Monday, November 21, 2016

Anabaptists: My Roots


The spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation was lit by Martin Luther in 1517 when he nailed the 95 theses to the door of the church in the German town of Wittenberg. This act set off a series of events that was to culminate in a schism with the Catholic Church; an institution that was viewed by many people as corrupt, avaricious and unbiblical. The largest groups of reformers were led by Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli which eventually resulted in the Protestant denominations of Lutheran, Presbyterian and Reformed.  However, there was a smaller, more extreme faction of the Reformation that believed the changes being made did not go far enough in restoring the church to what the Bible taught.  Known as the Anabaptists, this group offered a whole new vision of how the church could exist in a secular society.  It is no overstatement to suggest that their beliefs and practices have played a role in shaping modern Christianity and Western society.

The Anabaptist movement officially began on January 21, 1525 when a number of people met at the home of Felix Manz for prayer and direction.  At that meeting, George Blaurock asked Conrad Grebel to baptize him upon his confession of faith in Christ. Afterwards, George Blaurock proceeded to baptize the others who were present. The word Anabaptist means “re-baptizer” and this act was not only a religious sacrament but it also challenged civil government as the refusal to accept infant baptism undermined a seamless Christian society where church and state were combined. 
These re-baptizers had been frustrated by the pace of change that Reformation leaders such as Zwingli, who was leading the movement in Zurich were making.  These believers, based on their understanding of scripture, didn’t want to merely reform the church; they wanted to restore it to its initial purity and simplicity.  To do that they believed that the church could only be comprised of adults who chose to follow Christ and be baptized.

Thus the Anabaptists developed a practice of separatist non-resistance that is encapsulated in the Schleitheim Confession that was formulated at a synod on February 24, 1527.  By that time, the original founders of the Anabaptist movement, Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz and George Blaurock had either died, been expelled or martyred. The young Anabaptist Movement was now led by Michael Sattler who was working at a time of intense persecution as many local governments passed edicts that called for the death of anyone who professed to be an Anabaptist.  The whole movement felt a deep sense of alienation, separation and oppression from the mainstream culture and governments.
Sattler as the author of the Schleitheim Confession, lived with the reality of friends having property confiscated, being exiled, imprisoned, mutilated and killed and he also was tortured and burned at the stake in May of 1527, less than 3 months after the Schleitheim synod.  Ultimately thousands of Anabaptists were killed for their faith by both Catholics and Protestants alike and “it is a fact recognized by many recent historians that the persecution of the Anabaptists surpassed in severity the persecution of the early Christians by pagan Rome!”[1]

The Schleitheim Confession was not a comprehensive statement of faith but the resolution of specific issues that “were regarded by the Swiss Brethern as drawing the dividing line between true Christians and the ‘world’”.[2] These different issues, which included baptism, separation from the ‘world’, the Sword and refusal of oaths became foundational to how Anabaptists believed and lived their lives. In terms of baptism they agreed that it would only be administered to those who have repented, amended their lives, believed that Christ died for their sins, and requested it themselves. Infants, therefore were prohibited from being baptized. In terms of separation with the world, there was a sharp line drawn between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world and the true Christian should have no part with the kingdom of the world which included other Catholic and Protestant state churches.  Under no circumstances should violence be used as Jesus modeled in his life. Also a Christian should not become a magistrate or hold public office.  No oaths should be taken as Jesus prohibited the taking of oaths and swearing. 

Whether one agrees with the stance the Anabaptists took regarding their radical ideology and practices that completely separated them from the mainstream of 16th century Europe, one cannot help but admire the conviction and extreme sacrifice they were prepared to make for their belief in what Christian discipleship entailed.  These bold men and women, were pioneers in forging many of the societal principles that comprise the foundation of our modern Western civilization.  As Harold Bender wrote in his treatise on “The Anabaptist Vision”:
“There can be no question but that the great principles of freedom of conscience, separation of church and state and voluntarism in religion, so basic in American Protestantism, and so essential to democracy, ultimately are derived from the Anabaptists of the Reformation period, who for the first time clearly enunciated them, and challenged the Christian world to follow their practice.”[3]

Through their blood, sacrifice and deep conviction, the Anabaptists planted the seeds that led to the basic principles of our modern, pluralistic, democratic society that separates church and state and allows people the freedom to choose their beliefs and worship accordingly.  From the standpoint of where the world was at in the 16th century and how far the world has come, this was no small feat.


