God Calling...

CS Lewis once said, "pain is God's megaphone to a deaf world." It seems that "pain" is hard to understand, yet very effective in getting our attention. I see that reflected in these lyrics off the new Coldplay album, in the song "Lost". Pain is not all we see...or feel...or what makes sense in the moment...yet somehow God can use all things to draw us towards Him...even in the midst of life's confusion. Things are not always as they seem. We clearly do not see the big picture...the bible says we only "see in part"...that we "see through the glass dimly". In the moment, we see, perceive and feel one thing. Yet in God's Kingdom, He's orchestrating, redeeming, healing and aligning things, according to His purposes...even when we screw up. It seems that often, our greatest pain comes from our own actions or inaction. Yet God pursues us anyway...truly a relationship of love...one we often don't comprehend...especially in the midst of pain.

Just because I’m losing

Doesn’t mean I’m lost

Doesn’t mean I’ll stop

Doesn’t mean I would cross

Just because I’m hurting

Doesn’t mean I’m hurt

Doesn’t mean I didn’t get

What I deserved

No better and no worse

I just got lost

Every river that I tried to cross

Every door I ever tried was locked

Ohhh, and I’m…

Just waiting ’til the shine wears off

You might be a big fish

In a little pond

Doesn’t mean you’ve won

‘Cause along may come

A bigger one

And you’ll be lost

Every river that you tried to cross

Every gun you ever held went off

Ohhh, and I’m…

Just waiting until the firing stopped

Ohhh, and I’m…

Just waiting ’til the shine wears off
Ohhh, and I…

Just waiting ’til the shine wears off

Ohhh, and I...

Just waiting ’til the shine wears off

lyrics by Coldplay

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

9-11 Reflections

Do you remember where you were and how you felt 7 years ago on September 11th. As I look back, I remember being up early that morning, in order to catch a flight to Los Angeles. I was in the living room putting my shoes on, when the morning programming was interrupted by the “news flash” of an jet crashing into one of the Twin Towers in New York City. As we watched in confused horror, as the flames burst out of the building, the questions flew out from the TV speakers and from millions of minds across America…”How could this happen?” “How did a jet get that far off course?” “Was there a mechanical failure?” It all didn’t seem reasonable nor plausible. Then, I saw the second plane fly onto the TV screen and into the second Twin Tower! OK, this is no coincidence…somethings up? Suddenly, it was like watching something from some horrible nightmare. The media and the millions watching suddenly realized this was no longer some kind of fluke accident…something hugely tragic was happening right before our eyes. Yet, in the midst of this horrible catastrophy, we began to see some incredible scenes of people helping people. Some of the bravest, most selfless things, many of us have ever seen, would unfold in the hours, days, and weeks to come. People sacrificed their lives for strangers. Common citizens did the extra-ordinary for the benefit of those wounded, scared and distraught. Firemen, police officers, construction workers, pastors, relief agency's, soldiers, bankers, lawyers, housewives, celebrities, the unemployed, religious workers of every type, doctors, nurses, students, executives and blue collar workers united in something very beautiful. We saw people help, give, work and raise money for those affected. We saw liberal and conservative side by side for the greater good. We saw the employer and the employee weeping in each others arms, comforting one another. It didn't matter what class or race you were, we hurt & helped with each other. We saw an outpouring of something very good, something unique during this time. It came from all over the world, as the world rallied to help heal those wounded and those who lost loved ones. Suddenly no one was worried about church & state, or praying, or whose agenda was right or wrong. It became very clear that something very attractive, very healing, very loving was rising up during this time. In many ways it was a great reflection of how God’s love is intended to flow through His people, as they unite as one body, and represent His love to a hurting world. Everyone’s contribution was important. Everyone’s gift was needed. Everyone’s heart of concern was valued. It was a time that has left us all too soon. It was a time that truly represented all that was good in people, it seemed. That good, really was a manifestation of God’s love, through the unity of many, many diverse people. Some of the most unlikely people stood side by side united to “get through” this together. It was awesome to see, and sad to have seen leave us. Yet God’s heart remains the same…He desires that His people would represent Him in the flesh…grace with skin on…love lived out…mercy in action. It is very attractive when we see it. It touches us all very deeply when we come in contact with it. I believe it has such a deep affect on us because God has designed us to live within that environment…so when we do live it out…its beautiful…its right…its life changing. When we don’t see it…we notice…and it hurts. At ECHO we desire to learn to live a life of grace, with each other and within the community we live. We know, as we learn to love as God loves, then many will be touched and drawn towards the God who is Love. As we do this, as an authentic “body of people” sharing life, as we live in our roles, our giftings and our differences…together something really cool happens…and it changes lives when we do!

