Nathan Key

It's so good to hear from you again, Nathan! I want to spare the formal introductions this time around in an attempt to capture by this letter the type of tone we have when we get to speak to each other on the phone. I'm sure you'll give me grace in that, and as always, I appreciate it

Between the time of the last letter and this one much learning has taken place in my life, the life of my family, and the life of the Church I serve. The process of learning has evolved over the years that I've known you and it's something that is important for people to observe as different seasons in their life pass. If we learn how we learn then we might accept truth in a way more effective. As redundant as that last sentence may have seemed, I think I can assist in some clarification. The most influential schools of thought on the process of learning flow from two very different ancient cultures: (I'm sure you know what I'm about to say before I say it here) Greek and Hebrew. Under the umbrella of Hellenistic Philosophy, Platonism thrived; at the core of Platonism was the theory of forms which basically states that ideas ("eidos") in your mind represent reality. The physical world and your experience was lumped into a lesser reality, one that was subject to change because of all those swirling variables; ideas though, they were pristine, and they were what Philosophers grasped at and taught. To be a student of Philosophy, you get information from a teacher that is either spoken at you or read, it's simply a transfer of information, a download of information from one brain to another. The judgment of how much you learned under a philosophy was measured in how much information you can spit back at the teacher. This is a similar process to what we see in the classroom today.

Teaching in the Hebrew mind is different. To them, it was about relationship and example. To study under a Rabbi you entered a relationship with him and followed his every example. It was through the experience that the information was taught. Through example "halakah" existed, that is to live the teaching you received by "hagadah". One can't exist without the other and so the need for information passing was needed but so too was the living of that truth.

There will be times when "halakah" is heavier than "hagadah" and vice versa. These are the frustrating times in life, one can do too much without knowing why and someone can know too much without doing anything. In life it's important to have the balance be 1:1. It is a shame though, how in the west it has become so lopsided the emphasis in academia is merely on the knowing and come graduation time you are dropped off into the world of doing. Can you imagine what our country would look like if our children were encouraged to know and do in equal measure?

I want you to think about where you are at. Are you in a season of just soaking in information, just attempting to make things happen because you have previously learned them to be true, or are simultaneously learning and being that information as you move through life? 

Take time to understand how the disciples learned under Jesus: Where they faltered and where they succeeded and always observe the careful teaching their very intimate Messiah had with them. This care is the same for us today, may we always have the eyes to see, learn and be the teachings of our Messiah. Amen.

Your friend and brother,
Seth Wright

Greetings to the Church in Orlando that meets with Seth and Emilie! May the hope of glory increase and overflow from your hearts as you seek the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.

First, I wanted to express how grateful I was for your last letter. Seth's pen was filled with wisdom, and I truly hope that I may hear more from you in the future. You've been a faithful source of encouragement for our family, even though we still reside three thousand miles away. I am indebted to your gift of prayer and encouragement.

I want to relay to you an urgent matter, one that lays heavily upon my heart, ignited through conversations and personal research. Friends, we must understand the importance of oral tradition and scripture. Much of Bible was originally kept safe through community recitations. They memorized the words of God and spoke them to one another throughout the ages. This wasn't merely to preserve the truth of the text. It was also a means of bringing these words into the soul- making them living and active in the community. Before modern times, it was common practice for young men and women of faith to have large chunks of scripture memorized and readily accessible in their minds. These words were their very life and speaking these passages was a pivotal key in their learning, experiencing, and understanding of God.

But then came the invention of the printing press and everything changed. Mass production of literature allowed us instantaneous access to new ideas and old ideas at an alarmingly exponential rate. A lot of good has come from this. Numerous breakthroughs in intellectual discourse and discovery have been made possible due to this advance in information sharing. But unlimited and instantaneous access has also struck a fatal blow to our faith. Today, we can pull a bible off the shelf or download passages from the Internet and so we assume that there is no need to maintain oral traditions and memorization in our own time.

This could not be further from the truth! We do ourselves a great disservice when we allow these words to live on the page instead of within our hearts. If scripture is not being spoken among us and hidden in our hearts, we'll be deprived of its influence. In order for a living and active word to permeate our hearts and minds fully it cannot live solely between a binding or in a data file somewhere. It must be on our tongues and in our thoughts. I urge you therefore; make it your endeavor to keep the words of our Lord flowing continually in and out of your mind and your hearts.

One way to do this is through memorization. Don't simply read the Bible as a book, but seek to engage the word fully by bringing it to life through continual meditation. If we put half as much effort into memorizing the scripture as we do into memorizing the words to our favorite songs and lines from our favorite movies, I think we'd see a different attitude emerging.

Secondly, we miss out on the meaning of words when we merely read them in our private world, cut off from others. The majority of history is filled with community reading. It wasn't only because there weren't enough manuscripts for everyone to have a copy. There is something about actually hearing words, aloud, in the midst of community that makes them fuller and more meaningful to us than when we read them alone. It's the difference between reading a poem and hearing a poet voice his prose aloud. It's the difference between reading a play and seeing it performed in the company of friends.

