I left to go to Pasadena, California this summer only knowing that I was ready for a change. After the tireless pursuit of religions and worldly philosophies I was ready. How I was to be changed was out of my conception, but I was content with not knowing. Arriving the first night, and looking into the humble living conditions I was to have was a reminder of what was not important on this trip.

After many days of orientation, we started our journey through Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. The first speaker (Jeff Lewis, who was the best I heard all summer) walked through the first lesson on the Biblical basis for missions, and I for the first time I saw the Bible. Understanding doctrinally the ramifications of the Abrahamic covenant in terms of the redeemed in a soteriological sense was something very different from seeing the Abrahamic covenant as something that would spread to all nations. How odd was it to see Scripture in such a new light!

We proceeded to go through all fifteen lessons introducing us to many missiological concepts. The material questioned the way I perceived, not only the gospel, but shepherding a flock of believers outside of a western sphere of influence. It blew systematic ecclessiology (doctrine of the church) right out of the water. It was something to spend less time defining the gospel and more time refining how we help the recipients of the gospel grow.

During this time we did many things such as Jewish focus which we did a Messianic Seder which was an incredible cultural experience. We also learned of and visited the Mormons. How sad it was to see such deceived individuals. We continued to grow as a community during this early time. It takes a while, and which ironically culminated at the end, to become open toward a community. As I grew, the growth did not come the most from doctrinal studies but through the other believers on the project. It was seeing their hearts and minds set upon following their Messiah to the ends of the earth that inspired the most growth.

We heard many speakers during this time about issues such as discipleship, church planting, spiritual warfare, pluralism, discerning God’s will (the best I’ve heard on the subject), and various worship nights with different speakers. We did many community nights with my small group visiting such places as downtown Pasadena and Hollywood. I also got the opportunity to visit with Christy, Simon, and my Dad. I also managed to spend 20 hours writing an opening statement on the compatibility of divine determinism and moral accountability for a formalized debate I’m having with Simon.

We had the opportunity to grow through small groups and individual discipleship. My small group was of much encouragement. I grew exponentially with four other men with genuine and open accountability, inductive study through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), and time socializing. We went on a small group weekend to Tijuana, we climbed to the top of a mountain, and we got to spend much time just learning of our individual ambitions and struggles. I have never felt closer to a small group than during this trip.

After Perspectives, we spend time with focuses on various religions and visiting their respective temples. We studied Islam, Hare Krishnas, Buddhists, and Hindus. Hearing a speaker who specialized in the various religions followed by actually visiting those who practice the actual followers of the religion made the material come alive. It was seeing those who were far away that breaks you for them.

I got the opportunity to tackle various doctrinal issues personally and then have conversations with those on the project. I tackled issues such as Dispensationalism/Covenant Theology, Cessationism, Eschatology (the 4 views), apologetics, various soteriological concepts, political, and church issues (this is all in addition to the missiological concepts). Struggling through those issues while remaining open to those of dissenting opinions aided in the dialogue and search for truth.

I leave with a feeling of contentment, but I’m home not feeling as though I have returned home. For 50 days I felt full of purpose at every moment, at every prayer, through every thought. Being home is a challenge to remain in the same mode of seeking purpose in all I do when work, school, and relationships pull down on you.

So, why the watch analogy? I, much like many Christians, wore the faith as a cosmetic addition. I was eagerly seeking Christ during my last year of belief, but my heart wasn’t quite there (in terms of God’s redemptive purpose). I also did very literally lose my watch about 5 days before I left. I spent those 5 days thinking way to much about what that could mean. Did it mean I should spend less time worrying and more time doing (Matthew 6:33–34)? I saw it as a sign to renew my focus, and that I had started the process of shedding cultural identity.

But, on the way to the airport to leave, I literally did find my watch again in the cup holder of the van. I put it back on remembering why the watch was important. It isn’t for me to worry needlessly about what I will do, but it is for me to worry about not procrastinating following and glorifying Christ in all that I do. So, I put the watch back on, got on the plane, and I decided that I’ll never forget what it was like during the summer that I did lose my watch.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33–34

There is no longer any question: being a follower of Jesus Christ = following Him until the edges of the earth. Missions is not a specialization, it is a mandate. All will go, all will follow, His yolk is easy, and His burden is light. No obligation or material tie can hold me from following Him.

Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.“
Matthew 8:21–22

Being in the Buddhist and Hare Krishna temples was a grave reminder of the way I used to think. It’s good to be reminded of what He has pulled us from. I was completely convinced I had found truth. May God have mercy on them.

Now not for his [Abraham] sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
Romans 4:23–25 (emphasis added)

Then we went to the Mosque, and they actually let us go into the prayer room (called a “musjeet” phonetically, but I don’t know the exact spelling). We went on Friday, which is their holiday day, during their “holy” service in the early afternoon. The Imam did a Q & A, and he managed to contradict himself at least half a dozen times. We also went to a Hare Krishna temple, which I had never even heard of that religion before this trip. It is a cult of Hinduism, and the service was really freaky. We also had a Q & A, and the guy who talked to us tried to get us to do the Hare Krishna chant which they recite over 1,700 times a day! They are truly devoted to their faith, and they would be awesome Christians (no fake believers there).

I got to see my dad also. He came out to do some work, and we got to hang out of and on for three days. He went to our weekly service, and he also went on our community night (we went glow-in-the-dark putt putt golfing!). Him and I then went down to San Diego by ourselves stopping by Venice Beach to walk around (I wanted to see the muscle beach). We went to a great Thai restaurant in downtown San Diego, which is very beautiful for a big city downtown, and then he dropped me off at a church we stayed at.

At that church we did a tribal focus where we met a guy who went to an unreached people group, the Iteri tribe, in Papua New Guinea. He spent twenty years there translating the Bible and teaching the Word. It was so inspiring. And he also gave me some encouraging words as to the acceptance I’ve received from certain members of my family. He also taught us how to surf; well, he tried to show me, but I just kept falling off. And I also managed to get burned all along my chest and tops of my arms/shoulders. I know, you’re envious.

What else? Oh yes, I went to Tijuana for my small group weekend; and it was a dump. But I can say that I’ve been to Mexico! On the way back up I got to visit Christy Thede who is staying in San Diego for the summer. It was neat to see her 4,000 miles away from where I met her!

Lastly, I miss my family. Perry sent me a great card that brightened my week! It has pictures of us growing up, and that is surely a treasure. He got approved to live in the park that we currently are with Miriam (a new home). It’ll be weird to go back, and help my brother move out on his own. Wow, I have to plan a bachelor party when I get back.

My significant other I miss terribly. I look forward to coming back and seeing her again. It was very weird to start a relationship and only a month into it be gone for 50 days. I now have 10 days left until I see her again. It’s definitely been a challenge working this out so far away, but it looks as though we might actually make it. I wasn’t sure it was going to last at some points of the trip, but we somehow made it through. I just miss being close to her. ~sigh~

As for activities, we went to a Dodgers game that was full of excitement. I went yesterday to Santa Monica Beach (got to much sun) and went to Saddleback. Saddleback was interesting. They call their “church” a “campus.” In fact, the “worship building” was actually building 8, so everyone look on your maps to find the sanctuary. The service wasn’t outright “purpose driven,” but it was about our growth with no mention of sanctification (or the need of Christ thereof). The pastor used 4 different translations in his message: NLT, NCV, GW, and CEV. It’s funny since none of those are really Bibles. Anyway, after that I left the sanctuary and bam two Mormons where right there. I couldn’t resist but go up to them, and start debating with them. I went through Eternal Progression, Eternal Marriage, the 3 kingdoms, the non pre-existence of Christ, their tri-theism, and a little bit more. I spent more time barking then listening though (note to self). By the way, if you come up to a Mormon and are encountered with the Trinity doctrine, make them open up to 1 John 5:7 (KJV) in their Bibles to the good ole’ Johannine Comma.

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1 John 5:7 (KJV) (emphasis added)

I just love them trying to explain that they’re truly “one in purpose,” but not one in existence (need some Perichoresis doctrine). I was talking to them and thinking how much I would like Aaron there to be with me.

I’m reading the 4 Views of the Millennium, and I finished reading the post-mil argument by Boettner. I found it less than persuasive. His argument stemmed around the fact that “the world is getting so much better,” and his argument focused around showing statistics and numbers that was suppose to show that the world was getting better. Needless-to-say, it was less than compelling; and I was disappointed, because I have so much respect for his work. Anyway, I’m reading the A-mil; and when he starts saying that Rev 20 starts over again at the beginning of the New Testament rather puzzles me. I must say I see some weight in the kingdom currently reigning though. I have not seen anything, as of yet, of any eschatological position that is completely convincing. I kinda want to mix-and-match the pre and amil, but those are less than compatible.