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

Tolerance Rules

"Tolerance", according to Webster's, speaks of "sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own... the act of allowing something". In a sense it is a "making room for", even if you don't agree. Our culture seeks "tolerance at all costs", it seems to be a high value to many. In a world of “tolerance” many would love to see it extend towards religion also. Many say, "Well, they all are basicly the same... they are just different paths to the same goal", so we should be tolerant enough to allow this "religious smorgasboard". As I ponder this, I realize that perhaps all religions "are the same"...as some contend...let me explain. All religions acknowledge one central truth that seems universal to the human condition. Man is not “good enough”. Man has fallen short and needs to grow in His spiritual disciplines to be acceptable to god or even to become more in tune with god. All religions offer this concept as its core motivation. Apparently, humanity, at its deepest core, senses that we are out of favor with our Creator. We know we have sinned and come up short. Hindu’s, Buddhists, Muslims, Taoists, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, ancient Egyptians, ancient Greeks, American Indians, Wiccans, Jews and yes even Christians all agree. We are not who we should be, and we need to grow, get in tune, and become "more" than we are. What’s fascinating, is that each of the world’s religions, past, present, and I assume, any we’ll dream up in the future, realize this and are built around “how” we get beyond our fallen-ness, and our human-ness. If you examine them all, they all tend to say similar things about right & wrong, it's quite fascinating really! To summarize some of the common religious beliefs, according to CS Lewis, we all basically agree that:

“-we are to not do harm to others in what we do or say (Golden Rule);

-honor your father & mother;

-be kind to brothers, sisters, children & the elderly;

-do not have sex with another’s spouse;

-be honest (don’t steal);

-don’t lie;

-care for those weaker or less fortunate;

-dying to self is the path to life”

It’s uncanny that such a variety of religions, would all have a similar code of conduct, so to speak, as if we all have some built in sense of right or wrong within us. Actually, we commonly know this as our "conscience", and it appears to be alive and well in most religions. The bible would say, "God has written His moral law on the hearts of all men". It seems that virtually all religions say most of the same things, so they do agree on a lot, don't they? Yes, there is an element of common truth present. Basically, we all agree on what’s right & wrong, in general. We all agree that mankind has screwed up and that we need God or a higher spiritual ideal. All religions offer methods to try to “make up for” or “try to attain”…but only one gives a permanent solution not centered in “us”. The bible says we are saved by God’s grace…not by what "we do". Grace is a concept far more powerful than tolerance. Tolerance is kind of like "grace light"...it is grace without love. Tolerance makes "room for" what we don't like...grace embraces us as we are! Jesus, God in the flesh, entered our messed up world, as one of us. He came humbly to model love in its purest form, and then He sacrificially died for all sin, all wrong doing, and all failures. God Himself had the solution…He paid His own price…and made a way for everyone to know Him in true & authentic, everlasting relationship. The “wall of our failure to be what we should be” is gone. Now for all who "choose" to trust Jesus, a relationship is available. The question now is, who "trusts" what God has done? Who will step into that relationship? That is what separates the religions of the world. All of them seek to "fix" the human problem of falling short. Only one provides the solution...it is uniquely found in Jesus! Only one isn't centered on what "we do", but on what "God has done" for us. That is a significant difference. One worth considering...and exploring. At ECHO we hope to be a safe place for people to explore that very thing...and to experience it personally...in the hope they might express it to others also...

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Back to the Future?