To sum up, I'd point you toward a quote from the Talmud. The Talmud was second only to scripture, considered an operating guide of sorts for interpretation and worship. The instructions are as follows: "a person should complete his portions of scripture along with the community, reading the scripture twice and the targum once." (for further instruction on the use of targum, please consider Seth's insight or instruction from another elder in your community)

Friends, another issue that is weighing heavily on my heart is the economy. In my last letter, I urged you to rely on God's provision through relationship with one another rather than seeking refuge in the kingdoms of this world. Recently, we've seen one of these kingdoms fail- the kingdom of finance. Unfortunately, our lives are intertwined with the economic systems, and so I wanted to take a moment to speak candidly about money.

Above all, please remember that although the markets may sway us, effecting where and how we work, they are trifles. Wealth does nothing for our soul and nothing for our mind. Our foundation and our salvation are found solely in Christ- not in financial stability. So, even if the economy collapses and the housing market shrivels, even if we lose everything we own, we are Christ's. He is Lord in good times, and bad, in rich times, and poor. The marriage vows He makes to His bride are not contingent upon the economy or the banks or government bailouts. He is our kinsman redeemer and He will care for us fully, just as He cares for every flower and every bird.

But do not misunderstand me, this trusting-in-God-to-provide does not mean that we should foolishly quit our jobs or be negligent with the resources that are given to us by His grace. Let no man deceive you into believing that it's a good idea to spend ruthlessly or make rash decisions about your employment. If you have a job, keep it. For God has not called us to idleness. In fact, many of God's servants spent their lives in seemingly "worldly" occupations. Christ Himself was a carpenter and his disciples were fishermen and tax collectors. Moses tended sheep. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did too (so did David until God called him to be a warrior-king). Joseph was a slave and later, an administrator. Paul made tents. So, employment is not to be despised. Rather, we should see it as a means that God uses to provide for His people.

In the same way, do not be foolish with your spending. In practical terms, do this- make an account of your income and what you spend. Then, do your best to spend less than what you make. And pay back your debts as quickly as you can, too. For those who are burdened with debt are never free to drop everything and do God's bidding. They are under obligation to the one who lent to them. Now, this is not to say that you should never take on debt, for there is certainly nothing inherently wrong or even evil with borrowing. But, avoid debt when you can, and especially avoid borrowing for things that have diminishing return. Let no one run up bill for trivialities that have no lasting significance or meaning.

One more thing before I end this letter- we live in a society that is wrought with consumption. Curb these urges at all cost.

Pray for us as we explore our future for we eagerly desire to return to Orlando. Pray also for one another, that you will seek out new ways to be Christ to the people who live in community with you.

Faith, Hope, and Love be yours in abundance,
Nathan Key

To the Key family that resides in Seattle,

This letter is penned by your close friend and leader of the small house church community that meets in my home here in Orlando. May Grace and Peace reign over your family as it reigns over the Body of Christ.

It has been so good to hear your stories through Nathan. The stories of struggles overcome and struggles endured, new lessons learned, the understanding of God's provision and so much more. These stories have been passed along to the community I serve; they have impacted the individuals that make up the community. So even though you may be isolated geographically from all of us here, the stronger and more important bond we share in Christ is very literally making it possible for you to share in my work from abroad.

I want to speak to you about some of the specifics. An idea that we cling to here in Orlando is that our Church functions in many was as a family would. It's not uncommon to hear the word "brother" or "sister" in at our gatherings for example. So while we may not share DNA, we more than make up for it with the recognition of the spiritual family where Christ is seated as the head. Establishing these deep familial bonds however, don't happen overnight as I'm sure you are aware. It's something that takes work and a great deal of dedication. So when we hear stories of other families doing just that kind of loving dedicated work we become very encouraged.

We are becoming increasingly aware of what we do well and what we need to work on. It is apparent that introspection about our function takes place in each individuals own time. Who we are as a people is something that we are very passionate about; we seek to edify our lives around the teachings of Christ and the stories laid out through the rest of the scriptures. This is something that strengthens us and brings us closer together simultaneously.  Understanding how Christ fits into the story of God in establishing a New Covenant with His people is something that propels us into understanding the character of God and how God works through covenant.  

Through covenant your family operates. The bond that you share is hung on the promise that you made through your vows to each other. So too, our lives when fully lived function out of the covenant God makes with us. This is something that much of the world has a hard time understanding. Most people have grown quite numb from the trail of broken relationships that they carry behind them. It's hard for people to believe in light of this that there is a living God out there that refuses to be left behind, that never accepts broken relationships as a modus operandi and will always pursue his people with a heart of a loving Father. You mirror the heart of God when your covenant with each other thrives.

So take hold of it every day! Think on it and press forward with the same type of passion God has for us. All of us here in Orlando think so much of your new family, especially considering the news of your new son Ethan. We pray for you as we know you pray for us and we look forward to your return.