[1] Horsch, John. Mennonites in Europe (Scottdale, PA: Mennonite Publishing House, 1950) 75
[2] Stayer, James M. Anabaptists and the Sword (Lawrence, Kansas: Coronado Press, 1976) 119
[3] Mennonite Quarterly Review 18, 2 (1944): 68

Monday, October 17, 2016

A Christian Hero

Hello blogosphere, it has been quite some time since I have posted; however, today is a special day because my Father has written a compelling article about one of the key theologians of the 4th century called Athanasius. I was inspired to post this article here because this man encapsulates the ethos I wanted for this website, "the road less traveled". 

Enjoy!!

Athanasius – A Great Christian Hero
Wayne Shantz
What is a hero? Most would agree that it is someone who is known for their courage and self-sacrifice in overcoming great obstacles and ultimately emerging victorious.  Sadly today, we don’t have many great examples of heroes and sometimes we need to look to history for such people.

Well, if we go back as far as the 4th century we do find one such hero in the person of Athanasius.  No, Athanasius was not a powerful monarch or a decorated general but was a pious Bishop from Alexandria. He was one of the pivotal figures during the tumultuous period of the 300’s when Christianity transitioned from being a despised, persecuted fringe movement to gradually becoming the state religion of the Roman Empire after the conversion of Constantine in 312. 

As Bishop of Alexandria for 45 years, Athanasius, more than anyone, was instrumental in defending and establishing the divinity of Christ and ultimately the divine equality of the Christian Trinity.  During the 4th century the specific idea of orthodox doctrine was still being worked out in the Christian church.  Theological views were still very unformed and unsettled.  Athanasius, in his unwavering commitment, was a crucial architect in formulating solid doctrinal truth that Christianity throughout the world follows today.

In his pursuit of truth, his enemies gave him the nickname “Black Dwarf” and this short, dark-skinned Egyptian Bishop  was exiled for 17 years by 4 different emperors, denounced by ecclesiastical peers, raided by soldiers and openly defamed for his strong beliefs. Yet in the end, his theological enemies were "exiled" from the church's teaching, and it is Athanasius's life and writings that shaped the future of Christian orthodox teaching which now influences over 2.2 billion people worldwide.

To do this Athanasius spent much of his life refuting the ‘Arian’ heresy which taught that Jesus was created and not eternal and co-equal to God. He was a staunch defender of the Nicean Creed and many times in his life it was “Athanasius Contra Mundum” (Athanasius against the world). Because of his dedication, the Christian church has an aligned understanding of the nature of the trinity in which the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are a triune, eternal divinity.

For us today, Athanasius stands tall as a hero worthy of imitation through his unwillingness to compromise his beliefs, even if it meant losing his job and risking his life and reputation.  Athanasius, by his example, challenges us to personally consider whether we have beliefs that are worth sacrificing our comfort or reputation for while also giving us hope that if we persevere in our convictions we may one day be vindicated. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Where are your treasures stored?


This life is seriously so temporary. All the things society worships will not last beyond this life - physical appearance, money, music, success, excitement, travel. What really matters is securing our eternal destiny and discovering the incredible freedom of Jesus Christ - the one and only man who has loved you perfectly and knows the inner workings of your heart but still sees you as beautiful and valuable. Life with Jesus is true excitement and fulfillment. It may sound far-fetched or cliche but I see it in my life. I've tried searching for security in perfecting myself and being liked by others. Making sure my outfits are stylish and Facebook photos flawless in order to be accepted. Trying so hard to get the attention of guys, to say and do the right things you know will impress. Subconsciously competing with other girls and comparing yourself, wanting to be the most spiritual, beautiful, like-able. Becoming easily envious, insecure, and discontent.

These things are so empty. This is not what God planned for us who have been made new in Christ. We have been called to leave behind the world and be transformed to the likeness of Jesus. To die to ourselves and live in service to God, serving others and loving sincerely. Jesus was not concerned with his reputation, appearance, or whether or not others thought well of him. Imagine for a moment what Jesus would be doing if he was on the earth right now. Would he be spending his money on clothes and shoes, making sure his appearance rivaled those of the current fashion icons? Would he be devoted to his computer, surfing twitter and Facebook and uploading Instagram photos of his every activity to prove that he has an interesting life? Or would he be living in a stark contrast to the world and media, in humble appearance, devoting his time with those most in need - the homeless, abused, depressed, lonely, spiritually poor?

The apostle John was described as the disciple whom Jesus loved. This was his perspective on life:

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." - 1 John 2:15

If you believe in God's Word, then this is a serious command! If anyone loves this world, they do not have love for God. We are all servants of something - if it's not God, then what is it for you? Satan masquerades as an angel of light trying to distract us from pure devotion to Christ - he fills our minds with distractions, worries, fears, and worldly passions.


