Chi Alpha

A friend of mine traveled to Japan and later told me about a shrine he visited. This shrine held hundreds of similar looking figures, with minor, but subtle differences. The tour guide informed my friend that worshipers would select a figure that resembled an ancestor and pray to that statue. My friend said he remarked that the custom seemed a bit odd to him as a western Christian, but the tour guide informed him that it was a very normal response in many Asian cultures.

I have worked with many international students over the past 26 years and remember a young man from Japan who went by the name Lee. He had come to the United States to study economics and we met through a friendship conversation program on campus. I learned that Lee practiced ancestor worship and he found stability and comfort in praying to his grandfather, who had passed away when Lee was a boy. Lee had fond memories of his grandfather and told me he found the experience warm and personal because he could pray to someone he knew.

I had the opportunity to introduce Lee to Christianity when he asked about the religious practices of my family. As I described some of the spiritual disciplines I followed, like Bible study, prayer and fasting, he remarked they seemed a bit odd. Why learn about, worship, and pray to an invisible God? Christianity sounded like a fairy tale to him, based on western ideas and thinking.

But then Lee had the chance to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in the home of an American student colleague and his family, all whom happened to be Christian. He experienced a Christian family in action, learned about American and Christian traditions, and even heard the story of Jesus for the first time. While different from the narratives he had heard in Japan, the story of Jesus captured his attention. He asked for the story of Jesus in Japanese and received a Japanese Bible a week later, which he started reading. He read the Gospel of John over a weekend and kept coming back to John 1-3 with a lot of questions.

Lee realized he never actually received any tangible help from ancestor worship and prayers. But as he read John 1:1-18, he began to feel the pull of the Holy Spirit. After a while, he decided what John was describing was not foreign worship, but the truth, and trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord, according to John 1:12 (believe + receive = right).

It took patience, love, a few members of the Body of Christ doing their part, listening, asking and answering questions, and a clear explanation of the gospel before Lee even showed interest in exploring the person and work of Jesus. Of course, it also took the work of the Holy Spirit to draw and convince Lee to trust Jesus.

Read Acts 17:16-34. When people we know see Christianity as foreign worship or something that does not make sense to them, we need to respect their ideas, questions, objections, skepticism, and even their heritage while showing them unconditional Christ-like love. We also need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit by taking initiative to reach out to others around us with the message and grace of God. The Holy Spirit knows how to do His part. Will you do yours? Serve globally.

Mike

P.S. Take a look at www.onemorefriend.org for help in caring for the international students around you. Ask God for help in initiating friendship with a student from another country and culture.

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Every year, millions of children are born into the world with no valid proof of their existence. Many are from developing countries where government registration of births does not take place. Just because there is no official record does not mean they are not alive. It only means they cannot produce an official document to prove it.

Have you ever been challenged to prove you exist? Or that you belong at your school? Or questioned why you had a job or internship? Has anyone ever asked you to prove you are a follower of Jesus? The question could come from another Christian who believed that if you could not name the time and date of your conversion, your salvation may be in question. A skeptic could state that it is impossible to say God is in your life, and that you cannot be absolutely sure of the result of faith. Both questions seem a bit narrow and restricting.

The New Testament is full of admonitions for followers of Jesus to connect belief and behavior. Like two wings of an airplane, belief and behavior are crucial for balance, health, and maturity. Read 1 John 3:11-24. Verse 23 is a command from Jesus to BOTH believe in him, AND, love one another.

Do a brief study of the New Testament and look up all the “one another” statements such as, love one another, serve one another, and care for one another. Jesus expects our love for Him (and the evidence of a changed and empowered life) to be expressed in our love for one another. Remember the words of the apostle John: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. (1 John 3:14)

If someone asks you to prove that you are a Christian, go ahead and admit that it is very difficult to do. But continue to live out the teachings of Jesus each day and demonstrate what the Scriptures call us to be. When you love someone with the love of God, they will know that you are His disciple. Live communally. Love is always louder than an argument.

