The Real Deal

Our world is full of mystery. There is so much we are still learning. We still haven't explored the depths of the ocean. We are still discovering layer after layer in the microscopic makeup of the genome. We are still discovering new species. We still haven't found the full expanse of outer space. We still are trying to figure out what causes the "Northern Lights" to occur as they do. Maybe ideas, guesses, theories and concepts abound...but life is full of mystery and wonder. It's one of those gifts our Creator has given us...no doubt so that we won't be bored. He has made life and our world so fascinating...so fun...so amazing. What an adventure life is! In that one of the greatest mysteries is love. Why do certain people fall in love? What causes love? What is it's source? Why is love a universal focus in humanity regardless of culture, upbringing or education? One thing is for certain...we're definitely wired for it...love that is! Of course in a world so confused about what "real love" is...it might be best to clarify. We "love" our dog...we "love" cheeseburgers... we "love" Coldplay...we "love" the Ducks...and we "love" a cold drink on a hot day! Yet what is love...true love...the real deal? Since God is love, as the bible states, then He is a good starting point. After all we have all experienced or heard of love manifested in very unhealthy ways in our culture...so clearly not all people do "in the name of love"...is the genuine, real deal, love we seek. As you examine those around you or do some soul searching yourself, perhaps the biblical definition of love is a good measure. The bible says love is: patient...kind...does not envy...does not boast...is not proud...is not rude...is not self-seeking...is not easily angered...it keeps no record of wrongs...it does not delight in evil...it rejoices in the truth...it always protects...it always trusts...it always hopes...it always perseveres...love never fails! This familiar passage of scripture used in a bazillion weddings, gives us a great definition of love. A measuring stick if you will. If someone says they "love you"...are these evident in them? If you are honest, are they evident in you? It's a great way to evaluate love...the real deal...or a counterfeit love that's unhealthy. One cool thing is it gives us something to shoot for...heck some of us don't know what real love is! Some have never experienced it personally, so how can you live it, some ask? Fortunately God is love...and He is all these things. In fact this scripture is a great description of God Himself...pretty cool eh? And if He loves us...and desires each of us to experience His love and share it with others...then this scripture gives us the "gold standard", so to speak. These verses give us a picture of what it looks like. In spite of the mystery and wonder of love...and our desire for it...we can know what the "real deal" looks like! I don't know about you, but I need all the help I can get! How about you? At ECHO we want to color our lives with God's love and share it with those around us...so that we can experience what real deal love is like and see it work wonders within our spheres of relationship. And to think we all have been invited to live in that love and share it with others...now that's pretty cool if you ask me...

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Whining About Wine

OK, who likes whiners? I don't...do you? Now for those of you who surf through this blog from time to time that wonder, "what's up with you Christians?", maybe this entry is for you. I often have dialogues with people who are hesitant to embrace biblical stuff due to believer's who argue about stuff from the same bible, but can't agree. Now often this "whining" is about stuff that doesn't really matter in an eternal sense, so much so, that even the "not-yet-believer" notices how silly they are. Often our arguments "do matter", but are done so poorly and inconsistently, that we undermine the discussion. A perfect example is the overly simplistic manner in which Christians whine about "wine". Both sides of the discussion have such a simplistic approach its hard to take either side seriously. On one hand the more legalistic fundamentalist teetotalers would rail on about how drunkenness is a sin and we should abstain so as not to be drawn into sin. On the other hand, my post modern emergent friends would tout "well Jesus made 40 gallons of the stuff", referring to the wedding miracle where Jesus turns water into wine. In their discussion, that's all...that's the stamp of approval needed from Jesus to go for it. Both of these viewpoints are fatally flawed in being overly simplistic and one dimensional. The lack of broad biblical understanding on the topic undermines the discussion...even to the "not-yet-believer". But in a culture where alcohol abuse is rampant, perhaps a more legitimate approach should be taken in regards the subject. If we want to model a biblical lifestyle, then let's do it responsibly and biblically. If we are to "reason together" from scripture, then shouldn't we do so fairly and as unbiased as possible. Shouldn't we take historical, cultural, archaeological and scientific evidence into consideration in light of scripture. After all the bible says God holds us accountable for what we know...so let's make an effort to "know" what we're talking about. Too often we pick a pet scripture or two to defend our personal view, and leave it at that. People see through that quickly. That type of position is undermined every time, both inside & outside christian culture. Unfortunately, that type of feeble argumentation creates doubt in the very scripture we are pointing to as a source of truth. The bible isn't invalid, but our use of it is. Correctly using scripture and its application to daily living is quite a responsibility and speaks volumes to a world searching for truth!

