Monday August 15: We close on the house + 3.8 acres on Parker Road
Sunday August 21: Immediately after the service at Oak Hall, drive around the corner to eyeball our new facilities on Parker Road. We're having an open house!
Celebrating fact that we then will own almost 9 acres plus a 2000 square foot house from which to do ministry.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Sunday at Christ Community
10 am Worship at Oak Hall (not 10:10 as those vicious rumors assert)
Parking, ugh. Remember those who are able might see just how far away they can park, saving those precious nearby spaces for elderly, those with young children, extremely lazy, etc.
Our 9am classes are on sabbatical for a few more weeks.
Here is a poet who would appreciate Acts 14, I think.
Totally like whatever, you know?
By Taylor Mali
In case you hadn't noticed,
it has somehow become uncool
to sound like you know what you're talking about?
Or believe strongly in what you're saying?
Invisible question marks and parenthetical (you know?)'s
have been attaching themselves to the ends of our sentences?
Even when those sentences aren't, like, questions? You know?
Declarative sentences - so-called
because they used to, like, DECLARE things to be true
as opposed to other things which were, like, not -
have been infected by a totally hip
and tragically cool interrogative tone? You know?
Like, don't think I'm uncool just because I've noticed this;
this is just like the word on the street, you know?
It's like what I've heard?
I have nothing personally invested in my own opinions, okay?
I'm just inviting you to join me in my uncertainty?
What has happened to our conviction?
Where are the limbs out on which we once walked?
Have they been, like, chopped down
with the rest of the rain forest?
Or do we have, like, nothing to say?
Has society become so, like, totally . . .
I mean absolutely . . . You know?
That we've just gotten to the point where it's just, like . . .
whatever!
And so actually our disarticulation . . . ness
is just a clever sort of . . . thing
to disguise the fact that we've become
the most aggressively inarticulate generation
to come along since . . .
you know, a long, long time ago!
I entreat you, I implore you, I exhort you,
I challenge you: To speak with conviction.
To say what you believe in a manner that bespeaks
the determination with which you believe it.
Because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker,
it is not enough these days to simply QUESTION AUTHORITY.
You have to speak with it, too.
Parking, ugh. Remember those who are able might see just how far away they can park, saving those precious nearby spaces for elderly, those with young children, extremely lazy, etc.
Our 9am classes are on sabbatical for a few more weeks.
Here is a poet who would appreciate Acts 14, I think.
Totally like whatever, you know?
By Taylor Mali
In case you hadn't noticed,
it has somehow become uncool
to sound like you know what you're talking about?
Or believe strongly in what you're saying?
Invisible question marks and parenthetical (you know?)'s
have been attaching themselves to the ends of our sentences?
Even when those sentences aren't, like, questions? You know?
Declarative sentences - so-called
because they used to, like, DECLARE things to be true
as opposed to other things which were, like, not -
have been infected by a totally hip
and tragically cool interrogative tone? You know?
Like, don't think I'm uncool just because I've noticed this;
this is just like the word on the street, you know?
It's like what I've heard?
I have nothing personally invested in my own opinions, okay?
I'm just inviting you to join me in my uncertainty?
What has happened to our conviction?
Where are the limbs out on which we once walked?
Have they been, like, chopped down
with the rest of the rain forest?
Or do we have, like, nothing to say?
Has society become so, like, totally . . .
I mean absolutely . . . You know?
That we've just gotten to the point where it's just, like . . .
whatever!
And so actually our disarticulation . . . ness
is just a clever sort of . . . thing
to disguise the fact that we've become
the most aggressively inarticulate generation
to come along since . . .
you know, a long, long time ago!
I entreat you, I implore you, I exhort you,
I challenge you: To speak with conviction.
To say what you believe in a manner that bespeaks
the determination with which you believe it.
Because contrary to the wisdom of the bumper sticker,
it is not enough these days to simply QUESTION AUTHORITY.
You have to speak with it, too.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Consecration
Consecration. This word came up in our weekly elders prayer/meeting/discussion time this morning. We are hoping to clarify this for you in coming weeks during the worship service. Here's my first pass at it.
Having confessed our sin TO God and being reminded BY God of the finished work of Jesus Christ FOR us... we consecrate ourselves TO God. Meaning we say simply, "We are yours. We will be yours. You have us. Your kingdom come, in my life and through my life."
John Calvin, who gets a rap for being some unemotional inventer of the doctrine of election had a personal seal (as did many in his day). And it sounds like a 21st century praise song
"I offer you my heart, Lord, promptly and sincerely."
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it... seal it for Thy courts above.