Love is a verb,

Mike

P.S. If there is a skeptical person in your life, will you ask God for an opportunity to love that person today?

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Friends of mine are expecting their first baby any day now. When I asked, they had indeed chosen a male and female name for the child, even though they did not know if they were going to have a boy or a girl. Yet the name of Judas was not on their list. I imagine Judas’ name would not be on any list of possible children’s names.

Parents probably do not want to name their child after a man whose name is synonymous with betrayal. But if we are honest, none of us can avoid that same stigma, because all of us have betrayed Jesus at some point, in some way.

Luke the doctor records in his gospel (read Luke 22:47-62) that Judas was not the only guilty person mentioned. The other guilty person is remembered not so much as a deserter, but as a committed follower. His name is Peter. He is known as a disciple who walked on water, was a bit rambunctious, and as one whom Jesus reinstated after he turned his back on the Lord three times (John 21:17)

What made the difference between Judas and Peter? Why did one man’s life lead to hopeless suicide, while the other lead to helpful service?

Some people assume it happened because Judas never repented. Matthew 27:4 records that Judas admitted his guilt when he said to those who paid him to hand Jesus over to them, “I have betrayed innocent blood.” But why did Judas then take his own life?

Just like Peter, Judas was sorrowful for his actions. But sorrow does not lead to repentance according to 2 Corinthians 7:10. Many believe Judas knew he was guilty, but did not believe he could be forgiven. Therefore, Judas figured that taking his own life was the only way to get rid of his guilt. He then became his own judge, jury, and executioner.

What self-destructive habit do you battle with? Drinking? Spending? Lying? Inappropriate sexual expression? Self-mutilation? Eating (or not eating)? Failing to keep your word? Are you constantly punishing yourself for your sin(s)?

Worldly sorrow led Judas to admit his own sin and then try and erase its effects by destroying himself. Godly sorrow led Peter to admit his own sin and then allow Jesus to remove it.

Grow devotionally. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19, and 1 John 1:7. The real sin that ended the life of Judas was not betraying Jesus, but his failure to ask Jesus to forgive him.

Mike

P.S. For another example of the power and love of God at Easter, read Luke 22:50-51

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He was Briton by birth, raised in a well-to-do family, and his first language was Latin. He was kidnapped at age 16 by Celtic pirates and sold into a slavery in Ireland. His captors thew him out into the fields to tend to the livestock. During many lonely days and nights, he thought back to his Christian heritage and practiced the presence of God by worshiping Him as he saw the works of God in nature. He prayed a lot, recommitted himself to God out in the fields, and even his captors saw a noticeable change in him.

While in captivity, this young man came to know and love the Irish people and their culture. He also saw their desperate spiritual need for reconciliation with God through Christ.

Six years later, after a dream, he escaped from slavery. The next 25 years of his life were lived in obscurity, but somehow he received theological training and spiritual formation to serve as a priest. God then called him to take the gospel of Jesus to the barbarian Celtic people of Ireland. He set out for Ireland in 432 A.D. with a small team of priests and helpers.

His goal was gargantuan: to accomplish what the dominant Roman church thought was impossible - to bring the message of Jesus to the barbarians. At that time in history, no one was reaching out to that tough people group. Most of the Roman church thought the barbarians had to be civilized before they could possibly become followers of Christ.

Yet, the Celts were reached for Christ! Before he died 28 years later, this man and his team planted 700 churches, ordained 1,000 priests, and almost 40 of Ireland’s 150 tribes became Christian. The slave trade was also abolished before he died, due to his efforts. After his death, his followers reached most of the Celts and Scots, and within 100 years re-evangelized all of Europe.

Today is a holiday named for that priest - some of you recognize him as Patrick, or Saint Patrick.

What characterized his strategy? First, he and his pals worked as a team. They engaged people in conversation, prayed for the sick, fed the hungry, listened to people’s questions, and answered them from Scripture. Second, they invited the Celts to join small groups to experience the presence and power of God. People were allowed to belong before they had to believe. Third, Patrick and his team practiced hospitality.