The other day I was surfing through channels on the TV when I came across that old Michael J. Fox movie “Back to the Future”. As I saw it, I said, “Oh this was a cool movie”, to my son. He replied clearly puzzled, ”uh…what’s it about…it looks old…but that car seems kinds cool…” Ah, reality as spoken through a 10 year old (who happens to like cars & cool space ship type stuff). But really as I watched it, I realized how cheesy the special effects were, and how lame it may look to my kids, but oh well. Actually I had already faced that when my kids got into Star Wars a few years ago. When I told em that there was a bunch more older Star Wars movies, they got excited. As I rented them and they watched them all…the "cheesy effects factor" became all too apparent. I suddenly saw that this old movie that "seemed so great" years ago...wasn't all I remembered it to be. It reminds me of a tendency we often have in church circles. There seems to be this overwhelming sense that the “older” something is the better it must be…the closer to truth it must be? I’ve often wondered about this phenomenon. I suppose people think that the closer we get to Jesus day the more accurate things are? In some ways it presupposes that the further from Jesus day the more distorted and foggy things get. I have had people over the years insist that for followers of Jesus to “get it right” they need to study the “early church fathers”…or go back to “Eastern Orthodoxy”…or study Martin Luther and the Reformationists…or its all about the Puritans…or the famous revivals or awakenings…but rarely do any of these same people point out 2 important facts. #1. in many ways we know church writings, history & cultures better than ever before due to advances in technology, archeology, linguistics etc… #2. each of the eras I mentioned above have contributed some error, as well as truth to the Christian discussion of our day. For instance, even the people of Jesus day missed the fact that He was the Son of God, their Messiah…they crucified Him in that ignorance. Clearly living in Jesus day, seeing Him personally, didn't give them a corner on truth. The era of the early church fathers had just as many heretics among them…as well as many valuable contributors. Gnosticism was prevalent during this time in history for instance…which distorted many a concept around issues of sin, the spiritual, reality, lifestyle and what the significance of a relationship with Jesus was. Eastern Orthodoxy gave us many cool things but it also gave us unhealthy doses of religiosity and mysticism that still plagues pockets of Christianity today. They were a great example of the symbolic, iconic, and religious ritual becoming so dominant that their “meaning” was lost and irrelevancy set in. Martin Luther, who did some awesome things during the reformation also contributed to some crappy theology that still seeps into church life from time to time. For instance, Martin Luther preached many a sermon on God’s judgment of the Jewish people for killing Jesus, which helped inflame anti-Semitism and people like Adolph Hitler. In fact Hitler quoted the influential Luther in some of his propaganda speeches, as if to give a spiritual stamp of approval to his ever growing, warped ideas of the Arian race and the inferiority of the Jewish people. He actually thought it was his God given task to punish the Jewish people. Scary stuff, not that it was Luther’s fault that Hitler turned out to be a “whack job”, but Luther didn’t get it all right either. He misunderstood some scripture passages just like any of us can & do. Even the Puritans, who many hold up as the Christian ideal, gave birth to many unhealthy spiritual concepts that still plague many believers. Their over emphasis on the pursuit of holiness, to the degree that many completely separated from the “world”, so as not to be "contaminated", was not a good thing. They also helped spawn and entrench some extreme ideas of “predestination” to such a degree, that “if God has already decided” who are His people, then the need to evangelize, and tell people about Jesus became moot. In fact some went so far as to believe that this concept meant man’s “free will” was virtually non-existent. These concepts were dangerous and quite contrary to what the bible says overall, yet their influence pollutes some churches and believers hearts to this day. Now I say all this to say…each of these eras have value and have contributed to the Christian discussion…but each has also thrown a few monkey wrenches into the mix as well. It is important to realize, that because something is “older”, does not make it better or more accurate. We have a tendency to exaggerate the "old" and diminish the "new", as if God's truth was limited to some bygone era. Yet the bible tells us God's word is "alive & active"...still at work today! “Everything”, the Apostle Paul cautioned, “should be checked against what the bible says”…not what the early church fathers said, nor what Martin Luther said, nor what the Eastern Orthodox say, nor what the Puritans said, nor what any of the great revivalist/evangelists say…we should check all versus what the bible says. This is a simple discipline that protects you & I versus human error. Check everything…even what your pastor would teach…what a book may say…even what scholars say…even what that "well meaning Christian friend" may say, against what the Bible says. By saying "check what the bible says", that is not a “find a pet scripture” to back up what you believe, type of thing…it’s a "check the bible" to see what it says about that concept, principle or topic consistently throughout the bible. In that you will get a fuller, more accurate picture…not some cheesy “special effect” created, that seems accurate at an glance, but isn’t actually real. At ECHO we want to learn together, to consistently point each other towards “what the bible says”. We love what books, film, art, & music say…but in the end, what lines up with scripture we hold onto…what doesn’t we toss aside. The same goes for any resource, commentary, or church leader who may contribute to a discussion. We realize not one of them have a corner on the truth, just like the church fathers didn’t, just like Eastern Orthodoxy doesn’t, just like Martin Luther didn’t, just like the Puritans didn’t, just like none of the great revivalists didn’t, and just like today, where no Christian author, scholar or pastor does either…the only one with a “corner on truth”, is the One who is Truth. Jesus is the Truth, and the bible is all about Him & our opportunity to be in close relationship with that Person, who is Truth. At ECHO we desire to grow closer to Jesus, learning to trust Him more & more, as we continue to discover Truth that is the same yesterday, today & forever!