Your Brother and fellow servant in Christ,
Seth Wright

Greetings to the Church in Orlando that meets with Seth and Emilie! May the pleasures of God abound in you greatly as you proclaim Jesus to each other and to the community around you.

News has reached me all the way here in Seattle of how you model the love of Christ and engage with each other in Spirit-filled community. I implore you to continue in this manner, always. Not because all eyes are on you, but because it’s the way Christ would have you live- serving, learning, and living with each other in a way that makes others intrigued and excited. And don’t you feel better when you’re a part of that sort of community anyway? Regardless of any attention that it may or may not get you, meeting together in humility and generosity is invigorating! It is its own reward. And I do not want you to ever miss out on the joy that comes for that sort of intentional relationship.

I know what it’s like to be without that sort of connection. Here in Seattle, 3000 miles away from our roots, life is not easy. Community, friendship, and support do not simply spring up overnight and we’ve been straining against loneliness and frustration since the day we arrived. In fact, we’re eagerly waiting for the day when we can return- joyfully entering again into the lives of the people who we love so desperately.

Regarding your group, I’m sure there may have been times when you’ve looked at your numerical presence and wondered how you could possibly make any difference in the Kingdom of God. That kind of thinking is unfortunately in line with the economy of the world (which says “the bigger the better”). Now that you have been united with Christ, you do not find your nationality and loyalties in the kingdom of earth any longer. It’s time for you to intentionally consider the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven and put your expectations in line with Christ’s teachings. It’s going to be hard, no doubt, because God’s economy doesn’t make sense with what we’ve grown accustom to here on earth.

In God’s economy- the widow’s mite is worth more than the piles of money tithed by the rich. In God’s economy- the weak and mourning are considered blessed rather than the strong or joyful. In God’s economy- trials and suffering are worth more to us than comfort and good times. I could go on and on, but I think you already understand that there’s a different paradigm that comes with a new Kingdom- a different reality that we’re beginning to see and understand. And in this new reality a small band of people can literally overturn the world! Do you recall what happened in Jerusalem at Pentecost? That small band of people changed history, beginning with their local environment, and then the entire Roman Empire, and now centuries later, their influence is still felt in our own lives.

Size is of no concern in the Kingdom of Heaven. In fact, often it’s better to be small. When you’re small in your own eyes, it means that you rely on the strength of God rather than leaning on your own popularity or numerical substance. If we began depending on our own strength rather than God’s strength- things might go along just fine for a short time. But like the tower of Babel, anything we create or accomplish in our own strength isn’t going to last. And when our successes come crashing down, just like Babel, the end result is always confusion and frustration.

So, in order to help you grow in your reliance on Christ, I have a challenge for you- look around and find ways to serve each other that will require God’s strength. Perhaps there is a difficult relationship that needs to be mended or a social injustice that seems TOO big for a group your size to address. Look for these things and then prayerfully consider if God would have you address these issues in His strength. If the answer is yes, then do them! Not in your own strength, of course, but with complete faith that God will work with you and through you. You’d be amazed at what God will do through people who are willing to completely trust Him.

Unfortunately, most people will never live in this reality of trust. Instead of looking to God for provision and strength- they look to the government and powers of this world instead. This is nothing new, of course. Do you remember how Israel refused to live under God’s rule and demanded a human king to rule over them? They got what they asked for, but in the process, they missed out on the connection that comes from complete dependence on God. And from that day forward we’ve seen countless examples of people rejecting God’s strength in exchange for something tangible.

I wanted to mention this to you because there is a lot of talk these days about government assistance and what people are entitled to from the State. Don’t fall into that sort of preoccupation. We have the chance to be Jesus to our neighbors! Why would we want the government to take role from us? Besides which- when people help other people, a spirit of community forms through generosity and thankfulness. That doesn’t happen when they receive help from the government. When an economic stimulus check or education voucher comes in the mail, no one is grateful to the government- it merely perpetuates a cycle of entitlement. We begin to feel like we have a right to whatever comes our way.

The same can happen anytime we place these sorts of expectations on an organization or institution. If we always delegate compassion and mercy to homeless shelters, food banks, or another individual who is more “gifted” in that area, aren’t we saying No! to God? Aren’t we telling Him that His strength in and through us is not enough? This doesn’t mean that organizations who help people in hard times are to be avoided- but the reality is- God is in charge of meeting people’s needs, not the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or the deacons in a local church. Sure, when God chooses to work through those mediums, we rejoice! But we must not assume that simply because He’s meeting peoples needs through these other avenues that we are exempt from taking part as well.

When you trust God and help out your neighbors- even when it costs you time or money- you literally subvert the cycle of entitlement and invite the Kingdom of God. You break away from Israel’s mistake and reject the kingdom of earth.

So, keep it up! Keep looking for new and creative ways to trust God. Go all out in faith and trust Him to provide the strength for what He wants to accomplish in and through you.

That’s all for now. I look forward to hearing from you soon and I hope we can meet face-to-face one day! Until that time, I hold you dear to my heart and pray for you always.

Faith, Hope, and Love be yours in abundance,
Nathan Key