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God is holy and man sinful.  As a result they are separated.  For Holy God to touch sinful man would defile Him.  Because man is sinful he is separated from God.  To connect with God either requires for man to become good enough to get to God (what most religions teach but is near impossible) or would require God in some way to bridge the gap to man. 

This is the entire point of the Trinity.  It isn’t 3 Gods at all - but one God, 1 essence, as 3 persons.  Each of those persons bring something to the table that we need and that allows God’s nature to remain consistent and true.  God can bridge to man and remain God without violating his character or nature.  The sad truth is, most people - Christians included - see the Trinity as a mystery - which is true, but the problem with stopping there is you never see the practical implications of how the nature and work of God is at work in redeeming mankind.  Something far more serious is at stake - the definition of who God is. 

God, the Father - who created all things and all people - created man and the world he lives in to have fellowship with him, but because of sin man is now separated and holy divine God cannot touch man in his current estate.  So, The Father sends the Word - as John 1 says.  The word is both divine - from the essence of God, and human - a real man.  This is what Christians call the Son of God.  This doesn’t mean God had sex with Mary in a physical way - that is blasphemy to the follower of Jesus - it was spiritual.  But that spiritual life gave way to a spiritual, divine, and human being.  He had a heavenly father, and an earthly mother, Mary. 

Jesus lived a sinless life, the only person to have ever done that.  As a result the God (divine) man (completely human as well) could redeem us from our lost and sinful condition.  As the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) sacrifices were made, so Jesus was a once and for all sacrifice that would end all sacrifices because of what he did for all of humanity.  The cross was not a result of the Jews - Jesus said he gave his …

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There are two core reasons that I follow Jesus.

1.  Because of what he says about himself. 
      He says that he is God and as such forgives sins.  There was no question about this from a Jewish perspective; this is the human reason that got him crucified.  John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” The Word here is Jesus - there is no doubt about that or the claim to equality with God.  Within many of the records of the miracles of Jesus, he says that he is the Son of God.  The famous John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 5:18 “This is why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”  John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life - no one comes to the Father except through me.”

2.  Because of what he provided in forgiveness by what he did on the cross.  All through out the New Testament Jesus is doing only what God can do - forgiving people.  All religious Scripture deals with the reality that God created man, man is separated from God by sin - and there is mercy and justice and forgiveness by God.  The question is, how is that mercy obtained?  There are basically two options.  One is through human effort.  At this point most all of the world religions are in agreement.  Here is the question, “Do I justify myself before God from my own works and goodness - or do I find justification outside myself from an act of God?”  I do not believe man can justify himself before God.  First of all, if man justifies himself - How much justification is needed?  If man justifies himself - he cannot know until he dies and stands before God.  That means there can be no spirituality - how can a …

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Keep in mind these are my views.  They have been developed gradually over the years as I’ve interacted with different people of different faiths.  I can deeply love and respect people and yet disagree over who God is.  Frankly, the dialogue between other faiths has made me think deeply about why I believe what I believe.  I do not consider myself a heavy duty theologian or philosopher, but, when you connect with people of different faiths, you are forced to think about God and your own faith - So here goes . . .

1.  My view is that the ONE God should be God, who has been present in all of history & mankind, consistently in messaging every era.  Judaism continues to wait for the Messiah that brings a new world order.  Islam acknowledges the truth of Judaism & Christianity, yet sees them as being polluted and all of Islam as correcting false teachings and interpretations of Judaism & Christianity.  Christianity values and accepts the Jewish faith and tradition, but sees Jesus fulfilling it.  Christianity would see Islam as denying the divinity of Jesus thereby nullifying the message and ministry of Jesus.  Only Christianity accepts Judaism as it is but also believes Jesus is the Messiah leading to the embracing of the entire world with the good news of Jesus - God.  The implication is that only Christianity can hold all of history inclusively from beginning to end by accepting the Hebrew Scriptures as truth and as is. Obviously, Jews would disagree as to who Jesus is. 