For instance, on the issue of "wine"...the bible has 230 references to wine or "strong drink"...116 references are against its usage, such as Proverbs 23:29 "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine..." It goes on to describe wine as "having a bite like a serpent and a sting like a viper. Your eyes see strange things, and your mind will utter perverse things. (etc...)" Sounds like a drinker to me...that's a pretty good picture of it...in fact I've been that guy!!! In addition, there are 82 references that would seem to be neutral. Also, 42 scriptures would appear to endorse its usage, such as Proverbs 31:6-7 "give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more." Many of these passages speak of wine as medicinal in purpose or for utilitarian usages. Some passages speak of wine as a good thing, a blessing. Though scripture seems to lean more towards the abstinence side of the argument, should we end the discussion there? Is the wine of the biblical era like todays, some would ask? First off, there is every reason to believe that the wine was indeed fermented (i.e. containing alcohol). Too many passages and historical documents make that clear to dispute that point. Now they fermented their grape juice differently than today, that is true. They put wine in "wine skins" and allowed the wine to ferment in the sun "naturally". Today we use machinery and some additives to enhance the fermentation process. In the end both eras have alcoholic content in their wine, though our wine today is probably more potent and refined.

In proper bible study, we always should ask two questions: What did this mean to the people at the time it was written? ...and... What does this mean for us today? If we don't seek first to properly understand a passage in light of what it meant when it was written, it will be difficult to interpret and apply it intelligently in today's context. It appears that the wine of Jesus day was very different than our wine today, so let's be honest about that. All throughout Roman, Greek and Middle Eastern culture it was written that wine was commonly drank 1 part wine, with 20 parts water. The ratios vary (from 40 to 1 through 2 to 1), but drinking wine "straight" was always considered "barbaric" even to those wild, party animals the Greeks & Romans! Perhaps this "diluted wine" explains how they could drink "all day". In fact when the bible speaks of people getting drunk, it often was multiple hours or days of drinking. It would appear if one were to get drunk during this era, one had to be pretty determined to do so!!! In fact, one's bladder would be really, really active long before one got a serious buzz going. So as a beverage, wine was seen always as mixed with water, this was normal. Usually writers in ancient times just referred to this mixture as "wine" since that was the common way it was used, mixed with water. In contrast we would never think of drinking wine diluted with water today. Most people today can get a "buzz" on a glass or two or three. In ancient times 3 glasses would only prompt a "potty break" not a "buzz". In fact, to get the equivalent "buzz" of 2 martini's while drinking wine mixed with 3 parts water, 1 part wine, a person would have to drink 22 glasses!!! One's bladder would be affected long before your mind would be affected. It should be noted that even the Passover ritual would state 3 parts water to 1 part wine (Pesahim 108a). It would be safe to believe the wine of the Last Supper, that Jesus used, was within this context.

It should also be noted that the water of the Middle East & Europe has been polluted for 1,000's of years, and wine in water would act as a purifying agent as well. Hence the incredible value of finding a pure water well, with clean, fresh water. Finding clean water was (and still is) very difficult in this region. This accounts for the proliferation of wine use in the bible, at most meals, and at most occasions...it made their water safer to drink...and no doubt added flavor.