Well, it’s been fun so far; and I’ve gotten so much support from all of you. Thanks for the cards (Susie!), e-mails, and prayers. I’m now more excited than ever to reach those unreached people groups so that Christ may come back (Matthew 24:14).

I’m reading a book called The Meaning of the Millennium: 4 Views, and it is a page turner! I mean it truly is a riveting read. I now understanding what eschatology is truly about: The Kingdom of God. Wow, what an epiphany! The book, thus far, has been largely a debate between three covenant theologians and one dispensationalist; but the logic seems to be (as Loraine Boettner argues), that if the theological foundation of dispensationalism is unfounded then so is all their eschatology. I empathize with the dispensationlist’s desire to have a consistent hermeneutic, but sticking to all literal or all figurative robs the Bible of so much truth.

A speaker came in, name Steve Shadrach, and he talked about discipleship (he is also the visionary behind the Traveling Team); and we were talking, and I brought up the lordship debate between Ryrie and MacArthur. He then proceeded to tell me (he went to DTS) about how close Ryrie and him got through Ryrie’s divorce. I felt so bad. I apologized to him today though.

Lastly, politics. Yes, politics is becoming an issue here again. Not a big one, but when I told some guys I voted for Kerry some weren’t happy. First of all two comments need to be made: (1) both candidates were bad and neither had the big picture in focus instead their large base of constituents while aiming for the middle, and (2) a lot of people make asinine political decisions. And those people who are so hard-headed have no desire to have any meaningful dialog. I’m glad I left politics (which I was much more involved in than theology/philosophy a few years ago) to doing more constructive things. It’s like people have complete blinders over their eyes. That’s why I respect my brother Perry so much, because even though he has convictions he’ll still listen to the other side in a peaceful manner.

Thanks for the words that have kept me going.

1. Charismatic Chaos by John MacArthur
2. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
3. Jonathan Edwards: Basic Writings
4. Father, Son, & Holy Spirit by Bruce Ware
5. The Calvinistic Conception of Culture by Henry Van Til
6. American Denominational Organization by Ross Schere
7. The Meaning of the Millennium (Various)
8. Three Central Issues in Contemporary Dispensationalism (Various)
9. Still Sovereign (Various)

I’m also reading The Potter’s Freedom by James White and Studies in Theology by Loraine Boettner. I’m reading in the Potter’s Freedom, and he explains 1 Timothy 2:1–4 as not being “all men” in a universal sense but rather as all men whether in authority or lay (vs. 2). I believe now that the two wills is not necessary for soteriology. I truly believe God does not want all men to be saved (and White explains 2 Peter 3:9 in it’s eschatological context). There is a will of decree and command by Piper’s examples, but he is wrong in his assertion that it is a soteriological necessity.

I also read in Still Sovereign J.I. Packer’s article on love, and the article was good at contrasting Arminianism/Calvinism on essential elements; but it amazes me how those who are infra make it a point in their writings usually by an appositive (“foreseen as ‚” “seen as sinners,” etc). Infra is really only a water-downed version of the Arminian perspective of foreknowledge composed of human agency. Their is no doubt anymore as to the truth of Supralapsarianism. Tom Schreiner wrote two great articles: one on whether Romans 9 teaches individual election to salvation and whether the Bible teaches prevenient grace in the Wesleyan sense.

Yes, everyone loves pictures; and I finally found a way to edit pictures on the computers they have here. So, if you’d like please check them out. I have pictures from our outings, hang outs, the Mormon temple, car rides, and more. I have more pictures from Hollywood and Grace Community (MacArthur’s church, John’s dad passed away last week and was unable to preach), but I have to go and finish my Perspectives work before I do that.

I also have an inductive Bible study to work on (we’re doing the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5–7). Check out this passage we meditated on in Perspectives today. The guy talked about contextualizing Christianity, and I don’t know how I feel about it; but I’ll make a stance on that later (right Steph?).

“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles,“
Acts 15:19 (emphasis added)