2.  My view is that the ONE God should be God who loves all tribes, nations, and peoples with a consistent message.  Missionary books of the Bible are in the Old Testament - Jonah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel - even the Psalms are God proclaiming who he is to the nations and calling men to follow him.  Judaism however is more racial and tribal than global and inclusive.  Only Christianity & Islam are embracing of all tribes, tongues, and nations. 

3.  My view is that the ONE God should be God who has revealed himself in objective revelation.  That leaves us with sacred Scripture.  If I accepted the Koran at the same level of inspiration as I do the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the New Testament - then I would have to be a Muslim.  If I accept Islam, …

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So, now that I believe in God, I have two fundamental choices.  Am I a polytheist or monotheist?  How I answer this question is critical.  This is the question that got Socrates in trouble.  As a Greek, in a Greek polytheist culture, and as a philosopher he concluded there could only be one God, why? 

First, logic.  Since there is form and order, design and complexity - it cannot be held to the whims of god’s that war with each other or jockey for power and control.  Forget man blowing himself up, the gods will do it for him! 

Second, laws of nature.  There is a consistency in science and all knowledge where there is a sense of a universal knowledge and power that’s holding it all together.  There is supreme consistent design, without which the world and humanity could not exist or have any forward motion. 

Third, the consistent development of humanity historically, scientifically, and culturally that says that man has a destiny and that history is leading to something intentional. 

Fourth, forgiveness, salvation, and redemption are found in which god and how?  Enlightenment may help you understand yourself better, but how do the masses achieve this and what hope is there.  Whatever faith - or no faith - you choose, it must be for the masses, if it’s not it can’t be G(g)od.  If there is consistent scientific and moral law - then there must also be consistent spiritual law and redemption. 

In fairness to my Hindu and Buddhist friends - some of them would say there is one God, the other gods are lesser, and some would go so far as to say Buddhism is more a philosophy of life not purely a religion.  I have a friend who was a Buddhist and he has told me Buddhism is a lot like Christianity - you empty yourself, die to self - but that you don’t fill yourself up with Christ - that’s the difference according to him. 

So, if this is why monotheism is critical - why am I a Christian - out of the choices of Judaism, Christianity, & Islam?  That’s tomorrow.

When I grew up in East Texas - the idea was that there were two reasons for the existence of God.  First, the Bible says so.  Second, you feel him in your heart.  That may be fine in a Christian culture - but that doesn’t cut it in the world today.  You can’t start with the Bible and what you feel because everyone has books and everyone has feelings.  The question is what is it that makes you believe - philosophically - that there is a God.  Any one of these is cause to pause - but taken together they are all powerful and hard to deny. 

1.  Creation.  The fact that it is here, points to something starting it.  Regardless of what you believe about how the world came into being - something had to start the push.  The odds of this happening on accident are simply too huge. 

2.  Form and Order.  The creation isn’t random, in an airplane, on maps, the way bodies are put together, etc., there is form and order - things aren’t random - they all fit.

3.  Diversity but interdependence of life forms.  From human, to plant, to various forms of energy - there are multiple forms and different kinds of life - but they are not independent of each other - all are critical to one another. 

4.  Complexity.  There is simply too much complexity in all things from how the planets are positioned to water and solar systems and all of it being held in check in order allow life.

5.  Uniqueness of Man.  Biologically man may be an animal - but mentally, emotionally, morally, leadership wise - he is like no other animal.  His ability to create, order, and dominate the world is unlike any other animal.  This implies man is beyond randomness.

6.  Morality of Man.  Granted, there are various types of morality in men, but there is a generally accepted moral code among all tribes of man that they are expected to follow - whether they do or not - no murder, no stealing, no lying, familial fidelity - are just a few of those.  How can there be so many cultures and so much similarity of moral expectations.  There must be a single source from which that springs.