Having confessed our sin TO God and being reminded BY God of the finished work of Jesus Christ FOR us... we consecrate ourselves TO God. Meaning we say simply, "We are yours. We will be yours. You have us. Your kingdom come, in my life and through my life."
John Calvin, who gets a rap for being some unemotional inventer of the doctrine of election had a personal seal (as did many in his day). And it sounds like a 21st century praise song
"I offer you my heart, Lord, promptly and sincerely."
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it... seal it for Thy courts above.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
The Great Work of God: Rain
In our text this week (acts 14) Paul mentions to a group of people unfamiliar with the work of God through His people Israel.... that God's witness to Himself had been "good things" like rain. That made me remember this tremendous meditation on the miracle Rain: Here's a portion:
"Well, if one inch of rain falls on one square mile of farmland during the night, that would be 27,878,400 cubic feet of water, which is 206,300,160 gallons, which is 1,650,501,280 pounds of water.
That's heavy. So how does it get up in the sky and stay up there if it's so heavy? Well, it gets up there by evaporation. Really? That's a nice word. What's it mean? It means that the water sort of stops being water for a while so it can go up and not down. I see. Then how does it get down? Well, condensation happens. What's that? The water starts becoming water again by gathering around little dust particles between .00001 and .0001 centimeters wide. That's small."
"Well, if one inch of rain falls on one square mile of farmland during the night, that would be 27,878,400 cubic feet of water, which is 206,300,160 gallons, which is 1,650,501,280 pounds of water.
That's heavy. So how does it get up in the sky and stay up there if it's so heavy? Well, it gets up there by evaporation. Really? That's a nice word. What's it mean? It means that the water sort of stops being water for a while so it can go up and not down. I see. Then how does it get down? Well, condensation happens. What's that? The water starts becoming water again by gathering around little dust particles between .00001 and .0001 centimeters wide. That's small."
Intro to Christ Community Church Seminar
The next Intro to Christ Community Church Seminar will be held September 22, 29 and October 6.
DVD of Christ Community
"Listen, why don't you just take this DVD. It is an overview of what you can expect at my church. It only lasts about 5 minutes, tops."
Several months ago a task force commissioned by the elders recommended that Christ Community develop a DVD that would "hasten the 1st visit" of a neighbor/friend/co-worker/family/new resident
known and loved by a Christ Communityite.
This morning I had the privilege of previewing that DVD. In a little while you will be blown away too.
Several months ago a task force commissioned by the elders recommended that Christ Community develop a DVD that would "hasten the 1st visit" of a neighbor/friend/co-worker/family/new resident
known and loved by a Christ Communityite.
This morning I had the privilege of previewing that DVD. In a little while you will be blown away too.
Feeling Constrained By Grace
"And never does the sinner find within himself so mighty a moral transformation, as when under the belief that he is saved by grace, he feels constrained thereby to offer his heart a devoted thing, and to deny ungodliness." --Thomas Chalmers
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Because because because
Remember the song in Wizard of Oz. Weird that i'd think of that while reading the scripture. The point is ... look at WHY the psalmist consecrates himself to God by declaring his love for God and his intention to trust him the rest of his life.... because God has heard him. Because God gave mercy. Because God cupped His holy hand over His ear and LISTENED. And so shall I. And so shall you.
"I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live."
ESV Bible Online: Passage: Psalm 116:
"I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live."
ESV Bible Online: Passage: Psalm 116:
House on Parker Road
Everything is progressing well for Christ Community to purchase the home and 3.8 acres on Parker Road on Monday August 15. We have not obtained the green light from the city to move our offices there (though we've been counseled NOT to expect problems). Besides strategically thinking about how best to use the space, we're working with the church calendar to set up a good time for the congregation to see the house and dedicate the house/property to God's glory.
Monday, July 25, 2005
new way of seeing
if all the unchurched people in the U.S. were to establish their own country, they would form the eleventh most populated nation on the planet.'
Larger excerpt...
Since the mid-1990s, the conversation among young pastors has evolved from reaching Generation X, to ministering in a postmodern culture, to a more mature and profitable investigation of what a movement of missionaries would look like, missionaries sent not from America to another nation but from America to America. This "reformission" is a radical call to reform the church's traditionally flawed view of missions as something carried out only in foreign lands and to focus instead on the urgent need in our own neighborhoods, which are filled with diverse cultures of Americans who desperately need the gospel of Jesus and life in his church. Most significant, they need a gospel and a church that are faithful both to the scriptural texts and to the cultural contexts of America. The timing of this reformission is critical. George Barna has said, "The first and most important statistic is that there are a lot of Americans who don't go to church—and their numbers are increasing. The figure has jumped from just 21 percent of the population in 1991 to 33 percent today. In fact, if all the unchurched people in the U.S. were to establish their own country, they would form the eleventh most populated nation on the planet."