"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" - James 1:27

We must actively run away from the world which pollutes our thinking - what do you let into your body which is God's holy temple? Movies, tv shows, music, books, websites - are they pure, do they lead you to love God and serve people? Even if they are not inappropriate, do the hours you spend on these things help you grow spiritually or help the lost people of this world to see God? What is the goal of your life? If it is just to be happy, entertained, and to have fun, then you are not following Jesus. 

"Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." - 1 John 2:6

This is not optional! Jesus deserves so much from us, and God has an amazing plan for us if we are willing to throw off the worldly things that promise much but deliver little. I've been evaluating my life and priorities, and God has opened my eyes to the materialism and self-focus of our generation - which has seeped its way into the kingdom. Let's be radical sisters! It's not acceptable to simply be a purer version of the world. We can't have the best of both worlds.


"I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." - 1 Timothy 2:9-10

lastly, sisters, you are all incredibly beautiful and radiant. You don't need braided hair, trendy outfits, or curled eyelashes to prove your beauty or to be valued. God's plan was for us to radiate His beauty through our modesty and good deeds, not attracting attention to our appearance, but humbly serving and loving, and drawing our security from intimacy with Him. 

In conclusion, I fear that we are missing out on the fullness of a God-lead life because of worldly things stealing our time and devotion. It's time to re-evaluate priorities and discover what it really means for us to leave everything to follow our Lord.

Love,
meg

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The struggle is part of the story


Good evening all,

I found this post from the blog "The Freedom Experiment" that was super cleansing for my soul at a time of inner struggle. Hope it gives you an extra charge of strength and hope as well :)
(http://www.thefreedomexperiment.com/)


I don’t believe in shortcuts. I don’t believe in easy rides. And I have yet to hear about anyone who went on a quest to make a dream come true and didn’t run against any sort of obstacle.

Fairy tales wouldn’t be fairy tales if the prince got the princess on the first try.

And you wouldn’t be you if it wasn’t for the struggles you have been through. It’s what makes you unique. Valuable. Strong.
The struggles you are facing are what makes your story truly yours.
What matters in the end is how you deal with it. And as far as I can see, there are only two options. You can let your struggles stop you. Or you can find another way.
Either way – your struggles and challenges are meant to be. It’s not wrong. It’s not pointless. It’s not unfair or bad luck.
Your struggles are there to teach you something.
What you learn from them is up to you.

Love,
meg.

Friday, January 11, 2013

a heart full of love

Hey guys,

This week I've been learning about humility. I have been majorly humbled by how weak I really am! It's like one second I have discovered a deep insight and feel the victory of overcoming an insecurity - and then the next I'm back to square one, believing Satan's lies about God, myself, and my circumstances. That God doesn't really believe in me or love me, that I will never meet His expectations and should just give up trying. I see challenges with friends, school, family, and struggle with my inner battle to do what is right. It is all exhausting to dwell on and steals my peace and joy.

Confession: I am incredibly powerless on my own.

Discovery: God has given me a piece of Himself - His Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline! It says in Galatians that the Spirit produces joy, love, peace, kindness and self-control!
(Phew, there is HOPE!)

So this week, the first week back to school, as I've been feeling more powerless, discouraged, and hopeless about my life, there is a way out! I just gotta get on my knees and pray to be filled with God's Spirit. Jesus said that the peace he gives is a gift the world cannot give (John 14:27). I won't find true peace in shopping, tv shows, getting attention from guys, or yoga. Because the things of this world cannot give the true, lasting peace that only God can give.

I pray that you get to experience Jesus' peace this week a midst the challenges and discouraging things that come your way. You are not alone :)

Love,

meg.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

who wants pearls? :)

I've been struggling with a certain aspect of my life for a while, and realized that there was one thing I need: surrender. Okay, it's about boys. Kind of. More about the future in general. I just turned 19 this month, am nearly halfway through university and the future seems to be more and more uncertain. Growing up, I never had to question what I was doing or how I was going to make a living - but now I wonder what plan God has for the not-so-far future: where He wants me to live, what He wants me to be doing, how I will make a living, what man He has destined for me (if any). It's pretty exciting but scary stuff - this is real life we're talking about! My heart screams: "I don't want to mess this up!", while my soul shouts back: "TRUST GOD, it'll be okay!". :P

I found this daily hope blurb about surrender which I found helpful in defining surrender:

