Random Religion Thought and...

300th BLOG POST! (In the history of prayerblogging, not just since being abroad)

I was randomly recalling last spring when I had to go to a Ba'hai prayer meeting for a class. Ba'hai believes in one God, that all sacred texts are valid, especially those of its founder (of which not all have been translated); what it really gets down to is that each religion is just a deeper revelation of truth. So Christianity is more correct than Judaism and Islam is more correct than Christianity but they're all headed in the right/same direction. Confused? At that prayer meeting we read texts from the Bible, Buddhist texts,  writings of Ba'hai's founder (whose name I don't recall)...

Anyway, as I was watching my mother pray tonight I was thinking about how many times she has said the exact same words. She is a grandmother and has had a full life, but every single day, day in and day out, she prays Arabic words she wouldn't even be able to read if she saw them on a page. It made me think about how it could be possible that Islam would be more correct than Christianity if Judaism is less correct.

I'm just going to look at one aspect: the law.

The Old Testament establishes in great detail the Law of Moses. There are rules and standards for absolutely everything. Just read the first 5 books of the Bible; the 10 Commandments are there twice, and Leviticus is basically one big book of rules. (And yes, I do consider it a personal mission to make everyone actually read and daresay even enjoy the book of Leviticus. When you understand our depravity under the Law, it makes the grace in Christ's sacrifice that much sweeter)

Jesus fulfilled that Law. The Lamb of God did what hundreds of sacrificed lambs could not do: He erased our sins not for a month or a year, but for eternity.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down)  “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:4-10

Ok so maybe you want to call me out on the conditionality of the verse I highlighted: Christ is the end of the law, but only for those who believe. Fine. If you don't accept Jesus, you are to live under the Law and be caught in a vicious cycle of sin, sacrifice, failure, and chains until you die when you are still found to be not good enough because all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). 

But for all those who confess that Jesus is Lord, we are now under grace, and are not saved by what we do. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

For sin will have no dominion over you , since you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:14

So getting back to this Ba'hai thing. Islam is a doctrine of works. In order to be saved (really to have a chance at being saved; no one can live and be sure that when he dies he will be welcomed to Paradise. See the post called "point os grace") you must pray five times daily, you must give to the poor, you must make a pilgrimage to Mecca, you must participate in fasting. Faith is only one of five elements to salvation. 

My question for Ba'hai is why, after a doctrine of works had already been erased, would you welcome it back in? The joy of the Gospel is that it frees us from constant failure to defeat sin. Sin is already defeated by the cross. I just read that famous verse in John when Jesus says It is finished. There is nothing after Jesus; there is nothing better that is to come. 

I get so excited thinking about how my salvation is not dependent on anything I do. I mess up a lot. I can't imagine trying to live by the Jewish Law (check out the book The Outside World for a slightly comical commentary on this). Which makes me so so grateful for what what Jesus accomplished. I was talking to one of my Muslim friends about Easter and I was tearing up as I tried to explain what was so amazing about what we celebrate. How wonderful it is to be under His grace! 

"I am forever grateful for my salvation, washing over all my sin; You are washing over all my sin... These are not tears of sadness or pain, these are the tears of one who knows grace" 

Under Grace

Independence Day

Today is the celebration of Senegal's independence! Here's a compare/contrast to help you all out

Fourth of July
parade
fireworks
corn on the cob
popcorn - salt and butter
burgers
summer

Fourth of April 
parade, speech by president (what pressure 2 days in!)
potential fireworks
corn on the cob
popcorn - powdered milk and sugar (so good!)
ceebujen and bissap juice
school canceled

This is the only time I've ever eaten corn on the cob with my family, so it must be a holiday thing. We also have a bazillion beverages in our house now that I think have something to do with Easter. We shall see.

Holy Week

In case you missed it last year, I love Easter. The story of sacrifice, redemption, and new life is one that cannot be topped.

I found these two great articles on "What Does it Mean for the Father to Forsake the Son?" at The Gospel Coalition. Part 1, Part 2. They are really powerful pieces and rely strongly on Scripture. I'm in awe of the sacrifice of our Savior, and what He went through to cleanse our sin and to wipe away our darkness. If you have a copy of The Case for Christ on hand, I'd read the chapter on what actually happens when one dies by crucifixion. It's always incredibly powerful for me.

I also wanted to say that at church this week, we read through all of Luke 22 out loud. I love churches that are bold enough (Romans 1:16) to just read the Word as it is like that. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Easter is like here. There are two services, and I'm thinking of going to both, but we'll see how the day plays out.

Here's a bunch of videos you shouldn't feel any pressure to watch; I just really like them, especially for this week.

Jesus Paid It All

Savior's Here

Hosanna

Christ Is Risen

Days of Elijah

Beautiful The Blood

What Love Is This

Nothing But The Blood

O The Blood

Mighty To Save

Love Came Down

Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)



Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?For he grew up before him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors,yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:1-12


 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21


In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10


but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8


And those who went before and those who followed were shouting,“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming ⁽kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:9-10

And they stripped him and put ⁽a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail,King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:28-31


Yeah...did I mention how much I love Easter? 

A Church Home

I know I've expressed my deep love for Rock Valley Chapel a number of times - from the kindness and generosity of its members to the regular preaching of Gospel truth - but I have to do it again.

Circumstances have led me to explore options outside of being in Waukesha this summer, and I was truly at a loss. I had a lead at a summer camp in Georgia, but Georgia is far after being across the ocean for 4 months, and anywhere besides Waukesha, I'd need to figure out a living situation. I sent one of my semi-regular updates to my pastor's family expressing these thoughts, and was overwhelmed by the kindness of their response. Upon reading my email, both Pastor Tim and his wife immediately suggested I live with them. They assured me I'd always have a home with them.

