Ben Cachiaras opened the NACC in Indy with a great message that set the tone for the week. I don’t want to regurgitate the entire message, but let me pass on some my favorite lines. Some of these aren’t exact quotes...just the way I heard it...
God is unchanging...but He’s always on the move.
If you wanted to follow Jesus back in the First Century, you’d have to be on the move. It’s the same today!
This was a big one... “If your life looked EXACTLY like what Jesus wanted your life to look like, would it look EXACTLY like what it looks like right now?”
Followed by... “If your church looked EXACTLY like what Jesus wanted you church to look like, would it look EXACTLY like what it looks like right now?”
Pray a dangerous prayer... “Dear God, disturb me.”
The AGENT of transformation that God has in mind is YOU and ME. WOW!
If you want to go “BEYOND”, you have to leave some stuff behind.
We don’t have to keep up with the culture...near as much as we need to keep up with Jesus!
Racism isn’t a political issue. It’s not a “”PC” issue. It’s a Biblical issue!
Define greatness of a church, not by it’s seating capacity, but by it’s sending capacity.
THANKS BEN! (And great job with the Tony Dungy interview today!)
4 comments so far
But what did you make of Ben's statement that Jesus was "partly human, and partly divine"? If it's a misstatement how do you make such a big misstatement? If it's not, it's heresy. Throughout history Christ had been proclaimed FULLY human, FULLY Divine. The implications are manifold, and critical.
Mark -- you're so right. What an unfortunate way that statement came out. As I said it, I vaguely recall stating it the way you mention it above -- "partly human, partly divine." Of course Jesus was fully human/fully divine, and I am hoping and trusting no one was distracted or confused by that misstatement. You probably remember the point I was making at the time, which I hope overshadowed the moment: believing that Jesus is both divine and human, while important, is something even the demons do. The point is to TRUST him -- in a way that leads to obedience. Hopefully we didn't confuse anyone, and hopefully nobody missed the main point. Thanks for opportunity to clarify. -- Ben
Thanks for clarifying Ben. I was sure it was simply a verbal misstep and no, it didn't distract from the bigger point for me. I thought possibly it could for those embroiled in all of the 'emergent'/macclaren-esque discussions where propositional theological truth is done away with to be replaced by only our praxis. As I understand it you aren't throwing one out for the other, just challenging us to readjust the balance of emphasis toward action, etc.
The only other challenge I'd throw out is that too often the kind of motivational speaking that is done so well at places like NACC leaves one with a moralistic "just try harder and do better" mindset. The reality is, that when I fail it's not because I didn't try hard enough, or wasn't motivated enough - it's because I haven't fully comprehended an applied the gospel to my life in a particular area. That's what changes and truly motivates a soul. As preachers, it is truly gospel-centered preaching (I don't just mean say Christ died for you in each message)that will have the most impact. This of course is the kin of preaching that Tim Keller is famous for, and teaches others to do.
Thanks again for all you did to male this conference happen.
The only remaining challenge I'd throw out to
Thanks Ben for responding to Mark. I SO APPRECIATE YOU and the work you put into this NACC. Great job bro!