7.  Spirituality of Man.  Man is a spiritual creature - all spirituality comes from …

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Recently, both by people of my faith and people outside my faith, I’ve been asked how I talk to people about my faith.  Some, as I’ve shared my faith, have asked that I write it out slowly and explain it simply.  Several who I’ve talked to that are not of my faith have begun asking even deeper questions about my views of God, Jesus, salvation, and eternity.  I’ve hesitated putting them in a blog, you can hear it all when I speak (Google me and videos or talks and several pop up) or when I’m in conversation one on one.  But, as those of you who know me well can testify, I don’t like starting with the head, but with the hand to serve others and build a relationship.  From the hand, our hearts are captured as we literally “learn to love” those outside our tribe - and then we are ready to talk and even more importantly – to listen.  Many who read my blog are Christians and other religions, and even no religion - alike.  As a result, they are starting a relationship with me by hearing - or the head - and I don’t like that.  Words without context & narrative can be misleading and even dangerous. 

As a little boy, I was taught to share my faith.  I memorized what’s called “The Roman Road.”  I learned how to share John 3:16.  I learned something called Evangelism Explosion - then the Baptist version - Continuing Witness Training, Four Spiritual Laws, etc. These are all good.  The only problem is sometimes they come across like giving a person a sermon.  They also answer our questions, not the person who is searching for God or has questions about the way that I have discovered him.  That doesn’t mean the presentation isn’t true, it’s just not necessarily where people are.

Before I worked globally and with other faiths - because I had memorized so much scripture and knew how to share my faith - as I would speak to people about faith I began to do it more like a conversation than a presentation.  So I would start with people’s questions and still deal with the big issues, but on their schedule and in their order.  Memorizing all those ways of sharing my faith was good - it prepared me to know a lot of verses and gave me …

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I am convinced the greatest surprise for the Western Church may not be the second coming of Christ - but it may be the fulfillment of the Great Commission. 

I’ve heard it often - the first time Jesus came he was missed by those who should have known most - so it’s possible the same could be true of his second coming.  I think there’s no doubt there could be some amount of truth in that.  All we know for certain, is that he is going to return, how and when become very speculative. 

But as I’ve studied global affairs and issues and realize our connectivity, travel, communication, etc., all the things I talk about - there is no doubt in reality the Great Commission will be fulfilled in the not too distant future.  My view on this is not because of revelation of the Holy Spirit, but from pragmatic observations of what is happening in the world. 

First, you can legitimately claim that there are now “disciples” in all nations.  If you broaden the term to people groups - that may not be the case.  I’ve heard so many numbers I’m not sure which is right - but there are a remaining 138 unreached people groups (upg).  In addition, Wycliffe will have its goal of the Bible translated into languages by 2020 and is studying what comes after that.  Second, the good news will be preached to all nations before Jesus returns - doesn’t mean everyone will become a Christian, just that it’s preached. 

All you have to do is look at the global explosion of the church to see that there really is a worldwide move of God right now taking place like no other time in history. 

When the Great Commission is fulfilled - I don’t think we’ll know it. 

I don’t like the concept some have of “fulfilling the Great Commission” to hasten the return of Christ.  That is arrogant and “me” centered theology.  I want God, as Peter wrote, to continue to be long-suffering.  I don’t want a single one lost.  I trust in God’s sovereignty to come when he believes he should. 

We are living at a time in history that the whole church dreamed of, the fulfillment of the Great Commission.  The challenge will not be getting the message out for everyone to hear it - …

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So much is happening around us right now - it’s hard to take it all in and make sense of it.  How do you keep up with it and how does it affect the whole world?  It’s near impossible. 

GEOPOLITICALLY - Russia continues to withdraw and there’s a chill that’s beginning to be felt more and more towards the West - old competitiveness is emerging.  Brazil is growing fast in every way - and pulling away from the US exerting her own influence.  Mexico in TIME magazine is called the most dangerous place in the world right now.  We may wake up to find that the violence of Afghanistan came to our own backyard without us realizing it.  Pakistan is playing Near Eastern cat and mouse, smile and wink, and disguised transparency.  Islam grows in Europe - and the radicals don’t just scare the West, they scare Muslims as well - and no one has a good solution on how to deal with it.  In our own country, politicians joke, laughing, make fun of the other party, blaming everyone but themselves - while they destroy our country for the sake of power and control. 