This idea really excites me. Tim plays guitar, Katherine sings, and their son Nathaniel drums, so I could see us having some rockin' worship times together. Katherine speaks French and loves to cook. Gabby does gymnastics and both her and Carolyn have developed a fondness for me (and I for them!). Overall, I love this family. Not to mention the chance to be active in RVC life; they live right behind the church. And Beloit and Waukesha are not far at all.

So I've contacted some places in Beloit about potential employment: Bagels & More had a craigslist listing. I emailed the Beloit YMCA as I have previous experience as a gymnastics coach. I went for a long shot with the college bookstore because...I love books. Ha. And I've bookmarked the college summer employment opportunity page for when postings are made available. As long as I bring my bike, I could see myself having a wonderful time this summer.

Mostly I'm just very grateful to belong to a church that acts like a church - a cross-centered, Bible-believing, Christ-following church.

What Would Betsy Do?

My actions tonight have absolutely nothing to do with any of my Kate-ness and everything to do with the spirit of Betsy that decided to come alive.

I grabbed my side bag at approximately 3:40pm in the hopes of walking around a bit, possibly getting a few things done school-wise, and stopping by the tailor to sketch out a new piece for the fabric I received from my incredible host family this weekend. But, strangely, Doudou wasn't there. Anyways, I got a text saying I could go over to Djibi's and make tea. One can never go wrong with attaya so away I went.

Expecting a leisurely afternoon of lazily making tea and conversation, I didn't think to go home and drop some of my stuff off. During the second round of attaya, Djibi said he had to leave at 6 for the Youssou N'Dour concert at Place De L'Obelisque. I will now pause from my story to explain why this is significant.

Youssou N'Dour, King of Mbalax, is Senegal's absolute most loved and famous singer. He is Michael Jackson taken to the power of Beyonce. He was famously vocal in his opposition to Wade and ignited a movement of the youth. Today was Wade's descent from the Palace, and Macky Sall's first day as president. The same week that Senegal had won, Mali faced a military coup. Senegal is the only one of its neighbors never to have had a military regime, and this election was the test. It survived protests, bans, and two rounds of elections, and in the end, democracy won. Senegal is so proud of its transfers of power; Sall is the 4th president. To commemorate the occasion, Youssou offered a free concert for all those in Dakar tonight.

Ok, we're back. of course he asked if I'd want to go. Now the Kate part of me said: it's a school night, you can't be out late. And then the part of Betsy that's alive in me said: You will never get the chance to rage like this again. Rage rage rage.

We finished our tea, and off we went. Since traffic was bound to be a nightmare and taxi fares sky high, we walked. It was pretty far, but come on now, I run cross country. My favorite street foods abounded (baguette+skewer meat+egg+onion+mayo+mustard YUM), as did vendors selling treats and cold drinks (like baggies of bissap!). I also snagged a few Macky fliers (DAD, this is for you!)

There were a number of opening acts, as we awaited the king. The crowd got tighter and tighter; I was so grateful to be with Djibi, as he took my bag for me and also shielded me from the crowd. The MC said over and over again how democracy had triumphed and the Senegalese people had won. I actually almost teared up because it was so powerful.

Youssou N'Dour did not disappoint. He asked for a moment of silence for all those who had been hurt or killed in manifestations, working towards this day. He too acknowledged the victory of the Senegalese people. More than his actual music, it was all he represented for this people I've come to love that made it one of the best concert experiences I've ever had.

If you thought Chicago raged for Obama, you would not have words for what happened tonight in Dakar. Insanity doesn't begin to cover it.

Getting out was the hardest thing. Djibi had promised to have me home by 12:30am, so we did leave early (though that was for the best - I can't imagine trying to leave with everyone). It took awhile to push through the throngs of people, but it gave us time to hear more music. It helps when your super tall Senegalese friend takes the lead.

I arrived home and was locked out. Of course I was, because Kate doesn't come home at 12:30 on a school night. But it was anti-Kate night. I called my sister Zei and she didn't respond. Momentary panic. I called again and apologized and said I was outside. I had no idea how she'd react. But all was fine; she hadn't heard her phone the first time because it was in another room. She was watching the concert on tv! She wished me a good evening and that was that. phew.

So overall a good evening. I wish Eckburg (my xc coach) could've been here, as it would have completely blown his mind.

Ba bennen.

You Are The Anchor For My Soul

Constant- Francesca Battistelli 


I'm just a little bit afraid of where I'm going
And it feels like a hurricane is blowing over
Though I can't find the ground below
I've lived enough to know
I've lived enough to know

(Chorus)
You're my constant in every moment
Constant
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my constant

Okay I really don't like change but I can't stop it
I'm moving forward anyway with the promise
You are the anchor for my soul
That's all I need to know
That's all I need to know

(Chorus)
You're my constant in every moment
Constant
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my constant

Before I was a thought on earth
You knew me then and You gave me worth
When all of this is said and done
You will be the One I'm standing on

(Chorus)
You're my constant in every moment
Constant
You've never failed me
All my life
You have never left my side
You are my constant






It may seem like I've been referencing Hebrews 6:19 an awful lot, but does it ever get any less true? God has been using these past few months to show me that no matter where I am or what storm is going on around me, Christ holds me steady, and through Him I can say it is well. 




We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 

Combien Dieu Est Grand

How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin has become one of those "classic contemporary" worship songs. Hipster churches have almost completely shunned it now, citing it to be "too mainstream". Even I admit to hitting the "next" button on my iPod a fair share.

But today, I didn't feel like that.

Combien, Dieu est grand
Chantons-le combien Dieu est grand
Et tous verrons combien, combien
Dieu est grand

Maybe what I needed was to sing this song in the language of a people who have each chosen, despite their communities, to believe that God is great.