Be God’s!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

Politically Incorrect

I was reading an interesting article the other day about Russia and the Communist Stalin era. It was accompanied by a photo of a government building with a statue of Stalin as seen through a bullet ridden window. A cool photo...which is also very symbolic of a broken political system. While it may have begun with good intentions...it reaped far more destruction than benefit...as history has revealed. I say this to lead into a topic this blog is not intended to be "about"...politics. In particular, American politics. Very specifically, how Christians should respond in the midst of American politics. Now let's be honest we have very different views as believers on how Christians should live out their political opinions. On one hand, the conservative, traditional, more fundamentalist side would project itself as the 'republican' side of Christianity. On the other hand, some would suggest the more "open minded" believer would be 'democratic'. Many in the emergent, postmodern movements of Christendom would backlash versus the 'republican' stereo type by simply being 'democratic' as an alternative reaction "against" the abuses of the 'republican right' concepts prevalent in American culture. Now politics is interesting to discuss and debate, but let's face it...American politics is very corrupt and manipulative. Most citizens don't really "know" what they are voting on...and don't have the time to research and vote wisely. Most vote based on "sound bites" and "image". A majority of voters in America (which is usually less than half of the population by the way) make major decisions without really "knowing"...unless seeing commercials and tabloids equals "knowing" to you? Now, I'm not being "anti" American here...I'm just being humbly honest...America is an imperfect thing, run by imperfect people, swayed all too easily by the wrong things. In my life time, especially during the last 20+ years, since the early 90's when it specifically got worse...there has been an escalation in impropriety in campaigns. It used to be accepted protocol for instance, that a former President "would never" criticize a sitting President. This protocol was done in the spirit of respecting the office and the country as a whole. Today that protocol is out the window...and we are not better for it. Losing "respect" for authority, even those we disagree with, is not healthy...nor biblical. It also used to be off limits for anyone to go after a candidates family...spouse... and especially their kids. That "respect" has been off the table for a long time, and I would suggest, that many a good candidate has "not" run for office based on the crap their family would have to go through...and that does not strengthen America...it weakens us as a country and as a culture. We live in an era when rumors, gossip, half truths and flat out lies get floated in the media to undermine opponents. Every campaign does it. Every party does it. The bigger the campaign, the bigger the sh** that flies. Then the pattern is...the candidate of the party that is the "source of crap flying"...will step up publicly and proclaim the "high road" of condemning "whoever" says such things and declare those things as inappropriate. But as both parties have learned, it's a win-win when this is done. You get to float "rumor, lies, and half truths" into the public discussion...while also looking noble by saying, "I do not condone this type of politics". You undermine your opponent while also making yourself look noble and "above the fray". This tactic has accelerated over the last 20 years, and its too bad. What's worse is, it works. It works, because most people vote on these "sound bites" even if they are fabricated... twisted...or half truths. Both Democrats and Republicans do it...so I'm not taking sides here...but it stinks. The integrity of American politics on a "marketing & journalistic" level is so below the belt...it lacks integrity, respect & honor. No wonder other countries are losing more and more respect for us...we don't even respect our own! OK, politics is a messy subject...and I haven't even gotten into the money behind the scenes that manipulates both parties agendas...and has polluted the judgement of far too many "public servants?" Let's face it, most politicians live far better lifestyles than you and me...most Senators, Congressmen & Governors are millionaires plus. So let's not pretend "money" isn't in play here. So as followers of Jesus what do we do? Is Jesus a Republican dude? Is Jesus some kind of Democratic guy? Maybe He's a Libertarian or Green Party or Independent? As followers of Jesus our agenda should be the Kingdom of God. God says we belong to His Kingdom...not of this world. So if the "King" lives in our hearts...and we "serve Him"...then His rule trumps all else! I would suggest that American Freedom is a far cry from the Freedom Jesus provides. American freedom has degenerated into a freedom without responsibility...a "do as you please, you can't stop me" kind of freedom. I would suggest that God's definition is very different, and if we serve Him then we better filter our "American Freedom" through God's Kingdom's Freedom. God makes it clear that freedom has responsibility attached to it. We are all given a "free will", the right to choose, even a right to choose selfishly or wrongly or even to our own detriment. But freedom is not absent from responsibility. The choice is clear biblically, you choose your own way, and you are responsible...you choose God's way, and He is responsible. But either way, someone is responsible. Now God chose to be responsible because of His desire for relationship with us, and after all He is the Ruler of His Kingdom, so all who choose to walk in His Kingdom ways are under the covering of His authority. Of course not all choose God's ways...they'd rather go with "their ways"...in that opinion...in that choice...in that freedom... comes a responsibility (good or bad). I would suggest that as citizens of the Kingdom of God then we should look at who we vote for, or what agenda's we support, in light of God's Kingdom. What does He say is consistent with His Kingdom. It will not be one party over another. I've lived long enough to know that as polluted as our government and political systems are, it would be hard to find any one candidate that is totally in sync with God's Kingdom 100%...but I'm running them through that filter anyway. Because God's ideals are more important than any candidates or party. As a follower of Jesus we should honestly look at the issues at hand in light of God's Kingdom... prayerfully consider complex issues like poverty, abortion, war, capitalism, taxes, global warming, education, law enforcement, the economy etc... in light of God's values...not your own. As subjects of God's Kingdom, we should align ourselves with Godly principles...not our party...nor our favorite candidate. It's a sad failure of many followers of Jesus to not honestly assess their politics in light of God's Kingdom. This is hard, and often complex. For instance it's easy to say God hates war because "killing is sin"...but what about the many biblical accounts of how God used war to rid evil and expand righteousness. Many love the passive, peace keeping images of Jesus...but forget that in the end of time, Jesus leads an army to defend His people versus the armies of the world that attack. History ends in an epic battle that Jesus is in!!! The issue of war is complicated, its emotional, and yes we don't have enough info to really know most of the facts (as common citizens we are usually in the dark dependent on sound bite media)...but its not as simplistic as "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" Is war right or wrong? Biblically, the answer is "sometimes yes and sometimes no". History would say the same as we look back in hind sight. There is a lot of biblical and prayerful reflection in seeking the heart of God on this matter and many others. Is capitalism "at all costs" biblical? In America it is, but isn't it also got a strong propensity towards selfishness and greed? How much is enough? Should we take advantage to get ahead? When are we as American's comfortable enough? Is the goal even comfort? The bible would suggest it all belongs to God, and we have the responsibility to steward it well. We are asked by God to use it appropriately, within a Kingdom concept...not necessarily a western capitalistic concept. Are we building our kingdom or God's Kingdom? Perhaps that is a better core question to ask. Global Warming? Interesting fact, while earth has risen a fraction of a degree over the last 20 years, Mars has risen by over 9 degrees, so apparently our green house gases are raising the temperature on Mars too? (I say, sarcastically) Actually, sun spot activity is the likely culprit in Mars case, but on earth? First off the science is all over the place on whether its happening or not. Some say we actually have just ended a warming phase, and now may enter another cooling cycle, some go as far as saying "ice age". That's funny because in the 70's that was what we were taught, that we were entering an ice age, because the earths temperatures were dropping. Now in the 90's and new millennium we're warming again, perhaps only to enter another ice age to come? Once again, few of us "know enough" to get beyond media soundbites...but the core question really is...are we being responsible? God clearly gave us this planet...He said it was for our pleasure & provision. The resources here are for our use...but when is the use of those resources wasteful? That really is the question...once again a question of stewardship or "responsibility". I really don't have a horse in this race, but I do have to constantly ask my self...to filter my opinions through God's opinions...or else I'm floating down the wrong river. Are people wasteful?...yep. Are people irresponsible?...yep. Are people selfish?...yep. What would God's Kingdom suggest we do with all that? Are we to become "like god" and try and control it all somehow in a feeble attempt to preserve whatever "we think" is necessary...or are we to preserve Kingdom values in how we steward what God has given us? I suggest that is the real question. Don't get me wrong, God cares about our human condition very much, but His ways are not like our ways...and the key as followers of Jesus, is not one party or another...not one candidate over another...they are all flawed...but if His people really pray, and consider Kingdom values honestly, then we can function as we should as citizens of the Kingdom of God first...who also happen to be Americans. If we get that backward, we'll continue to see the cracks of a broken political system grow and more and more get wounded in the process. Let's be honest, even American politics is broken whenever it strays from God's ways. We should never set aside God's Kingdom in favor of our own or our favorite parties. As followers of Jesus we should lean on His Truth, His Way and His Wisdom. At ECHO we are not a Republican thing...nor a Democratic thing...we are a Kingdom of God thing. The Kingdom of God is at hand, Jesus said, so as we learn to be as close to Him... learning His ways, values and principles...while trusting His rulership...we can learn to expand His Kingdom (rather than our own). Join us as we learn to honestly filter our life (even our politics) through the Kingdom of God...so that there may be more of Jesus and less of "us" in our culture. Discussing it all is challenging... opinions are ingrained in most of us...but challenging each other to go deeper than "our" opinion to God's Kingdom's ways...now, that's really where truth is discovered. Now I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in a lie...swayed by the latest tabloid or soundbite...as some kind of fool...I want the truth...and that's found only within the context of God's Kingdom. Can we challenge each other more based on God's opinion...rather than our own? At ECHO we desire to do just that. It's a wild, fun, crazy, messy ride...but one worth living.