To discuss this issue properly we need to remember other factors that we know to be true today, that perhaps the bible has pointed to in the past. The bible says that the "sins of the forefathers are passed on to the 2nd, 3rd and even the 4th generations". Well in today's knowledge of genetics we are indeed discovering that genetic "weaknesses" are passed on...including genetic weaknesses toward addiction. We see family tree's where alcoholism has been passed on in many families. In fact, studies say 78% of Americans are highly affected in some way by alcoholism. "Even affecting grandchildren, even when drinking traits are not passed on literally, the traits of the alcoholic family system can be." Knowing scientifically that "addictive traits" may be in your family tree, should be another element in your decision to drink or not. If your family tree has a history of addiction then wisdom would tell you to abstain and break that chain for the sake of future generations.

The bible also asks us to consider the "weaker brother". When we choose to drink, consideration should be for those around us as well, and perhaps the example we are modeling for them. Maybe you don't have a weakness for alcohol, but what about your friend or work associate? Do you understand their family tree well enough to know if you are setting him up for a fall? The bible cautions us strongly regarding stumbling a brother, so this consideration should be a part of this decision as well. In a world where even our scientific world urges us not to partake of alcohol, if not for our lives, but for our descendants sakes. The opportunity to stumble someone may be too great a risk. If we are to "love others as our self" then love would compel us to watch out for others also. Love is violated when personal pleasure and profit are gained at the expense of another's pain or loss.

Now, if "you" are the weaker one, who is easily tempted, then wisdom says "flee" as the bible puts it...get as far away as you can from those environments that may trip you up! That's where "loving yourself" enters this picture.

Oh, and news flash...there will be alcoholics in heaven...God's grace is sufficient, even when our will power isn't!

Also, some may say, "well what about our freedom in Christ?" It is true, their is "no condemnation" for those with faith in Jesus...but the bible also says "all things are permissible but not all things are profitable". With an honest assessment in these areas you should be able to tell if you are looking for a "freedom loophole" that may not be "profitable" to you and those around you. In the end God holds us accountable for what we know...in this and all areas...so honest evaluation of our hearts and circumstances can't be hidden from Him. So we are encouraged to use our freedom wisely and responsibly.

In conclusion I hope this illustrates how a subject we often argue in "simplistic ways" is far more complex. In this case we need to be honest and realize that wine did exist and was part of life in the bible and yes Jesus drank it. That wine did indeed have alcoholic content. We also need to be honest that the wine was drank mixed with water, which is very different than the undiluted wine we drink today. So we need to be honest in that evaluation. We also need to be honest with our family tree and what "weaknesses" we may have inherited. For some they have no history to be concerned with...for others they can see the problem generationally. Dealing with that honestly is a vital part of the equation. And finally, consideration to the 'weaker brother or sister' in your sphere of influence, should weigh in. If loving others is a priority then we need to add that into the equation as well. Now the answer will vary from person to person...the bible says "for him who knows what he should do, and he doesn't...for him it is sin". That's a very personalized statement. We each should evaluate what "we should do" in light of the truth of scripture, ancient/modern wine context, family history, and spheres of influence. In that you will have an answer to the "whining about wine". But at least you'll have evaluated honestly and properly in light of God's wisdom...and isn't that the goal???

I know for us at ECHO that is our goal...a goal of integrity before God...scripture...and others. I hope that is your desire also...cheers!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Clone Wars

