How Anabaptist is the Emerging Church?

As most of you know, this is an Anabaptist site although we have yet to do a very good job of discussing Anabaptism, pacifism, and who discipleship influences our daily lives. But I thought I should alert all our readers of Graham's thoughts on the Anabaptishness of the Emerging Church.

"Radical" Anabaptist???

My attention was recently drawn to Southpaw, and his new blog called Radical Anabaptist. As I pondered that for a little, I immediately thought about it that the name is redundant, because throughout history, Anabaptists have always been known as radical. But then as I was wondering just what distorted scope this poor blogger has on Anabaptism, it suddenly made perfect sense as I browsed his site. On his site were (broken) links to two writers for World Net Daily, an extremely conservative, "Christian", not always reliable, news website founded by none other than Joseph Farah hisself! Suddenly it occured to me. This was a radical Anabaptist! Historically, Anabaptists were never conservative (at least not theologically). So a conservative Anabaptist truly is radical!!!! (just dont ask me to be one[a conservative])

What's the matter with Methodists??

Check out the pic of one church that apparently serves two masters. If you couldn’t tell in the blurry picture, it’s a Christian flag and a US flag right next to each other outside of a Methodist church. Just thought that might be of interest. Also, last I heard, Bush and Cheney are still members in good standing in the Methodist church. I personally believe the Iraq War is not only against the beliefs of pacifists, it is also against the Methodist's stance on just war and preemptive strikes. I am severely shocked and wounded at the lackadaisical approach taken by the Methodist church against these two men. Their actions have communicated the message that war is acceptable and right for the churches of Christ. I am a Christian, and I love my enemies Bush and Cheney with only Christ's love. However, I protest against the Methodist church for their tolerance toward these two responsible for so many deaths.
If you are a Methodist, please sign the letter of complaint to Methodist leaders.

Future of this blog.....

I was currently thinking about what I want this blog to become, and I thought I'd share a few thoughts with the readers of this blog.
What I'm trying to do right now is to get a lot of different people to be team bloggers on here. The diversity and opinions would add an interesting dimension. If you have Anabaptist beliefs and are interested, email me and let me know. Also, I would like to get a lot more discussion in the comments. We've had some, but its been pretty one-sided. I would love to have your comment or opinion. It need not have any connection with the post. I will not delete your comment ever unless I judge it to be spam. So post on! I'd love to get some debates going.....
Any ideas or anything else please feel free to email me. I'd love to hear from you!
So thanks, and may God bless you.

If Only

I subscribe to the Daily Dig, a service by email via Bruderhof and I thought this one was pretty good.

If Only

Dorothy Day

Think what the world could look like if we took care of the poor even half as well as we do our bibles!

What do you think?
Subscribe here.

Poverty.....and what to do about it

    I have really been thinking about this recently, and heres the scoop. We know the G-8 summit was to help African starving people, and yet, what do we do? Don't we have more of a part than to just wear our ONE bracelets and attend a free concert? I'm as confused as anybody. When I was young and didn't eat my peas (I still don't), my mom would say, "Just think of all all the poor people who would be happy for a bite of those peas....." And my response was always the same, "They may have them!" But, I mean, thoughts and pity really don't help these poor people. Isn't there something more we can do? I don't really have answers, mostly questions.

The Sin of Sodom (and America)

It is well known and easily seen from the Biblical account that Sodom fell for its wickedness. To be specific it was their immorality epitomized by their rampant homosexuality that brought God’s judgment on the great city. But surely one specific sin of immorality although very widespread was not their only mistake. Surely there were other steps that led them down that path and the Bible records these for us through the witness of the prophet Ezekiel: “This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” (NRSV Ezekiel 16:49) Sodom’s sin was the sin of pride. Although they had food in abundance and plenty of leisure time they only cared about themselves and furthering their own assets while saying that the poor just need to quit being lazy to have food.

How much does this remind us of the attitude of the upper and higher middle class in America today? The reason for the destruction of Sodom was that they become so engulfed with themselves, that they forgot those in need. How about us? Are we really willing to think seriously about the way Jesus reached out to the people with needs? Are we willing to zealously follow His example?