What can we learn from Patrick and his mission to the Celts? The Christian faith has to be transferred and interpreted into other cultures. Evangelism is about helping other people to belong so they can come to believe.

Serve globally. How will your faith in Christ extend to others this week on campus? How can you make a difference in God’s global plan?

Mike

P.S. To learn more about St. Patrick, I recommend The Celtic Way of Evangelism, by George Hunter.

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Leo Tolstoy was born in 1828 in central Russia to parents of Russian nobility. Both of his parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his aunt. He attended Kazan University in 1844, and his teachers said he was mostly unable and unwilling to learn. Despite his heritage and affluence, he led a life of pleasure seeking (wine, women, and cards), until a deeply religious experience in his mid-life years. He discovered the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) that radically affected him.

He started to try and live up to Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and simple living. He gave away most of his inheritance, started a lot of charities, and preached the gospel of Jesus to any who would listen. He also wrote broadly about Russian life, and his more famous novel is entitled, War and Peace.

He also wrote a lot about applying Jesus’ teachings to everyday life. One such work was called, How Much Land Does A Man Need? The story describes a peasant named Pahom, who dreamed of owning his own property. He declared that if he owned property, he would not fear the devil. The devil overheard the boast and made it possible for Pahom to gain more land. Yet despite the acquisition of more property, Pahom was never satisfied with what he had. One day a local town leader in central Russia said that if Pahom started off walking in the morning, he could have all the land he could cover by sundown.

Pahom started off at dawn, motivated by sheer greed, and attempted to walk off the largest possible circle of land as he could. He covered a large circle of territory and made it back to the starting point as the sun went down. As he crossed the line, he collapsed and died. Tolstoy concluded the narrative with the words, “Six feet from his head to his toes was all the land he really needed.”

Our culture declares the viewpoint that “He or she who has the most toys wins.” Commercials are designed to imply we are desperately missing what their product has to offer. Scripture indicates that if we are consumed (i.e., obsessed) with acquiring anything - popularity, possessions, power, prestige - we are choosing to step into the devil’s trap. Satan will use greed to cripple, and ultimately destroy us. Walk wisely. Jesus says it is better to give, not get. Read Matthew 5:3-10.

I have officiated at funerals and have yet to see a funeral hearse pulling a UHaul of a person’s possession, because you cannot take your stuff with you when you die. Life is short. Why waste it on mere material pursuits. Jesus asked, “What would it profit a person to gain the whole world, but forfeit their soul?” Imagine your funeral and what people would say about you as they thought about your life and contribution. Based on what you hope people would say, start living that way now. Make your life count for eternity by living for things that really count.

Love is a verb,

Mike

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I recently watched an old episode of The Andy Griffith Show called, “Dogs, Dogs, Dogs” in which Andy Taylor’s young son Opie was kind to a little dog. He fed and loved on him, but one day the dog took off. Soon enough though, the dog showed up with a few of his pals…dogs of various sizes. Opie was excited and proceeded to feed and play with the 10 or so dogs. Opie’s dad (who is the sheriff of the town) and his deputy knew that Opie could not keep the dogs, and tried to find their real owner. After several failed attempts, they brought all the dogs back to the sheriff’s office to avoid a thunderstorm. Later in the show, Opie and his dad find the dog’s owner and return the canines.

When I think about Opie, I am reminded that kindness often results in a positive response. Someone is helped or cared for. A gift is given. An encouraging word is spoken. A gesture is acknowledged and received. A response of thanks may or may not result, but that does not diminish the act of kindness in the first place.

I do not know how you feel about being kind, but Scripture indicates the apostle Paul was inspired by God to write, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Read 4:32 in the broader context of Ephesians 4:22-32, to see how Paul described the radical life of followers of Jesus. When you treat people in a loving way, even if or when they do not deserve it, you are living the kind of life Jesus called you to. In addition, you are showing evidence of the Holy Spirit in you. Galatians 5:22-23 says the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”

It’s understandable that Opie enjoyed the company of the dogs, and responded with such kindness. Children often do that around animals. But there is no reason for you to let kindness go just to the dogs. Read Psalm 103:8-12 right now. Why is it important to think about and meditate in God’s kindness? In what ways do you try to show kindness to others?

