@ Iron Sharpens Iron: Day 1

This is my second year at Iron Sharpens Iron, and as such, I plan to do a better job of documenting my thoughts and responses to the sessions. The 10 hour drive here was not bad, we managed to avoid heavy traffic in Chicago, meaning that we were able to have some enjoyable and meaningful fellowship. The van consisted of myself, my wife, one of our church's elders, and his son.

Plenary Session 1: A Theology of Caring
Alex Strauch
The 1st plenary session introduced the focus of the conference: caring churches. Alex is probably best known among evangelicals for his book Biblical Eldership, although he has written a number of other works. His big idea was "Big Heart, Open Hands" meaning that the purpose for God in our lives is to care for those who need us, and be prepared to help in any way necessary.

He began by presenting a variety of Old Testament passages that equate generosity toward the poor with living the life of faith. Not the least of these is the 1st mention of the over-used and under-applied Golden Rule: Love your Neighbor as yourself.

After hitting each portion of the Tanak, Strouch moved into the life of Jesus Christ, pointing to the way the the Lord invested Himself in the needy prior to making the ultimate of open handed sacrifices: His life.

Following the theme of caring for the needy through Acts & the Epistles, there was reference to a number of passages which equate caring for the needy with living for God. Before anyone jumps down my throat for poor soteriology, note that we're talking post-salvation, and that as tough as James is to swallow, he's got Alex's back here.

The conclusion of the session was this: Our possessions are not our own. What we have should keep us content, and if anyone has less than us, we should be more than willing to share. A tough lesson, to be sure, but a needed reminder as we live in a materialistic world.