Fear Not; I am with you

I have always appreciated the articles by Johann Christoff Arnold on Bruderhof, and this one was no exception. As always, he came through with a refreshing new perspective, in the wake of the London bombings. Read it here. A quote that stood out to me was:
But it seems to me that amid all the tumult, we are missing the most important thing. If 9/11 really changed us (as so many people claim) then why are we once again seeking protection in heightened security and military might? If we have really seen enough bloodshed and violence, then why aren’t we turning to God for help?

London Bombings

Theres so much to say about the bombings I barely know where to begin. Bear with me as I try to get my random thoughts and ramblings organized. When I first heard about the bombings, the first thing I thought of (honest!), was, Conspiracy! Hey this is just the thing Tony Blair needs to get the people united. Ready to go to war? You bettya! Remember what it was like after 9-11? The patriotism, the fervor, the united spirit? Is it coming back now? Where did it go? I have one word. War.
But then I was like, why? This theory is ridiculous! Anyway, so as random thoughts were running through my head....unification.....Blair popularity....G-8 summit distraction.....I finally concluded that nothing was really for sure.
Although it was fun again.....
Currently they are saying it was only homemade bombs. I don't profess to know. Nor do I care. I AM wondering though why so many people are going hysterical over these few deaths when many, many more are dying of hunger all over the world.
Don't get me wrong. I will be praying for the families of those killed. But I also will pray for many more people who are dying for lack of food.
Wishing you all God's love, and praying that we could pass it on to those around us....and those on the other side of the world.
Thank you, Free Radical

Why Jesus Zealots?

    Someone recently remarked to me about the irony of the name Jesus Zealots. Why zealots, I was asked? In Jesus' time, zealots were fighting for a different kingdom, in a different way. I was asked why, if they had advocated violence and destruction to their enemies, why then would we, pacifist in belief and admonition, so aptly choose to align ourselves with them by a common name? Their are several reasons. The most important, is the Jesus with it. That's what makes all the difference. Until Jesus' time, there were no teachings to contradict social action by means of violence. The zealots of that day were fighting for a cause they sincerely believed in, for a God and a people they believed in. They were anxiously awaiting the promised Messiah, and they believed they were doing what they could to further His kingdom. However, unfortunate as this may be, they were wrong. Jesus' kingdom was not one of violence, it was one of love. It was not one to work through war and social action, it worked from the bottom up.
In closing, I apologize for another boring post. It covers mostly the same stuff as before. But when I have some more time, I will talk about other stuff. And so I remain, your brother in Christ,
Free Radical

Renovation

I'm currently experiencing some minor issues with the blog when viewed with internet explorer, so bear with me.
Thanks

What is the Christian's role?

Dave is shouting hallejulah over a report of a Christian succession movement (Mike is also interested). I assume this is news although WND, the source of the report, has been known for reporting rumors not worthy of an organization claiming to be the biggest, best, and most reliable alternative news source.

While I believe that on the authority of the constitution they can secede, I am not convinced that it is supportable from the authority of our Teacher, Guide, and Mentor. Sure, I am excited to see this political theory tested, but not by Christians. A Christian state has never worked under the teachings of Christ, meaning it is therefore unworthy of the designation "Christian." "Christian" rulers (I consider the term oxy-moronic, Jesus came for the poor, needy, defenseless, and lowly, not the the rich and powerful.) always end up deciding that there are realities more real than discipleship including violence. They always use the ends to excuse the means. But for the Christian the means is as important as the end. To the follower of Christ, discipleship (unswerving committment to the teachings and life of Jesus Christ) is the basic reality; we call it faith.