be God's!
Brian O
Lead Pastor dude
ECHO

Rational versus Relational

Have you ever noticed that the world is controlled often by powerful weaklings? I mean, people or systems that are so seeped in the wrong things, yet they often rise to the top, while most of us shake our heads and wonder why? We see this in education, politics, economics, religion, the corporate world...how do some of these people end up where they are leading...especially considering their poor grasp of what and whom they are leading? We all have noticed it from time to time. Some of us have just shrugged and reluctantly assumed, I guess that's the way it'll always be. This disconnect is more obvious...when we take time to notice...but most choose to just live on "hoping it'll go away"...and guess what, it doesn't! The same can and does happen in church circles. Religion is a place where the disconnect seems to scream the loudest. How can that be, people say? Surely God is not about all that, is He? We face an interesting time in church culture...the church has more Bible's in print, in a variety of reading levels & styles, than ever before...we have more Christian TV and radio than any time in history...we have more books, commentaries and resources...we have more seminary trained pastors than any time in church history...we have DVD's, computer programs, music galore, technology tools abound, and internet research & resources at our fingertips...yet with all this information...we reach fewer people than any time in church history? Huh? How can that be? Research shows the church in the midst of this information & resource boom, actually is less effective in reaching people than at any time in history. In many ways we've become powerful weaklings. A wagon train to no where. Leading people to who knows where? It's not a lack of knowledge or tools or resources. The church has more money than ever before, so that's not it either. It's not that there isn't enough churches (at least in the western world). But it may be an overflow from the Age of Reason, a time in history where human knowledge became glorified. Where the "rational" superceded. When science & information began to overshadow generations of common sense. Man began to glorify "his" knowledge as the most important thing. Man's "rational reason" superceded God's wisdom. Spirituality, the arts, & true community began to diminish in its influences. Yet for centuries the church flourished "before" the Age of Reason ushered in man centered "knowledge". Jesus handed the baton off to a ragtag bunch of fishermen & farmers, and guided by God's Spirit, the world has been changed, by them, forever. Their impact grew & grew & grew to impact millions upon millions in nations all around the world. And guess what? They did it without bibles, books, TV, radio, CD's, DVD's and the internet? Huh? How can that be? In our "rational" world we don't get that...yet that is the truth. As western Christianity has leaned more & more on the "rational side of the gospel" they have forgotten a key ingredient, one that was vital to the early church for centuries. That ingredient was the "relational side of the gospel". It's the "loving God & loving others" part of the gospel. Oh sure, the church has intellectually proposed this consistently, but has it lived it out? Let's be real practical here...how many churches do you know that "really live out loving others well"? Are we known as a group of people that really love Jesus AND love others in a noticeably different way that attracts? Whether we like to admit it or not, we have gravitated towards a belief that "if people just have the right information, bible verses, and solid teaching", then they will enter into relationship with God? Our churches function that way...our denominations function that way...our seminaries teach it that way...most believers live it out that way. But the result is, less and less people are being impacted. I suggest it's because we have strayed from a key component...the emphasis on the relational side of the gospel...out of your relationship with God flows a love & relationship with other people that will impact them and draw them toward God. The New Testament repeats this theme over and over...yet we so rarely live it out intentionally. I don't know about you, but I've been impacted more in my life by people who expressed Jesus to me in the way they loved me, forgave me, encouraged me, and helped me get up when I'd fallen. These people have impacted me far more than the sermons, books & worship songs I've come in contact with. Has God touched me from time to time through these things...of course...but not nearly to the degree of people who are "grace with skin on". Those people who love me & express grace as Jesus does...wow...now that has changed me. God has revealed so much to me through those people. I suspect the same for you too. At ECHO we want to be a people that are "grace with skin on"...the hands and feet of Jesus so to speak...after all He called us His body...so we who follow Him have been given the charge to represent Him to our spheres of relationship. We, at ECHO, are committed to learning to doing just that...living life with others...on a journey of faith. Does that mean the "rational gospel" of information & academia has no place? Of course not. But be careful, for "knowledge puffs up"...academia and ego often go hand in hand. It's often hard to serve humbly when you are convinced you are "right". You may win the "debate" but loose the "relationship". I would suggest, that out of relationships that truly, authentically and genuinely love and care for others...even in the midst of the crap of their life...that is where God enters in more often. And perhaps, as you & I have loved enough to have earned the right to heard...people may then be open to hearing what you "know". But information "without love is like a banging gong, a clanging cymbal (as the bible says)"...to put it bluntly...it's annoying! It's the (rational) gospel (without relationship) that deny's the power within it...so to speak. After all the bible is called God's Word...Jesus is the Word, the bible says, Who always was, even before time...so even the bible itself is all about a person, Jesus...the One who welcomes us into "relationship" with Him. The Bible isn't a book of rational words, facts & truths alone. It all points to the Word, Jesus, a person...and it invites us into "relationship" with Him & with each other, as God has intended. God is once again calling His followers to re-discover the simplicity of loving Him more & more...and learning to live a life of love towards others. That is something that you can't learn in a book...but you can learn, as you experience it with God & with others! At ECHO we want to create an atmosphere, that is conducive to people from all walks of life...so they may have an opportunity to do just that...