ECONOMICALLY - the world is in a mess - and sadly the US helped put it there with all the Wall Street shenanigans.  Many countries are trying to get off the dollar and figure out a new currency that will work - it could have been the Euro - but with all the mess with Greece, now Portugal, and Spain and Italy close behind – it’s doubtful their economics engines are better - but what? 

TECHNOGICALLY we are so connected.  Nothing is local - everything is global.  As people come of age - one nation sees another nation fight for its rights and the power of communication is inspiring the whole world to see a different way of life.  YET, the primary thing connectivity could offer is education and commerce - but that hasn’t happened yet.  I’m dreaming of the day when children all over the world can sign on and get educated.  It’s hard to understand how billions and billions of dollars - no trillions and trillions have been poured into Africa and the state of affairs is in such chaos. 

RELIGION has become the new global tribalism.  It is the one constant - faith in God - that can make …

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Guest Blogger - Brian Hook
Pastor of Church Planting- NorthWood Church
Regional Catalyst - Vision360

The following story is from Kevin Cox, Founding Pastor of Vista Church, a church plant of NorthWood located in Crandall, Texas - a community south of Dallas. Vista has planted five churches in their young 4-year existence as they also engage in Nigeria mobilizing church members to reach the Fulani people.

“Recently I came across a statement that sums up where we are at Vista Church:  “It’s not what you believe that counts; it’s what you believe enough to do.”  We believe in being the church and displaying the kingdom!  We believe in the transformation of people’s lives as well as whole communities and people groups.  That is why we start cell groups where people are built up and encouraged in their faith.  That is why we sent 21 students to a pre-teen camp and four of them made first-time commitments to Christ.  That is why we have eight block parties scheduled in our community over the next 4 months.  That is why we have collaborated with our community association to begin a Neighbors Helping Neighbors program to help the elderly and single mothers of our community.  That is why we partner with Still Waters, a crisis pregnancy center, to encourage teenage mothers who have chosen to keep their babies.  That is why we are looking at partnering with 3-4 church planters next year to help them plant their churches that will see their communities transformed by the love of Christ.  That is why we have scheduled two trips this year to Egbe and Ejiba, Nigeria to engage the Fulani and Hausa-speaking peoples of those cities in order to develop an on-going relationship where we can mutually learn from one another.  In only two trips, trust is being built as evidenced by the photo of two Muslim chiefs with arms around one wet, Christian pastor…me.  We are compelled by the royal law of Jesus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It is our prayer that each time we leave Nigeria, our new friends will have been loved with the love of Christ.”

Daniel Yang, Guest Blogger
Worship Associate / College & Young Adult Ministries

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”  (Jeremiah 29:4-7 ESV)

Israel was the nation chosen by God in the Old Testament to reveal his love to the rest of the world.  God was so committed to his purpose that even when his people were living in a land that wasn’t their own, he commanded them to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you.”  God placed an entire generation in a position of humility and vulnerability and then commissioned them to engage an unfamiliar city by investing into it the lives of the next generation.

Over the last few years this Jeremiah passage has helped me process my family story.  My father was a little older than I am now when he left his homeland to live in a refugee camp for several years.  The conditions in the camp were difficult, but he knew it was only for a season.  At the age of thirty-nine he and my family immigrated to the United States where they learned a completely new way of living and thinking.  They lived as a diaspora community seeking the welfare of the city to which they were brought and in doing so found their own welfare.

There’s something about the diaspora mentality that God wants his people to learn when they are called to engagement.  From my experience this mentality forces us to do two things 1) adapt to the situation around us with humility and openness and 2) commit to the cause of others despite our own needs.

Each year Northwood commissions several teams to serve in the inner-city, Mexico, Vietnam and other places in the world.  This Summer there will be a team of college and young adults serving and loving a country where for the first time many of them will get a glimpse into this Jeremiah passage.  This means for the first time many of them will understand what it means not to be in the majority.  They will have to rely on translators, money-changers, and taxi-drivers.  But they will also experience what it means to passionately care for a people in a country that is not their own.  …

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