We're in a war and it stinks! Now, I'm not talking about present headline wars or historical wars of the past. Whether those wars are justified or not, only history will tell. Predicting that is pretty complicated, emotional and definitely messy. At our core we don't like what war represents, so its very, very uncomfortable to discuss and process clearly. I think we all can agree that war in general sucks as a concept, especially...destruction...greed...casualities... power grabs...agendas. It's all crappy stuff. What especially smells to high heaven is the wars between churches. What's up with that? Every community has churches fighting for the same people...the same 20% of the population that is remotely interested in church as they've known it. So these churches all try to out "program" each other. Put on a better "show" every Sunday. "Build" a bigger, more impressive building than the other churches in town. Try to out "market" each other with slick postcards and flyers. In the end they're all battling for the same people...people who are just moving from one church to another...not really building the Kingdom Jesus asked us to build. Then the trickle down begins...a big church builds a big impressive building...or adds some hot new program...then other big churches copy it. Then the middle sized churches try to copy it also (at a smaller level), or else they'll loose some people. Then the small churches try to copy it also, so they don't lose the few they have. It's like "clone wars" among churches. My kids are excited about the new "Clone Wars" movie (as some of you Star Wars freaks are too...go ahead and admit it). But the "clone wars" among churches...that is not something to be excited about. It's quite sad. While churches compete with each other for the 20% of the community that may come to church...80% of the people are left unreached, un-cared for, and un-exposed to the Jesus who is crazy about them! It goes even further than local churches. I know many, many pastors who try to "clone" other churches stuff. If it works for that mega church dude in Ohio or Texas or Florida or California...then it'll work here in Eugene? Churches copy buildings, programs, sermons, preaching styles, the latest "tricks of the trade"? Yet in all that, while some of it may be of a little value, most of it smacks of a "quick fix mentality". Churches have often forgotten how to be unique...how to be special...how to be led by God's creative Spirit. If we serve the Creator, shouldn't "creativity" be a part of who we are? At ECHO we hope to be different...intentionally so...for the sake of the 80% of folks who don't like church. That is a slow, patient process. It creates a very dependent way of being. It really forces one to be dependent on God and His Spirit...and learning to trust Him in the process. Would it be easier to copy what works somewhere else and make it happen? Of course! Would it expand the Kingdom of God? Very little...as history has shown us. The bible encourages us "not" to imitate...but to initiate. Initiate under the inspiration and guidance of God's Spirit. In fact, for each of us individually, we are reminded that we are unique people...not clones. I remember many years ago when God encouraged me "to not be like Billy Graham, I already have one who is really good at it...be the best Brian I've designed you to be, cause you're the only one I've got..." That was a very freeing thing. I believe that's a very freeing thing for each of us to rest in. I believe it can be a freeing thing for churches also...learning to rest in your uniqueness...as God has designed you. If not, you'll enter the clone wars and try to copy...which often leads to a lot of crappy stuff...which isn't good for you or those around you. Wars are not appealing...they are very destructive...and leave lots of causalities. Perhaps that is a "clue" as to why 80% of the people in town are not in our churches. Maybe it's time to do things differently...

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Independence Day?

Independence, hmmm? Well, as we have all celebrated the 4th of July with assorted BBQ's, weekend getaways to the beach or mountains, along with lots of fireworks and oodles of fun...I've been pondering the concept of "independence". Now I realize that "Independence Day" celebrates our nations beginnings, and especially our breaking away from British rule. It marks a time when a group of people from all over Europe and beyond, declared an "independence" from rulers, taxation, religious persecution and a host of other undue burdens. It's cool how our nation even declares that people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights". Yet in that, our nation oozes a spirit of independence, and I wonder how biblical all that may be? We love the rebel...the outlaw...the non-conformist...the cowboy...the rugged individualist. We pride ourselves on being "self made men", "pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps", and being "lone rangers" & "mavericks". Some would even declare that us Americans have a favorite bible verse, "God helps them who help themselves". The most famous "bible verse" not found in the bible! To the contrary, in light of what the bible tells us consistently, it would appear that our "independence" is the key to our problems in life. This isn't just an American problem, independence is a human problem. The idea that we can do it on our own. The idea we can work it all out ourselves. The idea that we know whats best. The idea that we don't need anybody else. I would suggest that "idea" is the core root of our human dilemma. Our striving for "independence" cuts to our sin nature...our selfish nature...our self centered world views...the world revolving around us. When in fact God continually says we should live lives of dependence. Lives dependent on relationship with Him and lives dependent on relationships with other people. This flies in the face of what most of us believe and especially in the face of our core American value...independence. God would remind us that our independence is what causes our relational pain and the chaos in the world we live within. He would suggest that as we deepen our relationship with Him & other people, in dependent trust, the chaos becomes more manageable. At ECHO we desire to be people who learn the art of graceful, trusting dependence on the God whose crazy about us. It's a journey away from independence, yet one worth taking, together! In this world we will always have trouble, and the trouble is our independence from God. What a struggle that is, isn't it? God has designed us to be a people of dependence...we need God...and we need relationship with others. We crave these things from the depths of our soul, don't we? In the end its our way (independence) or His way (trusting dependence). For each of us, we hear the cry to, "choose you this day". Which one will you embrace? Join us on the journey of dependence...together!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Reality Show