Live communally. Put your kindness into action this week to someone. Kindness communicates Christ.

Love is a verb,

Mike

“I hope to be God’s pencil. A tiny bit of pencil with which He writes what he likes.”

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A recent episode of Smallville portrayed Clark Kent (aka Superman) meeting an almost identical twin, called Bizarro. Clark was amazed at their likeness and comparable power, and learned that Bizarro was there to steal his identity, destroy him, and take his place on earth. Since no one but Clark can recognize the difference between them, Bizarro does some stuff that makes Clark look bad. Clark became a scapegoat.

The word “scapegoat” refers to someone who gets the blame for something. When someone is “scapegoated”, it often happens against their will. Women weren’t allowed to go to college in the mid-nineteenth century, because men felt they could not handle the educational load. Adolf Hitler blamed the Jews in Europe during World War 2 for the economic problems in Germany.

The origin of the word, “scapegoat” can be traced to an annual ceremony conducted on the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament. You can read in Leviticus 16:5-22 how two male goats were selected by the Jewish high priest. One was chosen to be sacrificed for the sins of the nation of Israel, while the other would become the scapegoat and would carry away the blame for the sins.

The New Testament records that these goats were symbols of Jesus and what He did for all humanity. He gave his life once for all, according to Hebrews 7:27, atoning for all of the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). The first goat, which was a sin offering for the Israelites, symbolized Jesus’ death on a cross. The second goat - the scapegoat - symbolized the totally innocent Jesus, receiving and accepting and removing the guilt of sin that each of us is responsible for. Read Psalm 103:1-12 for something else to shout about.

Have you ever been a scapegoat? Ever wished you had one? None of us is without sin and guilt. Scripture says all of us have turned away from God, and He has passed that blame onto His Son Jesus for each and every one of us (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus has become our scapegoat. Think theologically. When we put our trust in Jesus, we receive forgiveness for everything we have done wrong. God then sees us as blameless children of His - because Jesus took the blame we deserved.

Jesus took on your guilt, shame, and sin. Have you placed your trust in him as Savior and Lord? Relating to Jesus as Savior involves forgiveness and love. Relating to Him as Lord involves obedience and service. How are you developing a lifestyle of reverence, obedience, and service?

Love is a verb,

Mike

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The USS Nautilus left for an assignment below the ice frozen waters of Alaska on August 1, 1958 (the year I was born, by the way). Commander Bill Anderson took the sub and its crew under the Arctic ice cap at 500 feet for its maneuvers. Ice ranging from 10-50 feet thick kept the sub from the surface above. Two days later, the sub and its crew of 116 resurfaced. They were the first to reach the North Pole, from below.

The USS Nautilus’ trip to the North Pole was not its first mission. The boat had sailed many times, overcame challenges, completed missions, and even set other records. Most of us will never have that sort of adventure. But it does not take going below solid ice for days to make us feel trapped in difficult and often impenetrable situations. That can happen from procrastination, poor choices, an overly busy schedule, grief or sorrow, or giving into temptation.

Some of the first century Christians felt similarly. Paul and Timothy, leaders in the early church, felt overwhelmed by hard times. They said they were “under great pressure, far beyond their ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:18-22). But they knew several things that helped them endure their tough circumstances:

First, they said, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but God” (2 Cor 1:8). When you find yourself “submerged” in or under tough times, you may be tempted to pull away from God. Paul said they were going to rely on God, and not their own efforts to resurface.

Second, they said, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and He will deliver us (2 Cor 1:10). Paul remembered previous times when God had helped them through tough times, and knew they could rely on God once again. If God could delivered Paul and Timothy again and again, why could He not help you?

Third, Paul said, “You help us by your prayers” (2 Cor 1:11). You often do not realize it, but many are praying for you - a parent, friend, colleague, or even a Apple user like me. Scripture says even Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for you today (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:26).