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

The Finish Line

It was the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain during the semi-finals of the men's 400 meter race, when Derek Redmond pulled a hamstring muscle. Redmond collapsed about half way through the race with the injury, but got up, determined to finish despite the pain. His father came out of the stands and onto the track to help his son. Redmond initially tried to push him away, not realizing who he was, but then heard a familiar voice. "Derek, it's me" his father said. Redmond told his father "I've got to finish this race." His father said "If you're gonna finish the race, we'll finish it together." With his father's help, Redmond made it to the finish line. What a cool story...and true! It reminds me of our Heavenly Father's heart towards us..."if you're gonna finish the race, we'll finish it together". What a picture of trust in the midst of pain...of love in the midst of heartache. If God loves us this way...and He does...then shouldn't we learn to love each other the same way? What if people could learn to come along the wounded, hurting, messy lives of others and help them continue...all the way to finish line! At ECHO we hope to be that kind of people...people who help others get up, & keep on going, even in the mess of life and the hurt that goes with it. This song by Steve Taylor comes to mind...and though it is over 10 years old...it speaks of the struggle...the pain...the messiness of life as we press on toward the "finish line"...towards ultimately victory! Because in God's Kingdom all you got to do is finish...it's not a competition...its not whose first...because "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" The victory is in not giving up...even though we all need help along the way!

The Finish Line

Once upon an average morn

An average boy was born for the second time

Prone upon the altar there

He whispered up the prayer he'd kept hid inside

The vision came

He saw the odds

A hundred little gods on a gilded wheel

"These will vie to take your place, but Father,

by your grace I will never kneel"

And I saw you, upright and proud

And I saw you wave to the crowd

And I saw you laughing out loud at the

And I saw you brush away rocks

And I saw you pull up your socks

And I saw you out of the blocks

For the finish line

Darkness falls

The devil stirs

And as your vision blurs you start stumbling

The heart is weak

The will is gone

And every strong conviction comes tumbling down

Malice rains

The acid guile is sucking at your shoes while the mud is fresh

It floods the trail

It bleeds you dry

As every little god buys its pound of flesh

And I saw you licking your wounds

And I saw you weave your cocoons

And I saw you changing your tunes for the party line

And I saw you welsh on old debts

I saw you and your comrades bum cigarettes

And you hemmed and you hawed

And you hedged all your bets

Waiting for a sign

Let's wash our hands as we throw little fits

Let's all wash our hands as we curse hypocrites

We're locked in the washroom turning old tricks

Deaf

And joyless

And full of it

The vision came

He saw the odds

A hundred little gods on a gilded wheel

"These have tried to take your place, but Father,

by your grace I will never kneel

I will never kneel..."