It's weird to think on how God see's things and how we see things. We have such a limited perspective, yet we try to unravel the eternal mysteries of the universe, when our own world is beyond our comprehension. It's quite humbling really. I've been pondering lately, on who God really is (at least what I can fathom about Him) and the things we often consume our thoughts with. Talk about a disconnect, eh? Often the things we fill our mind with are thoughts of what is not real...imaginations...fears...what if's...faulty thinking...a lot of it is centered in the future and where we think we are going "unprepared". Our culture promotes this thinking in many ways. You won't have enough money to retire...for health care...for college! You need insurance just in case...better stock up now...you can never have enough...gas prices...housing problems...global warming... terrorists...salmanella...lock your doors...alarm systems...identity theft...stalkers...perverts...swindlers...it's everywhere! We're reminded constantly to be on guard, you don't have enough, and you better watch out! I know its part of our economic, political and social climate. After all, a lot of agendas get forwarded through these means, and a lot of businesses thrive with these tactics, as do politicians...but how much of it is real? Sure there is a grain of truth to many of these things, but enough to dominate our thinking...alter our lives...control our emotions? Often we forget what is real...and focus on what isn't. In many ways what is most real is the spiritual. The physical, tangible world we see is often an illusion, a facade, and all too often, fake. The world around us often is a "show" drawing our attention away from what really matters...reality...the "real"...that which is important and vital. For instance we rarely focus on "goodness", which is alive and well. Instead we tend to dwell on the evil in our world. In reality, evil is the absence of good. Yet our attention gets diverted towards the "evil in the world" so easily, and it squeezes the goodness out of us and the world around us. At the very least the goodness gets far less attention...how sad is that? So many things get our attention... evil...darkness...death...hate...confusion...lostness of the wandering soul I suppose. It pulls us down. Makes life seem like it sucks...just one huge burden. For instance, darkness isn't real...it's the absence of light. Light is real! Death isn't real, it's the absence of life. Life is real! Confusion isn't real...it's the absence of truth. Truth is real! Hate isn't real...it's the absence of love. But love is definitely real! The lostness of the wandering soul isn't real...it's the absence of knowing the way. But the way is real! Yet in spite of all this, we tend to dwell on our wandering, our confusion, the evil we see, the hate we see, the darkness all around us, and the death that dominates our thinking. No wonder we have fear, doubt, a sense of insecurity and inadequacy. Yet God offers the reality of Himself. God says He is "Good"...He is "Light"...He is "Love"...He is the "Way"...the "Truth" and the "Life". Drawing closer to Him brings these realities to the surface and allows us to overcome the "shadows" of whats not real...whats not permanent...whats not meant to be. There is a beauty in realizing these things, God's intent...which is far better than shaking our fist at God in misunderstood anger. Now that's not to diminish those in the midst of real life pain, it consumes us so easily as human beings, believe me I know. It seems so easy to blame Him when you don't know what else to do. But it really is a freeing thing to gain perspective, when you take time to think about reality...God's intent. At ECHO we hope to be a people that dwells on the reality of who God is and what He has meant this world to be. There is an incredible freedom in that. We want to see His goodness, His light, His life, His love, His way, His truth and His life manifested in us and through us to a world preoccupied with everything He never intended. He never intended our lives to be lived in the shadows of fear, pain, insecurity and doubt. He promises a life that's abundant...a real life centered in the reality of who He is...and what we have been designed to partake of with Him. Genuine relationship with Him & others draws these awesome things out of us...and allows us to see "reality" in the midst of a world disillusioned. Without Him, all we are left with is the shadows...the facades...the fake. I don't know about you, but I like God's reality way more than the one we've made up, don't you?