I contend that Christians should be separate from the world, but not isolated. We should be different, yet being an influence. We are the city set on the hill; we are the salt of the earth; we are the light for this generation. Our Kingdom is not limited to earthly governments, but to all people everywhere. We, the Kingdom Christians should have a global mindset. Remember, that one day all earthly kingdoms will end in rebellion against God, but the Church, the Bride and Body of Christ, the Kingdom of God, the Colony of Heaven, the Israel of God will not end. So let us go forth to ALL nations confessing Jesus as King and using His teachings as our Guidebook (maybe the Sermon on the Mount as a constitution?). For Christ, His Kingdom, and His people, Disciple

Random thoughts

Of course many readers of this blog will expect a review of Sandra Day O' Conner's resignation and the judicial battles facing our nations. Well, if you need to read that bit of power politics there are plenty of online reviews out there. Personally, Im not so sure that politics really change things. Earthly empires rise and fall, ideologies come and go, but the word of God lasts for ever and to the increase of His Kingdom there will be no end. It is funny though that some think that of three branches of our government, two must be activist and the other must not.


A while ago Doug said, ""The institution of slavery generally as it was practiced in the South was sinful, both overall and in a number of particulars. Nevertheless, in that setting it was possible for a Christian individual to own a slave without sinning individually." (Comments by Dave and Harry thinks he should be a politician.) I think I may agree. But individual sin is not the only sin, there is communal sin such as legal oppresion of the poor, slavery, and imperialism.

The Cross of Christ

I agree with FreeRadical that too much is said about the cross to the exclusion of the true power of Christianity– the Resurrection. However Jesus did say that those who do not take up their crosses and follow Him are not His disciples. So what does it mean to "take up one’s cross?" This subject is so mistreated today. Well, what did the cross mean for Jesus? First, the cross was a cruel punishment only used for those who threatened the empire, society, or established order of the Roman way of life. God’s messengers have been accused of being anti-patriotic and of treason since the days of Amos and Jeremiah. So why are we content to just sit around and occasionally critique the government online. These men (especially Jesus) were building a new kingdom that led them to a clash with the kingdoms of this world (sometimes called principalities–remember that a principality is a territory ruled by a prince...hint, hint). So are there true zealous disciples of Christ willing to do this in our generation? If so, we must take up our electric chairs and follow Christ. This means we are following Christ and even fear of electrocution does not hinder the message He has shown us. Prophets are not popular and they usually do not like their message anymore than there listeners, but it is the calling of God. For Christ and His Kingdom here and coming...

Peace thoughts

This from Cory at Gutless Pacifist:

So long as we defer the means, we defer the end. "Some day, but not now" will result in "never". If you feel it now, if you long for it now, then you must pursue it now. You must be open to its happening, or you will inevitably miss it forever.

I couldn't have said it better myself. But you have to read the whole article to get the real blessing.

More Bush Bashing.....LOL

Check out this site!

Our Leaders....

Whoa.....did I just see right???!!! Did Disciple actually post something???!! Anyway, thanks for making this a team blog....thought it was going to turn out solo.....
Couldn't have said it better myself Disciple, that part about GWB being hypocritically pro-life...in fact I was going to post something about it myself. What about capital punishment? Do we as humans really have the right to decide when a man's life is to end?
Anyway, I found some interesting verses about the devil last night....so here goes:
John 14:30 I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me.....
2 Corinthians 4:4 in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (NASB)
Satan?! Ruler of the world? God of this age?? Wait a second! This is the world were living in??! But what about Bush? Isn't he a Christian? Well, okay, so I'm not gonna actually cast judgment, but some of his actions would highly suggest an un-Christian attitude, to put it lightly. Don't forget, Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world, so he apparently has control over them, at least to some extent. So how am I going to respond when the pawn of the ruler of this world orders me to go to war? Even when Jesus clearly teaches otherwise? Do you cite Romans 13, and obey your ruler and go to war? Let me ask you a harder question (or maybe easier). What if GWB, or any other president or government, forced you to renounce Jesus? Would we again cite Romans 13?? The Bible is very clear that we can only obey men if we are not disobeying God.
Oh, and btw, on another interesting note, are you going to catch me casting my vote for a candidate for the high office of one of the kingdoms of this world? NO! As I have said before, I say again, no man can serve two masters, and I am serving the true Master.
In closing, if I have not made my point clear, let me say that using politics to change the world is not the way of Jesus, nor is it taught anywhere in the Bible.
For Christ and the Kingdom,
~Free Radical

