Alien vs. Chameleon

I was reading in 1 Peter, and I noticed the word “Aliens”. This comes at a time when I am thinking about the way people see us as Christians. A lot of emergents like to talk about being relevant, and so do I. but Peter here uses imagery of, aliens, foreigners, immigrants, to describe our place in the world. This is clearly his way of fleshing out what it means to be “holy”. Holy means “set apart” in most New Testament applications.

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

So the apostle Peter tells me to stand out from the crowd, to NOT fit in, to live a life that reflects the moral perfection of God (an Old Testament definition of “holy”).

My question is… does this contradict the move to be relevant?

A more prominent biblical writer Paul, says in 1 Corinthians 9: 22-23

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Do these guys agree? Does the bible contradict itself?
I have my own thoughts on this, but what do YOU think?

Emerging Truth?

I’ve recently spoken with someone, who is of the impression that elements within the emerging church want to throw out the literal interpretation of scripture. He’s a brilliant and gifted bible teacher, and it seems he is not alone in his opinions. He called the emerging church “a group within the ranks of evangelical Christianity that is attacking the sufficiency of scripture”. I asked him where he got this idea – he points to some things said by “leaders” in the emerging church… things like “we can’t know what scripture really says/means”. Apparently these people want to decide for themselves what scripture says. He's getting me some info on it.
At any rate, I felt pigeon-holed, painted with the same brush as some wack job. As a part of the emerging church I embrace the literal interpretation of scripture. I want to build my life on the Word of God, it’s my bread, my light, my life. However I’m eager to challenge taboos of my day that are based in tradition and church culture rather than on scripture. I’m willing to investigate and even re-evaluate things that I was taught about what the bible “says”. I wonder if this is the kind of sentiment my academic friend might be misinterpreting. I’m gonna ask him.

a REAL Blizzard

Hello from Edmonton!
Jaime and I arrived last week, after a harrowing 3 day drive through blowing snow and slush. When we got here it was sunny and above zero... but alas, not any more. Today is apparently the worst blizzard here since 89!
At any rate - God has been faithful, and we are now moved into our new home YAY!!! Everything is still in boxes, but that takes time.

We don't have internet at the house yet - so don't feel like we are ignoring you.

People are really grat here, but it feels so weird to not know anyone. So please keep praying for Jaime and I. this adjustment will be hard, and take some time. We miss Sidney... but that is normal I guess. We know God has brought us here, and we are glad.
Pray for God to connect us with those who will be partners in vision, "spiritual stomes" which God will build us in with, to form real community (2 Peter).

I'll post more later.