Surrender: Let Go and Let God Work, By: Rick Warren
"Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him." Psalm 37:7 (GWT)
Surrendering your life means:
  • Following God's lead without knowing where he's sending you;
  • Waiting for God's timing without knowing when it will come;
  • Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide;
  • Trusting God's purpose without understanding the circumstances.
You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be in charge. Instead of trying harder, you trust more.
You know you haven't fully surrendered something to God when you dwell on the situation to the point of being stressed, anxious, afraid, and without hope whenever you think about it.
The truth is, a lot of times, when I am controlling a situation and not letting go, nothing changes. God seems to allow the struggle to persist until I come to him humbly and fully surrender it - getting on my knees, opening up about all of my thoughts, fears, feelings, and giving him the reins. It's funny how fast things change and He works things out when I let go. Makes me wonder why I didn't go to Him earlier. But this kind of surrender is something I need to continue on a daily basis, because Satan will not let us escape that easily - we need to continually entrust our hopes, dreams and problems with God - like putting our money in a safe bank so that it's not lying around where a thief will steal it. Reminds me of what Jesus said according to John:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10
Do you really believe that Jesus is with you? And that he wants to give you an amazing life, in every aspect? Because he does!! :) When I think about the fact that God created my inmost thoughts and desires, knows the hearts of every person on the planet, and knows the future - I'm wondering why I don't trust Him to know the perfect fit for my life - the right guy, job, school, decision, etc. How could I think that I, with my extremely limited, emotionally-swayed perspective, know best?
"I know you seem to be leading me this way, but I know God that I won't like this!" 
"This brother? Really? God, not him!" 
"Am I ever going to find someone or am I going to have to watch all my friends start dating and getting married while I'm forever alone?"
"I really want to do this God, but it conflicts with what you teach me. I want it so badly! It can't be that bad..." 
"You tell me to follow Jesus and to have no part of the world. You tell me that if I put you first, you will bless me much more and work everything out. But you don't understand what I'm going through! I want to stay in my comfort zone and enjoy being like everyone else in the world, I'm not strong enough."

All of these thoughts I can entertain. And I'm sure I'm not alone. But ultimately, these thoughts are telling God that he is a liar. That I have greater knowledge and ability than my Creator. And all my thoughts are focused on me, instead of God's incredible strength and wisdom. Not being content with the countless ways my Lord is blessing me, but focusing on the few things I don't have. God loves us so much and wants the absolute best for us! 

To conclude, here is a perfect illustration of what it means to surrender: a beautiful story every girl needs to read :)

The Pearl Necklace
The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.
On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."
"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver,she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dollar store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dollar store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.
What are you hanging on to?


Let's spend time meditating on how incredible our Lord is and how He has shown us His love and guidance over the years. Use these findings to help build your faith to surrender and trust in God's plan for the things you are currently struggling with - whether it be a family problem, uncertainty of what to do school or career-wise, a relationship, insecurities about your self-worth, or fears about the future in general. Jesus wants to take your heavy burdens from you and make you light and joyful. :)

Your fellow sister,

meg.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

it's morphing time!

Guys. I HAVE to share this book I started reading.

Do you ever feel frustrated with yourself? Wanting to do so many things, to change in a great way, to overcome a challenge in your life, but feeling so...powerless? I feel that a lot. I want to be the best I can be, to live up to the standard Jesus set in the Bible. But instead of feeling inspired and empowered, I feel discouraged and burdened. I put my Bible on the shelf so I don't have to be reminded of all that I am not.

This is not what God planned when He sent us the Bible, which is really His love letter to us! It helps us to connect to the One who loves us the most, and gives us hope and faith in this unstable and ruthless world. Jesus came to set us free, but Satan does not want that to happen - so he twists things to make us go back to a chained life of guilt, fear, and ineffectiveness.

I came across this book in my house, called:  "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg. The book is all about personal transformation. Jesus did not come to force us to deny ourselves, but to offer us a new way to live, as transformed creations. No longer do we have to be selfish, hateful, jealous, or depressed. He came to give us a piece of God that can live in us - the Holy Spirit - which brings peace, joy, love, patience, faithfulness, self-control, and more. This plus the promise of living in paradise forever, being saved from eternal pain and suffering! Doesn't that sound like the better path? A no-brainer, right?


Clearly, it's harder than it sounds, or else we would all be triumphant transformed individuals. 

One reason: there are powerful, evil forces spending their entire lives trying to distract, confuse, and destroy us. 

For this reason, this book is so helpful because it teaches concrete disciplines we can put in practice daily to achieve the potential God destined us for, to live fulfilling lives, and ultimately to leave this world victorious and be with Him forever.

I've only read the first 3 chapters, but have already gained a new vision and hope, and wish the same inspiration for you. :)

In his continual grace,

Meg

P.S. Are you reading any good books lately? Please share! :)