Social Activism

I am watching what Rev. Roberts will say next. Ive always appreciated the way he covers a topic while disagreeing with him on numerous issues. As far as the seventh post in his series, I fail to connect with Mark. I am not convinced that democracy is the way for Christians to better themselves. I ask of our individualistic democracy what I ask about our materialistic capitalism, When so many display greed and selfishness how can the end result be a common good? Of course I am always accused of being a Communist. But I really think that some of the ideals of socialists come closer to the the teachings of our Teacher than that of PowerCapitalism. Personally, I have been very much impacted by the Stanely Haurwas' Resident Aliens in which he describes the church as a colony of heaven and a subculture working for a new kingdom. This has always been my focus as an Anabaptist concerned with discipleship and brotherhood. Now, I am not calling the church to isolation, but rather influence through non-participation in the worldly systems. Perhaps I can elaborate more later. For the Kingdom, Disciple

About Bush

Allow me to share my little perspective on President Bush. Frankly I dont like him. I wish he were really pro-life. While I appreciate that his belief in the immorality of abortion, why does send Americans to kill other living human beings? (Notice that he is pro-life when it comes to unborn human beings but not so when it comes to those who oppose his agenda in Muslim countries around the world. As Graham Old said, "Life may very well begin at conception, but it most certainly does not end at birth." Im not sure if that is the exact quote but is how I remember it. So while I dont like him I still try to pray that God will show him the right. And unlike freeradical I am not counting the seconds until his term is up because I dont foresee his replacement as being a huge improvement. Personally as an Anabaptist I see the path to change in the acts of individual Christians working for the Kingdom of God (which is separate from the kingdoms of this world) and not through governmental control. Those who are truly Christians live as Christ lived according to the Apostle John. I havent seen that in Bush or any other poltician, lets just endeavor to do that for ourselves.

IT IS TIME!!!!

Allright it is time....*groan* still this long till GWB is out!!!!

Acknowledging Christ

I was recently studying Matthew 10, and found many interesting concepts to consider, some that I have expounded upon in an earlier post entitled Discipleship. I would like to look now at verses 32 and 33. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father. (NASB) Simple verses to understand, and yet so true. Are we willing to acknowledge Christ before others? As Christians, that should be our primary aim and focus. It is the essence of what makes us Jesus zealots.

But now lets look at the other side of the picture. How often do we deny Christ. How often are we in a group setting and someone makes some vulgar joke and we let it go uncontested. What if someone takes the name of the Lord in vain? Do we just say nothing, hoping to appear as part of the in-group, and in essence denying Christ? I know I am often guilty of denying Christ. There are other ways, too. Let's strive toward the crown so that when we get in the presence of our heavenly father, we do not hear the terrible words, “I never knew you.”

Looking away from the cross

Did you ever think about how many people are wearing crosses around their necks today? And its not just Catholics anymore. There is way too much focus on the cross today. Take Mel Gibson's Passion for example. Everything was focused on the sufferings of Jesus with only one brief look at the resurrection scene. As Christians, the cross was the lowest point in our salvation process. As Jesus' disciples looked with dread on the cross, they knew their Lord was dying. The cross was Satan's greatest victory. Still, we can and should appreciate the work that Jesus did on the cross, for us. But in my opinion, there is way too much emphasis placed on the cross today. We should be looking at and enjoying the power of the resurrection! I believe this is just too tell-tale of a trend that is going on in modern Christianity's attitude. Rather than living in victorious Christian living, they instead stoop to commemorate the defeats and losses we have had. Let's be looking ahead, with the resurrection in our hindsight, and the crown straight ahead!

Switch Gears

Okay, now that I have started this website off with some doctrinal views and opinions, I think I will branch off into the specifics of modern Christianity and society. I'll keep you posted!