You may face circumstances and feel submerged deeper than you feel you can handle. In those times, remember that it is never too cold or dark for God to reach you. Cultivate your knowledge of God regularly so you know who to turn to in trouble or peril. Read the Psalms - five a day x 30 days can get you through them in a month. Reach out for God today. Grow devotionally. No depth or barrier is too hard for God’s deliverance.

Mike O.

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When I was in grad school, my Christian friends encouraged me to share my new found Christian faith with my family at Christmas. They were praying with me that I would have divine moments to speak to family members about knowing Jesus. Returning from the Christmas Eve Mass at the local Catholic church, I got into a discussion with my younger brother Ron. I talked about what had happened in my life and how I getting to know God in Scripture, and how He had healed me. Ron had some questions that night, and that turned out to be the only chance I would have to directly share my faith in Christ with my family during that visit home. Yet, a month later, Ron called to say he had asked Jesus to cleanse, forgive, and save him.

Some of us find it hard to talk to our family about Jesus. But to let them know about Him is essential so they can turn to the Lord in His time.

Jesus worked an amazing turnaround and deliverance in Mark 5:2-20. A crazed, loud, wild man was living among the tombs of Gerasa. The demons in the man confronted Jesus and He drove them out immediately. The once-crazed man was calmed down, stopped hurting himself, and asked to follow Jesus. But Jesus denied his request. He sent him to his family instead. This transformed man was sent to his family as a testimony of the power of Jesus to deliver all who came in faith to Him.

Serve globally. There may be someone in your family who is not a believer. You may be the only Christian in your house. You may be feeling frustrated or guilty that you have not yet told any of your family about your faith in Christ and the difference He makes in your life. Ask Him to give you the courage, the opportunity, and the words (it might help you to write down what you want to say before initiating any conversation). Then obey Him, just as the man did in Mark 5. Who knows? You may be able to bring your Christian friends an exciting report like I did when you return to school.

We are reminded in Luke 1:11 of the angel’s words to the shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord.” What better Christmas present to give to Jesus this year than to share who He is with another person. Pray for the opportunity to share your faith as you travel home, and as you are reunited with your family.

Merry Christmas.

Mike O

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The headline declared, “Young star pulled by wrong crowd may be destined to stray forever.” The story was not about a current movie star, professional athlete, up-and-coming scientist, or American Idol wannabee whose life and career was in danger. The star of the story (no pun intended) was actually in outer space.

Known to astronomers as Tauri Sb, the small star (20 percent of the mass of our sun) used to be part of a four-star family. Scientists have been watching this family of stars for two decades. They noticed that the small star was often drawn towards a larger pair, and as they passed, Tauri Sb increased its speed and took off from its original path and solar family. Based on its trajectory, it appears that Tauri Sb will be wandering through space for a long while.

What sometimes happens in outer space often happens on planet earth, too. You may have heard of the account from the New Testament (Luke 15:11-20) about the prodigal son. It is the story of a young man who wanders from home, wastes the inheritance his father gave him, and pursues poor relationships. Wandering from home usually means wandering from God, but it could include family, friends, or any community you are a part of. And it is sadly evident and too easy to find “friends” who will encourage the wanderer to keep straying.

The primary difference between Tauri Sb and the prodigal Jesus talked about is that the star, if it ever turns home, will be in an orbit so far off track from its original family of stars. Jesus said the young man came back - he faced up to his failure and shame - and came home - right into his father’s loving arms.

The same can be true for anyone who comes to their senses and recognizes that they have allowed themselves to be pulled from a close relationship with God. You do not have to wonder if the Lord wants you and I back - Jesus assures us that He does. We do not have to wait light years to fix our lives before presenting ourselves to God. Jesus said in Luke 15:17-24 that He wants us back right now. He even promises to forgive, cleanse, and restore us to health.

Walk wisely. Who is influencing you today? Where is your life headed? Have you allowed yourself to get pulled away from Jesus by people who aren’t good for you? By school? Financial mismanagement? Misplaced priorities? Do you know that it is never too early to come home to God?

Love is a verb,

Mike O

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