Off in the distance

Bloodied but wise

As you squint with the light of the truth in your eyes

And I saw you

Both hands were raised

And I saw your lips move in praise

And I saw you steady your gaze

For the finish line

Every idol like dust

A word scattered them all

And I rose to my feet when you scaled the last wall

And I gasped

When I saw you fall

In his arms

At the finish line

lyric by Steve Taylor

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

Olympic Fever

Well, the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China are well under way. Lots of excitement, heart breaks and heart warming stories abound. It's official, Olympic Fever has gripped the world, and what a show it is! The Opening Ceremonies have many thinking they were the best ever...or were they? It appears that not all is how it was, as advertised. Apparently most of the fireworks we saw during the opening festivities were computer generated for TV. One of the most memorable moments was a cute little Chinese girl who sang with a fantastic voice. Unfortunately it wasn't her voice...she was lip syncing. Apparently the girl who really sang wasn't cute enough, the ruling Communist Party decided. The actual girl who sang had bad teeth and was too chunky, and didn't represent China well enough, they say? What a drag for those kids. What a drag for us viewers worldwide. Now I'm as excited as the next guy that China has opened up its country to the world, but come on people, if you want us to like you, admire you or even envy you...then show us who you really are. In an attempt to win the world's approval and admiration, China faked the impression they gave. How sad is that? Unfortunately, these things happen it seems...even on the gymnastic team, 3 of the 6 girls for China were under the qualifying age of 16...at least according to the last 2 years of competition records...but apparently their passports (issued by the Chinese gov't) now say they are all 16 years of age? Wow, I'm so glad they caught those errors "before" these Olympics (insert sarcasm at it's highest here). Isn't it funny to see how the spirit of "competition" enters in and so easily can run amok. It happens in sport, where competition is part of the deal...and all too often cheating creeps in. This "fever" of competition is a symptom of illness... something wrong...something unhealthy. It also happens in church life. How often do churches "fake" the impression they are trying to give visitors? How often do people "fake" who they really are...even Christian people? We call it "mask wearing"...people outside church life call it "hypocrisy". In a culture that cries out for "real deal people", authenticity and the genuine...we all too often offer a facade. As if the fake will con them into liking us, and maybe even joining our church? We actually believe a spotless building, with perfect people performing a perfect program with error-less eloquence...will somehow draw them closer? Just like the Chinese have discovered, their lack of integrity has caused greater suspicion and mistrust...not more friends. Maybe a functional facility that isn't perfect, with regular people humbly doing their best and being able to laugh at their own mistakes...would be more attractive to a world struggling to "measure up" in so many ways. Do we see the disconnect? Apparently not. Too many churches put on "the show"...we'll say we are "friendly"...so we'll have "professional" greeter type people who will smile at you and say good morning...but in reality, won't know your name or remember you 5 minutes after you walk by. Is that "real" friendliness? Is that what people crave? Is that really attracting people? We see it, where only the right looking, pretty, talented, stylish ones are allowed to be seen "upfront"...as if there is no short, average looking, everyday folks, with a few extra pounds allowed. Is that attractive or repulsive? Especially in a church setting? Is that what Jesus would model? The bible says there was nothing attractive about Jesus in His appearance, for instance...many commentaries suggest He may have even been homely...at the very least, He was very average and typical. But His heart, His love and the way He treated people...now that was attractive! All too often we get caught up in the spirit of "competition" and we fake it. Some would say the bible encourages competition, pointing to the many "sports" analogy's within Jesus teachings and the New Testament. Yet the bible never uses any of these sporting images to suggest we are "competing versus each other"...trying to out do each other somehow. When we stoop to that mentality, we inevitably will creep towards faking it...pretending we're better than we really are...the mask goes up very easily. The "sports" imagery of the bible always points to things like "endurance"..."not giving up"... and "perseverance". They remind us that its not who wins...but who finishes the race! It speaks of staying in the battle, and not quitting. Yet as people we often inject "our" sports imagery into these bible passages, assuming sports to God means winning... competing...and being the best (at all costs). In reality this is not the spirit of what Jesus taught...for He knows the spirit of competition is very closely tied to "pride"...which is the root of sin. Pride and the striving for "success" has compromised more than one person...in sports...in church...and in life. Jesus calls out for humility...and urges you and I to endure...keep fighting on...to persevere no matter what...because all who finish are His. It's not a race to see whose first...in fact Jesus said the first will be last. It's a race of humility, authenticity and endurance...things that are attractive and will last. Unfortunately, all too often church life becomes a prideful show of competition, where only the fake survive...and that turns people (& God) off more than anything else. At ECHO we humbly want to cheer people on...help them get up when they want to quit...and carry them across the finish line if we have to...because in the end, all who finish are His...no matter how bruised, tired & exhausted they may be. Join us in this race called life, where no "perfect people" are allowed and where all who finish are winners!

