although today we don't have to start from scratch, it is helpful for current children of God to write down what God is telling/showing them. We will talk about this more in the next posts. God didn’t finish speaking to people in the book of Revelation. He’s speaking now and still desires us to write the word today for the next generation to read. The question now rests with us: Are we able?






Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be holy and acceptable in your sight. I praise You for the Bible and for people who have written it for us. It seems like such a big job to do. Please give me the discipline and discernment to chronicle Your hand in the earth today. I pray for all people. Please give us a faith that, if necessary, can re-create what has been created in us. We need You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.






Writing,
j.a.g.

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Exodus 17:14 - And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua…
Jeremiah 30:1-2 - 1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.
Revelation 1:19 - Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;