Differences between Anabaptists and Evangelicals

If you are an evangelical and reading this, I will be the first to say that it is not my intent to offend anyone. I have quite a few evangelical friends, and I am not in any way questioning their sincerity, and certainly not their salvation. Having said that however, we do disagree on some doctrines, and it is these that I wish to briefly mention here.

We disagree about the relativity of church to state. We are at odds about the methods used for being in the world, but not of the world. We have different views about how grace affects our life after we are born again. And perhaps most importantly, is the way we interpret scripture, Anabaptists taking a strict and non-changing literal view, and holding the New Testament above the Old.

However, perhaps what has made Anabaptists stand out the most is their radical two kingdom belief. This belief strongly influences my own life—spiritually and physically. For instance, how can I go to war if Jesus plainly taught that His kingdom is not of this world? How can I even consider going to war when there is the possibility of shooting down my own brothers in Christ? Ephesians 6:12 says: For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. So you can see that the real war is not the USA versus everyone else (for the US is not God's chosen nation), but God's chosen people, Christians, versus Satan's kingdom. My membership is to another kingdom, and I am simply an ambassador to this temporary kingdom. My homage, respect, and honor all go to another Commander-in-Chief (sorry, Bush).

Having said all this, I conclude that many doctrines of evangelicals are scripturally incorrect. They have arrived at this point because of compromises throughout the ages, and at last arrived at the point where evangelical youth act no different than the world's youth, engaging in premarital sex, drugs, and other shameful acts. And the problem is, most of them don't even know its wrong.

Later on, I may touch on some of the things I only briefly mentioned. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

Free Radical

Discipleship

So just what is discipleship? What does it involve? As Jesus zealots, we are disciples of Jesus Christ. We follow His teaching. We follow His example. And we modern-day followers have a special advantage, the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We see Jesus's first command about personal discipleship in Matthew 4:19-- He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” We also see their immediate response. At once they left their nets and followed him. Are we willing and striving to be fishers of men? It all starts with leaving our nets and following immediately.

In Matthew 10:34-40, we see the extreme implications of the radical call that Jesus makes to all who would be a member of His kingdom. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Are we truly willing to be a Jesus zealot?

My friends, let no man deceive you. Salvation is not without a price. Jesus died and suffered horribly for us, but now he is calling all men to repentance, and a personal walk with him. We cannot earn our salvation, but we can devote our entire lives in gratitude to the One who has saved us. Can faith alone save us? NO! It is a the combination of faith and works. James 2:14--What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

James 2:26 says: For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Are we seeing dead faith today? Dead Christianity? Modern evangelicalism has reduced it to a science. Say this prayer word for word, and you go to heaven, no matter what you do! The Bible clearly teaches that to be a Jesus zealot, one has to follow Jesus with his whole soul, strength and mind. What about you? Are you like the lukewarm church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-18)? I challenge you to a closer walk with God, and to truly be on fire for Jesus Christ. In closing, let me say that I am not perfect, but I am still trying, and by God's grace, continuing on the upward way.

For Him and His kingdom,

Free Radical

Note: All scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible

Anabaptism

Hey thanks disciple, hoping this is gonna be fun. But first, you may be wondering, just what are Anabaptists? Many times called the radicals in earlier times, we still hold fast to many of the same radical beliefs, especially taking literally the sermon on the mount. But the main focus of Anabaptism versus Evangelicalism is the emphasis on personal discipleship. I believe pop Christianity has made it too easy to "become saved", therefore emphasizing a grace theology. Jesus' teachings centered on the kingdom of God, and i believe the Christian life is a journey.
Though i have only scratched the surface, hopefully you will be hearing more from me shortly.

for the kingdom,
Free Radical

Welcome to Jesus Zealots!

Welcome to Jesus Zealots! What are Jesus Zealots? They are those of us who have decided to zealously follow Jesus irregardless of anything else. We are crazy about Christ! This blog is brought to you by two young Anabaptists and I promise that we will pound discipleship all day long! We will try to give a critique of modern society and challenge you to view the world like Jesus would have us view and change it.

For Christ and the Kingdom of God!