In HOPE

  In HOPE 6.4                                  back to home                        David Timms

Ministry Resource

The recently released movie, End of the Spear,  tells the gripping story of the 1956 killing of Nate Saint, Jim Elliot and several other mean by the feared Waodani tribe (once called Aucas). This film has enormous potential for rich discussions on love, violence, and forgiveness, among other issues. An unexpected (and valuable) ministry resource at the theatre. 

 Hope Happenings

Over the past six months, through the generous support of many kind donors, we have refurbished all the classrooms on the Fullerton campus and installed the latest technology to enhance teaching. Our ribbon-cutting ceremony this past Tuesday was a special occasion to recognize this strategic improvement to the campus. 

 

Hope International University
Fullerton, CA 92831

 

"The Way of the Cross is not marked so much by the intensity of our suffering as by our willing choice of God's way over our way...." (David Benner, Desiring God's Will, p.96) 


No and Yes

The surest foundation for resurrection life  - true life - is a resounding "No" and an equally determined "Yes."

The journey of faith stalls at the very outset for many people, because they say a genuine "Yes" without a resolute "No." They want everything God offers, without abandoning the messages, motives, and manners of the world. However, Jesus unequivocally called His disciples to "No" and "Yes."

"No" is the essence of repentance. We decide that we will not continue as we have. 

We often measure the sincerity of repentance by the tears and grief associated with it. We've been told that real repentance is reflected by heart-wrenching contrition. But we need not require such melodrama. Often, repentance is simply the decision to say "No" to old habits, ways, patterns, values, and lifestyles.

I repent when I decide, in a nanosecond of opportunity, not to lie to someone. I repent when I choose to hold my tongue in a conversation rather than gossip. I repent when I choose to show compassion where once I cared so much less. Metanoia - the Greek term we translate repentance - simply indicates a "change of mind."

But the "No!" is even more. I regret my sinful words, thoughts, and actions but I also refuse to be defined by my performance, valued for my possessions, assessed for my intellect, or measured by my achievements. That's repentance.

I will not pursue security in wealth. I will not compare my accomplishments with someone else. I will not justify my anger, impatience, greed, or competitiveness. I will not tolerate my jealousy, envy, impurity, or hostility. I will not embrace workaholism as healthy or status as desirable. That's repentance.

No! No! No!

Then the "Yes." The Yes of the gospel is the decision to follow Christ. I will let go of the way that leads to death and follow the Way to life. Yes, I will believe Jesus when He says that the Father loves me lavishly. Yes, I will love my enemies, even when I desperately want to defend myself and defeat them. Yes, I will show compassion to "the least of these" rather than criticize them for indolence or failure. Yes, I will carry the Cross with my eyes fixed on Him, rather than toss it to the side in pursuit of quick relief.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

This constant flow of No - Yes - No - Yes undergirds the life-change for which we yearn. Perhaps if we embraced this rhythmic movement more intentionally we would find our faith more vibrant than ever.

In HOPE -

David

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David Timms serves in the Graduate Ministry Department at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. "In HOPE", however, is not an official publication of the University and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Administrators or Board of the institution. "In HOPE" has been a regular e-publication since January, 2001.

For back issues of In HOPE, see http://www.hiu.edu/inhope/