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

Substance Over Reason

Have you ever found yourself focused on the wrong thing? So focused, in fact, that when someone mentioned you "were focused on the wrong thing" you thought they were nuts? It's so easy to do in life. We can focus on money, careers and status...yet in the end we know those have little lasting value. Relationships, family, friends...now that's stuff that lasts...even when your unemployed...broke...and "a nobody special". It'll all fade away...but relationships last. In fact, this is so true that God tries to continually draw our attend back to that truth. He continually is reminding us that our relationship with Him & with other people is the stuff of eternal value. Yet we often get distracted and preoccupied with other stuff...all too often at the expense of the very relationships God reminds us to value. I see the same missed focus in spiritual matters also. People often ask, "What's so special about Jesus?" We describe how He died for our sins... how our sins separate us from God... and now the price has been paid for our sinfulness...so we have the free gift of God...eternal life...available to us all...all because of Jesus. But in that seemingly theologically correct response have we missed the reason underneath all the substance. It is true, Jesus died for our sins. He is the only perfect sacrifice for all sin for all time. That is what separates Jesus from everyone else, He's the only one to pay that price. But why did He die? Why did God allow this horrific price to be paid at all? The bible says "the wages (or price to be paid) for sin is death". Now that penalty seems quite harsh to us humans, but apparently God takes this sin stuff pretty seriously. Now before we shake our fist at God over this harsh response to our sin, realize this, whether we agree the price is fair or not is not the question, because in the end, God paid His own price! He never expected you and I to die for our sin...He provided the perfect sacrifice...Himself. Wow, now that's radical, regardless of view on the severity of that penalty. The bible says "there is no greater love than this, that one lay his life down for another..." So whats up with the harsh penalty on this sin stuff? Many will point to the scripture that says "God hates sin". Wow, "hate"...that's harsh too! So why does God hate sin? Well, some will say, because "He is a holy & righteous God". This is true, but what is "holy"? Many struggle to describe the term "holy"...it refers to a density, a thickness, a permeating heaviness, emanating from God. In a sense it is the very essence of God oozing out from Him. His righteousness, or His being absolute "truth", thus He "is" the very essence of "righteousness". With those thoughts...many will conclude that God hates sin because of who He is by nature, and who we are as humans by our sinful nature. Thus the two cannot mingle, they are incompatible. Yet in that thinking have we missed a deeper reason. The bible tells us "God is love". His very nature, His very substance, His very essence is love! Relationship and unity are at the core of who God is. Even the mystery of the Trinity expresses a beautiful relationship within God. He is united, mutually serving Himself, submitted one to another, a team, love expressed in its purest, most authentic spiritual sense. Perhaps the answer to "why does God hate sin" goes deeper. Perhaps it goes deeper than His holiness and righteousness...perhaps it goes to the core of who God is...love. If God is love...then anything that hinders love and relationship is what he hates. And whether we like to hear it or not, sin is usually rooted in selfishness, not love. When we steal it's for selfish gain or pleasure. When we cuss someone up one side and down the other, its because we selfishly wanted to vent & drop a few f-bombs on someones head. When we cheat on our spouse, we selfishly compromise our vows of love, so we can get our jollies, because, darn it, my desires are whats important here! When we lie, its because we selfishly have to cover our butt, or manipulate another into doing what we want. The examples go on and on...but in the end...sin is rooted in "self". Me doing what I want, when I choose. When the world revolves around me, it becomes clear that no one else lives on the planet! Ya, sin is fun for a season, as are most selfish things...but never are they productive in the long run. Heck I hate that sin stuff too...at least when its hitting me in the face and screwing up my relationships. And let's be honest, that sin crap gets in the way, doesn't it? Maybe that's why God hates it too. It does mess up relationships, with people & God. Selfishness goes right against the core of love. Selfishness pulls us away from authentic, genuine relationship with each other and with God. God hates sin, because it flies in the face of love, relationship and unity. He doesn't hate us, but He hates the stuff that ruins our relationship with Him & others. He doesn't want anything in the way of pure relationship. All these things are part of the very essence of who God is...that is why He values them so much. And dog-gone-it relationships are hard for us, aren't they? In fact, God relaizing this, says, "kids I'm coming down and paying the price for it all". Why? Because God is holy and righteousness? Only partly...I believe it has a whole lot more to do with "because God is love and He values relationship more than anything". God paid the price, so now our relationship with Him is an open door, no more walls. Now the issue for each of us is, "do you trust Him enough to enter into a relationship with Him?" Now that's an opportunity, an opportunity that ECHO wants everyone to clearly understand...in the hope some beautiful new relationships begin, with the God who is relationship, Who is love. As we learn to trust Him in relationship then its easier to trust His ways as we learn to live in relationship with each other. After all, its what God's all about, and we are His kids...that's why He wants us to be like Him...and thank God He has made a way for us to do just that! Maybe the real answer isn't "God hates sin", but more importantly that "God loves relationship." I'm suggesting the reason God hates sin is because sin ruins relationship...and a God who "is love" cannot tolerate that in any way, shape or form...so He took care of it...once and for all...thank you Jesus! Now the opportunity for relationship with God is available to everyone who trusts enough to step into it...

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

One Step Closer

There is something within the human soul that longs to be known and to know. We all desire that someone really know the real us. In that knowing we long that we also know...we want to discover the other...we want to know truth...our God. It's a craving that is settled in process...rarely in a moment. That's what we love and hate about it. At ECHO we want to learn in process... in the celebrations as well as the frustrations. We want to discover in the pain and the blessings of existence. It's beautiful, mysterious, attractive, yet mind warping. I suppose that's why I love this song by U2. It speaks of the discovery...the process...the knowing...as we journey through this thing called life...as we get one step closer...

I'm 'round the corner from anything that's real

I'm across the road from hope

I'm under a bridge in a rip tide

That's taken everything I call my own

One step closer to knowing

One step closer to knowing

I'm on an island at a busy intersection

I can't go forward, I can't turn back

Can't see the future

It's getting away from me

I just watch the tail lights glowing

One step closer to knowing

One step closer to knowing

One step closer to knowing

Knowing, knowing

I'm hanging out to dry

With my old clothes

Finger still red with the prick of an old rose

Well the heart that hurts

Is a heart that beats

Can you hear the drummer slowing?

One step closer to knowing

One step closer to knowing

One step closer to knowing

To knowing, to knowing, to knowing

lyrics by U2

be God's!

Brian O

Lead Pastor dude, ECHO

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