Devotion: In A Nutshell

Perhaps you do not know the name Rollen Stewart, or "Rainbow-Man," but my guess is you recognize him from this picture. He is the man who during the 70s and 80s was at most major sporting events holding up signs for John 3:16. His fanatical obsession with this verse, and eventually the End of the World ultimately placed him in jail. However, it is because of Stewart's publicity stunts this verse has catapulted into the most quoted verse in our pop culture, and as some call it—"the Bible in a nutshell." Before the 70s, this verse did not have the obsessive focus it now gets.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

If we allow this verse to be the Bible in the nutshell, it really does not call us to do anything with our faith. It acts more like a life insurance policy that will never expire, rather than encouraging Christian discipleship.

That is why I wish 1 John 3:16 would have received as much attention. 1 John 3:16 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another." Now that is a powerful witness of God's love for us, and a powerful call for us. This seems more like the Bible in a Nutshell—we are to care and serve the world to our own peril.

1 John 3:16 doesn't give us a life insurance policy, rather it calls us to lose our lives for the benefit of God.

To what extremes are we willing to show this sort of love? How can you set your desires aside to show this type of love to your significant other, to your friends, to your co-workers?

Devotion: Fan or Follower

 

A concept from Rev. Cooke’s sermon last week has stuck with me.  She said that Jesus is not interested in having fans but followers.  As Panthers season approaches, I appreciated this analogy.

A fan is someone who passively observes the action while cheering on the real participants.  Whether you are a fan of the NFL, of America’s Next Top Model or Brangelina, our fanaticism is relegated to the sidelines.  Sometimes our faith can even fall into this same passive trap.

As a follower, however, we are not allowed the luxury to passively observer.  Rather we are thrown into the midst of the action, told to stick close to the one who is leading and try not to get lost.  A follower requires participation.

To be a fan means that our emotional state is based upon the external results of someone else: when the Panthers score I rejoice, when Delhomme turns the ball over 5 times I angrily throw my remote.  To be a follower means that I am more interested in heeding the call of the leader, whatever the cost.

As Jesus tells the disciples:  “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

What are you a fan of?  What would it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross?

 

~~~~~~

Associate Minister for Evangelism and Young Adult Ministries

First Presbyterian Church

200 West Trade St

Charlotte, NC 28202

(p)    704-927-0240

(e)  wbarry@firstpres-charlotte.org

(w) www.firstpres-charlotte.org

 

 

Devotion: Praying for Enemies

When Lindsay and I left the hospital last week, we loaded up the van and started driving down Providence Road during rush hour.  As I drove carefully (and slowly) down the road, I was amazed at the speed others passed me.  Have grown up in Atlanta and spent time in New Jersey, I usually am the aggressive driver cutting through traffic.  This experience, however, made me realize how isolated we are in our vehicles—unaware of what is going on in the car next to us.

            As we zigzag our way through traffic we often forget that the person next to us is a child of God.  We tend to see them as a nuisance to our lives rather than a person who may have just received devastating news, who may be celebrating great joys, who may have been chewed out at work …or just someone in hurry to get home and watch the Office.  They are real people, and not our adversaries.

            Jesus' command that we love our enemies is one of the most challenging for me:  

As he says in Luke's Gospel, it is easy to love those who respect you, but it is nearly impossible to love those who are your enemies.  "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them…But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return" (Luke 6:27-36)

One way I have found to "love my enemies" is to genuinely pray for them.  Something happens to our spirit when we pray for a person who annoys us.  It actually transforms us, not only them.  We gain insight and empathy.

Who are some people that drive you crazy?  What ways can you show them love?  What things may you pray for them?  

The First Day Home

Well, with everyone napping, I thought I would update you all on the Barry patch and most importantly upload some photos! Sorry that you will have deal with my ramblings for a while as Lindsay's blogging will take a back seat. And to answer the question why there are not too many photos of Lindsay, let's just say that many are not "G" rated. It is all quiet in the house for the moment, so here it goes... The staff at the Women's Center was amazed at how well Lindsay as taken to caring and feeding these three boys. They reflected that in 11 years they do not recall having a set of triplets on the floor. Yesterday, as I approached the elevator with our triple stroller I realized how fortunate we are. For most triplet parents the ability to take home a child, let alone all three, is a day of great celebration. Lindsay and I though--understandably--are intimidated by the upcoming demands. And just as the door to elevator closed, a woman stepped on board who was going to visit her grandson born at 24 weeks and weighing 1lb 6 ounces. So Lindsay and I know how richly blessed we are with these boys and appreciate the support, prayers and encouragement we have received and will need to continue receiving. Ellie has taken to the boys. We we feed, she gets a bottle for her baby doll. When I changed their diapers, she changed her baby dolls. In fact the forth bouncy seat is set up so that her doll can sleep with the boys right now. And I forgot what you all really care about: The Photos

The Barry Boys

It has been a busy day.
The boys arrived just after high noon. And arrived in ABC order.
Jack Wesley arrived at 12:11, weighing in at 5lbs 5 ounces, 18 inches;
James Parker came second at 12:12 weighing in at 5lbs 6 ounces, 18 inches;
and Thomas Murphy decided to arrive feet first at 12:13 and weighing in at 5lbs 10 ounces, 19 inches.

All three are in the normal nursery and the nurses are excited that they have triplets because rarely do they make it to the standard nursery.
Lindsay is recovery well from the surgery, and has even been able to feed each of the boys.

Ellie came and held each baby--loves the fact that they all have Thomas and Friend train names (She is wondering where "Percy" is).

We will keep you posted, but all things considered we are doing well.

The attached picture is of Thomas, James and Jack from left to right.

Thank you for all your prayers and support during this time.