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Fingerprints of God

Wow, is there a few too many CSI shows on TV or what? Now I enjoy watching them as much as the next guy (or gal)...but how many are there? There must be at least a half dozen of them! I'm half expecting CSI Eugene any day now! The "Crime Scene Investigation" thing is pretty cool. It's interesting to watch the clues come together to each episode's crime. The science of gathering evidence is very fascinating...amazing really. I suppose most of us didn't know the intricate details involved. It's really cool how they find DNA or fingerprints in the most unusual ways and rarely are these "clues" not present. This type of evidence is unique and points to a specific person every time, usually the one responsible. I suppose that's why we are so fascinated with CSI shows, even if there are way too many of them on TV. I believe, in a spiritual sense, God has left some clues for us as well. When we encounter certain things, we know deep down in our soul that it resonates of God. It's a moment when us humans realize we just stepped into a "God thing"...something bigger than us. Something mysterious, yet tangible somehow. The Bible says we have been created in "God's image"...His DNA is in us, so to speak. Whether one, believes in God or not, is inconsequential, because deep within the human spirit, deep within our soul, there is a God deposit of some sort. That's why we often see the "fingerprints of God" in people regardless of whether or not they are believers. When we see these "fingerprints", these God things in nature or in other people, our souls DNA chimes in...it feels so right...it satisfies. We want more of it, don't we? As I look at the bible a few Godly fingerprints come to mind, for example. The most obvious is love. "God is love", the bible says. Perfect love is God. When we see love in action or experience it within us...ohhhh it feels so right! Cause God made us to crave it & recognize it when we encounter it. Another example that comes to mind is the "give first" mentality. We hate that self serving thing...that selfish thing...that ego-pride thing we often see, don't we? But when we encounter people who give first, with no strings attached...well that generous, thoughtful heart seems so right on, doesn't it? Well it should, it's a Godly quality...He is a give first type of God...it's got His fingerprints all over it! He gives each of us countless blessings...before we have responded to Him in any way. He gave us life, regardless of how we choose to live it out. In fact, Jesus died on the cross to pave the way for each of us, while "we were yet sinners", the bible says. "God gave His only Son...so that whomever should believe would not perish, but have eternal life" John 3:16 reminds us. Another God print in us, is the desire for "truth". We all crave it don't we? We want the truth. We seek after the truth. We don't want lies... deception...half truths...we want the truth. When people are truthful, wow how we love that! The bible says the "truth will set us free". Most of us would agree, even when that truth hurts some. Jesus said He is the "truth", that's how much God is into truth...once again His fingerprints are all over that...and we love it when we encounter truth don't we! Beauty...awe...wonder...ahhh we love these things don't we? God seems to speak to us deep within our souls through these things doesn't He? When we experience these moments, we hear God whisper, and its very cool, isn't it? Creativity...how we admire it. We love to create in our own way. We love to see others create. We love to see whats been created by human hands or in the wonders of nature. But that sense we have deep down...when we see an awesome sunset...an incredible flower...a soaring eagle...a cute, cuddly, giggling baby...a fascinating painting...an interesting sculpture...hear a heart felt song...read a poem that connects... discover an incredible invention...Wow, we love it! It's got a taste of heaven doesn't it? It's got God's fingerprints all over it! That's so cool! At ECHO, we hope to be people that discovers more & more of God's fingerprints in the world around us and in the people around us. We believe God reveals Himself in these things, and in so many more "fingerprints". This is just a few random thoughts on a handful of common "fingerprints" God has left all around us. We believe they resonate within each of us, because of that Godly DNA deposited deep within every person...that "created in God's image" stuff. When we encounter these "clues"... these "fingerprints"...we have a sense of where they come from...who's responsible for them! I believe it's God's way of drawing us toward Himself...and recognizing what He has deposited within our world and in people. It's clues designed to point us toward Him...and He's left them very intentionally. He's crazy about you...He loves you & I so much...so we might as well get used to it! Join us, as we take time to listen...take time to observe...take time to notice...take time to feel...take time to experience... these "fingerprints of God" all around us, each and every day...in each and every person...in more situations than we often recognize...in the hope we all grow closer to the God that's responsible for them and get a glimpse of His heart of love for each of us! Now that's something worth looking for!

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO