12:15-12:45 at office (Millhopper Area, just off NW 43rd)
6:15-6:45 at Hope Church (Tower Road)
call 379-4949 for directions or other questions
FYI: if you were looking for a goal for fasting from food, a certain food, or refraining from any other good thing God has given... perhaps from after dinner Tuesday until dinner Wednesday. Remember, fasting should always be practiced wisely.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
The Integrity of Christianity
Just noticed how different the visions of God that Paul had and Joseph Smith (mormon founder) claimed to have. Paul says, "Go ask my travelling mates if something weird happened?" Joseph Smith says, "Trust me, it happened, but there were no eyewitnesses." Hmmm.
Acts 9: "The men who were traveling with him stood speechless"
So it seems that Paul was running around believing in the resurrection and claiming you could check his story for veracity.
Acts 9: "The men who were traveling with him stood speechless"
So it seems that Paul was running around believing in the resurrection and claiming you could check his story for veracity.
Child Lovers Check This Out!
From one of my top 21st century theologians!Jesus Teaches Us How To Be Happy
Friday, February 25, 2005
Union With Christ
The union between Christ and His people that Saul/Paul first glimped in Jesus' rebuke, "Why do you persecute ME?" operates in two directions. Jesus counts His peoples' suffering as belonging to Himself. And He counts His own suffering and death as belonging to His people:
"I have been crucified with Christ." (Galatians 2:20)
"All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death." (Romans 6)
--Dennis Johnson
"I have been crucified with Christ." (Galatians 2:20)
"All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death." (Romans 6)
--Dennis Johnson
I really like Bill Maher
I do. And think he would be exactly the kind of chap i'd love to hang with... and am hopeful for him and believe that the fact that he thinks (at some level) is a good reason to hope for him. I have friends like him, i hope you do too...
His comments last week on MSNBC show the kind of blindness that we'll be talking about Sunday. He totally (though not maliciously) misunderstands the nature of Christian conversion:
Bill Maher: "I think religion is a neurological disorder. If you look at it logically, it‘s something that was drilled into your head when you were a small child. It certainly was drilled into mine at that age. And you really can‘t be responsible when you are a kid for what adults put into your head.
But when you become an adult, you can then have it drilled out. And you should."
Host of the show: So, you are saying that the millions and millions of Americans who go to church every week or go to synagogue...
MAHER: Have a neurological disorder, yes.
want more?
His comments last week on MSNBC show the kind of blindness that we'll be talking about Sunday. He totally (though not maliciously) misunderstands the nature of Christian conversion:
Bill Maher: "I think religion is a neurological disorder. If you look at it logically, it‘s something that was drilled into your head when you were a small child. It certainly was drilled into mine at that age. And you really can‘t be responsible when you are a kid for what adults put into your head.
But when you become an adult, you can then have it drilled out. And you should."
Host of the show: So, you are saying that the millions and millions of Americans who go to church every week or go to synagogue...
MAHER: Have a neurological disorder, yes.
want more?
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Our Help, Our Hope, Our Home
This hymn was sung at the funeral of former British prime minister Winston Churchill in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, 1965.
written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Savior We Are Thine
Jesus you have bought us not with gold or gem
But with Your own lifeblood for your diadem
With Your blessing filling each who comes to Thee
You have made us willing, You have made us free
By Your grand redemption and your grace divine
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior we are Thine.
--Mo Leverette
But with Your own lifeblood for your diadem
With Your blessing filling each who comes to Thee
You have made us willing, You have made us free
By Your grand redemption and your grace divine
We are on the Lord’s side—Savior we are Thine.
--Mo Leverette
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Tasting God in Your Pleasures?!
James I. Packer:
In thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). I hold the heady doctrine that no pleasures are so frequent or intense as those of the grateful, devoted, single-minded, whole-hearted, self-denying Christian. I maintain that the delights of work and leisure, of friendship and family, of eating and mating, of arts and crafts, of playing and watching games, of finding out and making things, of helping other people, and all the other noble pleasures that life affords, are doubled for the Christian; for, as the cheerful old Puritans used to say (no, sir, that is not a misprint, nor a Freudian lapse; I mean Puritans—the real historical Puritans, as distinct from the smug sourpusses of last-century Anglo-American imagination), the Christian tastes God in all his pleasures, and this increases them, whereas for other men pleasure brings with it a sense of hollowness which reduces it. --from his book, God Has Spoken
In thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). I hold the heady doctrine that no pleasures are so frequent or intense as those of the grateful, devoted, single-minded, whole-hearted, self-denying Christian. I maintain that the delights of work and leisure, of friendship and family, of eating and mating, of arts and crafts, of playing and watching games, of finding out and making things, of helping other people, and all the other noble pleasures that life affords, are doubled for the Christian; for, as the cheerful old Puritans used to say (no, sir, that is not a misprint, nor a Freudian lapse; I mean Puritans—the real historical Puritans, as distinct from the smug sourpusses of last-century Anglo-American imagination), the Christian tastes God in all his pleasures, and this increases them, whereas for other men pleasure brings with it a sense of hollowness which reduces it. --from his book, God Has Spoken
Monday, February 21, 2005
Coffee, Carbs, and Conversation
All women (and children) are invited to Rebecca Schackow's Tuesday morning to simply hang out. 9:30-11:30am. 332-2179 for directions (Schackow's live behind N. Fla Hospital)
Struggles, Burdens, Unbelief...Jesus
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
PCA PCA PCA PCA
You know that Christ Community is glad to be connected internationally with the Presbyterian Church... but don't bombard you with our connection. Well here is something that we've done that is quality and i must share it with you. If you visit byFaith Online today you will see a great article on what we, as disciples, can learn from Bob Dylan. Also, click around and sign up for the free trial issue of the actual magazine. It really is quite smashing.
For Sunday...acts 9
“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
acts 9
acts 9
Thursday, February 17, 2005
5 good things at Christ Community
1. At least 2 weekly bible-study meetings where our people are introducing non-Christians to the claims and hopes of Jesus Christ.
2. Joy brought to Shands this week as sick children received Valentines made by our children.
3. 10 people currently taking the Intro to CCC seminar
4. A cadre of worship leaders who love Christ.
5. The older men are now 2-0 in Turkey Bowls.
2. Joy brought to Shands this week as sick children received Valentines made by our children.
3. 10 people currently taking the Intro to CCC seminar
4. A cadre of worship leaders who love Christ.
5. The older men are now 2-0 in Turkey Bowls.
5 good things at Christ Community
1. At least 2 weekly bible-study meetings where our people are introducing non-Christians to the claims and hopes of Jesus Christ.
2. Joy brought to Shands this week as sick children received Valentines made by our children.
3. 10 people currently taking the Intro to CCC seminar
4. A cadre of worship leaders who love Christ.
5. The older men are now 2-0 in Turkey Bowls.
2. Joy brought to Shands this week as sick children received Valentines made by our children.
3. 10 people currently taking the Intro to CCC seminar
4. A cadre of worship leaders who love Christ.
5. The older men are now 2-0 in Turkey Bowls.
One chap's conversion to faith in Christ
"I became aware that I was holding something at bay, or shutting something out. Or, if you like, that I was wearing some stiff clothing, like corsets, or even a suit of armour, as if I were a lobster. I felt myself being, there and then, given a free choice. I could open the door or keep it shut; I could unbuckle the armour or keep it on. Neither choice was presented as a duty;
no threat or promise was attached to either, though I knew that to
open the door or to take off the corset meant the incalculable.
The choice appeared to be momentous but it was also strangely
unemotional. I was moved by no desires or fears. In a sense I was
not moved by anything. I chose to open, to unbuckle, to loosen the
rein. I say `I chose,' yet it did not really seem possible to do
the opposite. On the other hand, I was aware of no motives. You
could argue that I was not a free agent, but I am more inclined to
think this came nearer to being a perfectly free act than most I
have ever done. Necessity may not be the opposite of freedom, and
perhaps a man is most free when, instead of producing motives, he
could only say, `I am what I do'. --CS Lewis
no threat or promise was attached to either, though I knew that to
open the door or to take off the corset meant the incalculable.
The choice appeared to be momentous but it was also strangely
unemotional. I was moved by no desires or fears. In a sense I was
not moved by anything. I chose to open, to unbuckle, to loosen the
rein. I say `I chose,' yet it did not really seem possible to do
the opposite. On the other hand, I was aware of no motives. You
could argue that I was not a free agent, but I am more inclined to
think this came nearer to being a perfectly free act than most I
have ever done. Necessity may not be the opposite of freedom, and
perhaps a man is most free when, instead of producing motives, he
could only say, `I am what I do'. --CS Lewis
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Very Cool...
Our own Kelly MacGregor will be live on internet tomorrow morning. She writes: This is what I've been working on for a couple of weeks. At 7:00 am and again at 7:30 there will be a never-before-attempted technological feat... I've been working with Digital Worlds Studio here at UF and they have put together this presentation of "The Lost Chord." It's a skit that involves people from England, Australia, Miami, Gainesville, and Korea, with five girls all singing and acting...live...together! I'm one of the voices of the Oracle...but I've been helping out with the music/vocal coaching of the girls for the last couple of weeks. I hope you are up that early...enjoy!
The Lost Chord
The Lost Chord
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Sermon follow up...
Dear Friends,
I failed to mention on Sunday that people struggling with eating disorders should not pursue connecting with God through fasting from food. They should connect with Him in other ways. My sincere apologies to those of you who struggle with (or love someone who does)anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating and binge eating.
This is a very complex subject and much prayer should be involved. If you would like to follow up on this, or receive special prayer, please let us know. Rob
I failed to mention on Sunday that people struggling with eating disorders should not pursue connecting with God through fasting from food. They should connect with Him in other ways. My sincere apologies to those of you who struggle with (or love someone who does)anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating and binge eating.
This is a very complex subject and much prayer should be involved. If you would like to follow up on this, or receive special prayer, please let us know. Rob
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Tomorrow at Christ Community
9am classes
10:00 worship
Turkey Bowl after the service
6:00-7:05 "Night Church" at Hope Community, kids making valentines for Shands kids
One interesting thought on fasting from things other than food/drink:
"... we should regularly practice media fasts: days or weeks during which we reduce the flood of information we receive to the merest trickle. Not only will such a practice enable us to set our knowledge in perspective, it also will help us recognize the love/hate relationship we have with information overload. We
say we are frustrated by having so much to respond to, but we still carry cell-phones everywhere and check our e-mail every 10 minutes. It makes us feel important to be so busy. Media fasts
should help us become more honest about our motivations."
Ken Meyers, Tabletalk Nov 2000
10:00 worship
Turkey Bowl after the service
6:00-7:05 "Night Church" at Hope Community, kids making valentines for Shands kids
One interesting thought on fasting from things other than food/drink:
"... we should regularly practice media fasts: days or weeks during which we reduce the flood of information we receive to the merest trickle. Not only will such a practice enable us to set our knowledge in perspective, it also will help us recognize the love/hate relationship we have with information overload. We
say we are frustrated by having so much to respond to, but we still carry cell-phones everywhere and check our e-mail every 10 minutes. It makes us feel important to be so busy. Media fasts
should help us become more honest about our motivations."
Ken Meyers, Tabletalk Nov 2000
Thursday, February 10, 2005
I've Seen Jesus
People ask me why I am a Christian today, how I’ve overcome intellectual doubts and nagging questions. Sooner or later it comes back to this. I have seen Jesus. He lived at my house in the person of Dick and Esther. Given this cloud of witnesses, the cloud of unknowing parted enough for me to see God, and whatever radiance I possess is but a dim reflection of my northern star, my mother and father, who themselves are aglow because they have seen the face of God. --Dick Staub
The whole story is at
Why I Am A Christian
The whole story is at
Why I Am A Christian
Share Your Heart with the Children
Annual Banquet and Auction Tommorrow
February 11, 2005, 6:30 pm, Plantation Oaks, Turkey Creek
Sponsored by Friends of Children in partnership
with The Florida Baptist Children's Homes
Tickets: $30 see Jason MacGregor (372-5204) jemacgregor AT hotmail.com
February 11, 2005, 6:30 pm, Plantation Oaks, Turkey Creek
Sponsored by Friends of Children in partnership
with The Florida Baptist Children's Homes
Tickets: $30 see Jason MacGregor (372-5204) jemacgregor AT hotmail.com
An Outdoor Exercise
Go outside today. Reach down and pick up some dirt. Allow it to sift through your fingers. "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." Some of us are closer to returning than others... but we'll all get there. Life is a vapor. May God give you and me grace to use it well...
genesis 3:19
genesis 3:19
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Calling all kids!
This Sunday night at Hope Community Church, while the adults meet for our monthly evening church, the kids will be making Valentines for children at Shands Hospital. Everything starts at 6pm, so mark your calendars for this fun event!
Today is "Ash Wednesday"
... which is the beginning of Lent. Basically, it is an "excuse" to pursue Christ. Take advantage of it.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Women's Studies on Fat Tuesday
The women gather for bible study morning and evening today... tomorrow Lent begins with "Ash Wednesday". Clueless to what that means? Try this
http://reignofgrace.blogspot.com/2004_02_01_reignofgrace_archive.html#107711351962178028
http://reignofgrace.blogspot.com/2004_02_01_reignofgrace_archive.html#107711351962178028
Sunday, February 06, 2005
A General (and Powerful!) Thanksgiving
ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy servants, do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men; [*particularly said when any desire to return thanks...to those who desire now to offer up their praises and thanksgivings for thy late mercies vouchsafed unto them.] We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may he unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen."
The 1928 Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer: " A General Thanksgiving.
The 1928 Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer: " A General Thanksgiving.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Lord's Supper Service
Sunday we'll celebrate the Lord's Supper together.
At 9am there will be classes for all ages. Dr. Horner's class on the Gospels just started last week with an introduction. Come on out...
Also, many of you have asked about the bible version i preach from, the English Standard Version.... here is a handy little one at a good price
CVBBS: Inventory
Finally, there's been a change of plans in Super Bowl plans for youth... find out tomorrow!
At 9am there will be classes for all ages. Dr. Horner's class on the Gospels just started last week with an introduction. Come on out...
Also, many of you have asked about the bible version i preach from, the English Standard Version.... here is a handy little one at a good price
CVBBS: Inventory
Finally, there's been a change of plans in Super Bowl plans for youth... find out tomorrow!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Intro to Christ Community tonite and Artist Kov
from 7:00-8:15 at Hope Church
In this seminar I try to communicate the core commitments of Christ Community, as well as the vision and sense of calling we uniquely feel as a part of Christ's body in Gainesville.
While it is a requirement for those interested in membership, pursuing membership is not required to attend. Like every square is a rectangle but not every rectange is a square, kinda.
Location is Hope Community Church. This 3 week class is meeting February 3rd, 10th, 17th
The Christian Study Center
-Calling All Artists-
For the new Spring Exhibit.
The theme this semster is
Creativity and the Arts.
ALL MEDIAS WELCOME!
If interested please contact:
Caroline Burkhard
(407) 702-5517
carolb25 AT ufl DOT edu
or
Cassidy Grindstaff
352-283-1479
ckg1143 AT aol DOT com
In this seminar I try to communicate the core commitments of Christ Community, as well as the vision and sense of calling we uniquely feel as a part of Christ's body in Gainesville.
While it is a requirement for those interested in membership, pursuing membership is not required to attend. Like every square is a rectangle but not every rectange is a square, kinda.
Location is Hope Community Church. This 3 week class is meeting February 3rd, 10th, 17th
The Christian Study Center
-Calling All Artists-
For the new Spring Exhibit.
The theme this semster is
Creativity and the Arts.
ALL MEDIAS WELCOME!
If interested please contact:
Caroline Burkhard
(407) 702-5517
carolb25 AT ufl DOT edu
or
Cassidy Grindstaff
352-283-1479
ckg1143 AT aol DOT com
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Prayer Changes Things
Today, 3 opps
11:00-11:30 at Christian Study Center
12:00-12:30 at Church office
6:15-6:45 at Hope Community Church
11:00-11:30 at Christian Study Center
12:00-12:30 at Church office
6:15-6:45 at Hope Community Church
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Super Bowl Parties
A.) Young Couples and Professional Students
Today, the MacGregors are hosting a Super Bowl Party and Chili Cook Off starting at 5pm. This party is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bean-O). They will have a bunch of different pops (aka soda) but if you want something else feel free to bring it. Please invite friends, come for part of the game or the whole game, and just relax.
If you need directions then give Kelly or Jason a call at 372-5204.
B.) Male Yutes
all guys in the high school and jr hi range are invited to Nate Meyers house.... here's his invite:
Kick off time: 6:30pm, so I'd say the party starts at my apartment at 6:00pm and will end at half-time
Details of the party: Hamburgers, hot dogs, Halo 2 (video game), and Superbowl
My address: 2701 SW 13th Street Apartment D-12 Gainesville, FL 32608
Directions: From Archer and 13th Street go 1.5 miles south on 13th Street to the second traffic light (the first traffic light will be SW16th Ave). Make a u-turn at that 2nd traffic light (the one after SW16th Ave) and then make your first right. You will be entering a bluish-grey apartment complex (Boardwalk Apartments). We are the first building on the left and I'll try and have some tiki torches out. There is no towing, so feel free to park anywhere.
Today, the MacGregors are hosting a Super Bowl Party and Chili Cook Off starting at 5pm. This party is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bean-O). They will have a bunch of different pops (aka soda) but if you want something else feel free to bring it. Please invite friends, come for part of the game or the whole game, and just relax.
If you need directions then give Kelly or Jason a call at 372-5204.
B.) Male Yutes
all guys in the high school and jr hi range are invited to Nate Meyers house.... here's his invite:
Kick off time: 6:30pm, so I'd say the party starts at my apartment at 6:00pm and will end at half-time
Details of the party: Hamburgers, hot dogs, Halo 2 (video game), and Superbowl
My address: 2701 SW 13th Street Apartment D-12 Gainesville, FL 32608
Directions: From Archer and 13th Street go 1.5 miles south on 13th Street to the second traffic light (the first traffic light will be SW16th Ave). Make a u-turn at that 2nd traffic light (the one after SW16th Ave) and then make your first right. You will be entering a bluish-grey apartment complex (Boardwalk Apartments). We are the first building on the left and I'll try and have some tiki torches out. There is no towing, so feel free to park anywhere.
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