I had the rare opportunity last night to hear the very wise N.T. Wright speak in person. On top of that, I got to hang out with some of my favorite people like Matthew Paul Turner, George Stull, and this guy whom I met last night for the first time. Wright’s lecture was absolutely brilliant and full of many things my little mind could not comprehend (for the record, the guys I was with are pretty stinking smart and they looked as perplexed as I was).
During our Q and A time someone asked Bishop Wright what his view was on the importance of church. His answer blew me away. Quoting from Ephesians he talked about how the church is to be the physical representation of Christ to the world. He passionately talked about Ephesians 2:10 and how “we are the God’s artwork created to dispense God’s grace and love to a watching world.”
Chew on that for a while today. As God’s walking, living, breathing piece of art, what is it that He wants to show a watching world through you?
my watercooler and creative chaos,
Pete
Wow, of all the amazing art man creates, “God Makes Art of People!” How incredible is that. I’m so glad Pete, to be working with you to discover more fully all that that truly means.
what is it that He wants to show a watching world through me??? that even someone that makes a mess out of life more often than not…is not beyond the GRACE that God wants to show!
…visits with Anne Jackson and Matthew Paul Turner all in a weeks time…WOW! so on the last post i can change my answer to wanting to be Pete Wilson???
Great to meet you too, Pete. I loved what Bishop Wright said after answering that question – “You ask a question about the church, you get Ephesians!”
George, I’m looking forward to the ride. Welcome to C.P. and more importantly welcome to one of my favorite collections of God’s art!
There is a good article about Bishop Wright’s perception of heaven in todays Nashville Tennessean. You can find it at http://www.tennessean.com
There is a very good article about Bishop Wright’s perception of Heaven in todays Nashville Tennessean. Food for thought
This may be a cheap shot, but it does really pertain to both ideas…..art and the church. I love how God gifts each one of us with different “eyes” and abilities to create, just like Him, the Greatest Creator. Like me, I “create” jewelry offmywrist.com if you want to read part of my testimony. Well, now I need a “creator”…a hardwood floor creator! Small room. Does anyone at Crosspoint have that special gift?
So, Pete, is it fair to grovel for help on your blog?
la
No problem with me Lea Ann. I don’t personally know anyone but maybe someone else here does.
That every time someone looks at it they see something new and take away an even deeper appreciation of just how amazing the artist really is. However (in my case anyway) sometimes the old clay just seems to have a mind of it’s own…
Wow… My Watercooler submission was also an attempt at capturing what the church is supposed to be. But I’m quite intellectually outgunned by Mr. Wright.
You share a powerful way of looking at the church!
That statement scares me to death. If I’m a living piece of art, how am I perceived? Am I Mona Lisa or a Picasso rip off? Have my colors become faded, or am I still as bright as the artist intended?
He wants to show my marriage to a watching world….how to be a paradise to my husband, how to respect him, how to come out of a wilderness experience in marriage and find love like the world has never known.
He wants to show the creation and the MASTERpiece that he has started and continuing to do in my life. He wants to me GO and MAKE disciples in His Glory… Awesome concept. huh?
This is a question that I have been dealing with for some time now. Honestly, there are just days I can’t imagine Him using me! I think what I am learning is how to be his hands and feet…showing compassion, love and grace. I hope that when people meet and know me, they see Christ foremost in my life.
That is an interesting question, especially since we are always changing. I sometimes imagine God molding and sculpting me – slow and steady, never stopping – a continuous creative process until the day we are in His presence and are truly completed. Sometimes the changes may be drastic and sometimes they are almost imperceptible, but I think they always reveal God’s power of redemption and His ultimate wisdom.
I’ve been chewing on this all day. It’s easy to forget what the original question was.
What is it that He wants to show a watching world through you?
I think Bishop Wright answered that clearly, concisely and scripturally. We are to be God’s workmanship, reflecting His love and grace.
Now, how we do that, is the trick. Is it according to our giftedness? Surely it must be. Does everyone show grace and love the same way?
Gosh, Pete. You started this. Say something staggering in its profundity.
I have been reading the book Static by Ron Martiola lately. Your question reminds me of a phrase he used in relation to the yearning we all feel to return to the garden…hence our yearning to see and be artwork…we are to be “whispers of Eden” to a world longing to reconnect with the garden. Yeah…that’s God’s artwork: whispers of Eden.
Tommy I have nothing profound to say. Sorry to let you down. I think you nailed it. The answer to this question is going to be somewhat different for each of us. The church should be a gallery full of unique art pieces (people) expressing God’s love and grace in the way we were designed. At least that is my two cents.
That’s pretty close to profound. lol.
Btw, I sure have messed my canvas up a time or two. Isn’t it wonderful how God can straighten out the brush strokes?
Hey Pete! Amy Halleran (Beyond JEMS). Two of your pieces of art (Matt & Nicki Robbins) have invited me to your church. Especially you Plan B series as i am going through a divorce, changing careers & trying to figure out what God’s plan in for my life w/ 2 YO twins. And I will say after reading your blog, I am very intrigued and believe I will take them up on it!
love that.
N.T. Wright lecture = excellent creative chaos post.
That man is brilliant. Glad you were able to make it!