What I am advocating is not an abandonment of missions across the globe but rather an emphasis on missions that begin across the street, like Jesus commanded (Acts 1:8).
http://www.christiancounterculture.com/articles/reachingout.html
link
Larger excerpt...
Since the mid-1990s, the conversation among young pastors has evolved from reaching Generation X, to ministering in a postmodern culture, to a more mature and profitable investigation of what a movement of missionaries would look like, missionaries sent not from America to another nation but from America to America. This "reformission" is a radical call to reform the church's traditionally flawed view of missions as something carried out only in foreign lands and to focus instead on the urgent need in our own neighborhoods, which are filled with diverse cultures of Americans who desperately need the gospel of Jesus and life in his church. Most significant, they need a gospel and a church that are faithful both to the scriptural texts and to the cultural contexts of America. The timing of this reformission is critical. George Barna has said, "The first and most important statistic is that there are a lot of Americans who don't go to church—and their numbers are increasing. The figure has jumped from just 21 percent of the population in 1991 to 33 percent today. In fact, if all the unchurched people in the U.S. were to establish their own country, they would form the eleventh most populated nation on the planet."
What I am advocating is not an abandonment of missions across the globe but rather an emphasis on missions that begin across the street, like Jesus commanded (Acts 1:8).
http://www.christiancounterculture.com/articles/reachingout.html
link
Saturday, July 23, 2005
They shook off the dust from their feet...
"their dust-shaking ceremony previewed the day when God himself will make an utter separation between those who have fled to him for refuge and those who have fled from him in rebellion. In a terrifying prelude to the final division, Jesus instructed his emissaries to give certain cities what they wanted: to withdraw the indicting and saving word of God from them." Dennis Johnson on Acts 13:51
Friday, July 22, 2005
If you need to cheat a little
Sunday Night at 6:30 we'll meet to discuss Pilgrim's Progress and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Here's some help.SparkNotes: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe: Plot Overview
Come whether you've read the books or not. Great activity planned for children as well. 6:30pm Hope Church (Tower & SW 20th Ave)
Here's some help.SparkNotes: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe: Plot Overview
Come whether you've read the books or not. Great activity planned for children as well. 6:30pm Hope Church (Tower & SW 20th Ave)
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Gospel Economics
It is always a good spiritual discipline
to reflect on the topic referenced
by Jesus more than
(almost) any other – Money.
We believe ALL of life
can only be properly understood
when viewed through the lens of
the gospel. It is only when we
understand our material possessions
in light of Christ’s sacrifi-
cial love for us that we can truly
have a healthy relationship
towards our material possessions.
Whose Money is It?
Historically there have been
several views on wealth and
property that influence our attitudes
today. Early Greek writings
reflect a view that money is
community property and should
be shared equally. Only in the
absolute redistribution of wealth
could a utopian society be
achieved. In sharp contrast to
this view was the Roman philosophy
that individuals had
absolute rights over their money
and property. Echoes of this
view are seen in our modern
capitalistic economy, and in our
tendency to bristle when the
topic of ‘our finances’ are discussed
in any kind of open
forum. A third view, as taught in
Scripture, is that we have a
‘qualified right’ over money and
property. In other words, God
has the ultimate ownership but
we have stewardship of our
money, property, and talents.
This view is radical in that it
teaches that we have been given
personal wealth and talents, but
that these gifts are to be invested
in God’s priorities.
Why is Money a “Problem”?
Understanding that all of our
possessions are actually on loan
to reflect on the topic referenced
by Jesus more than
(almost) any other – Money.
We believe ALL of life
can only be properly understood
when viewed through the lens of
the gospel. It is only when we
understand our material possessions
in light of Christ’s sacrifi-
cial love for us that we can truly
have a healthy relationship
towards our material possessions.
Whose Money is It?
Historically there have been
several views on wealth and
property that influence our attitudes
today. Early Greek writings
reflect a view that money is
community property and should
be shared equally. Only in the
absolute redistribution of wealth
could a utopian society be
achieved. In sharp contrast to
this view was the Roman philosophy
that individuals had
absolute rights over their money
and property. Echoes of this
view are seen in our modern
capitalistic economy, and in our
tendency to bristle when the
topic of ‘our finances’ are discussed
in any kind of open
forum. A third view, as taught in
Scripture, is that we have a
‘qualified right’ over money and
property. In other words, God
has the ultimate ownership but
we have stewardship of our
money, property, and talents.
This view is radical in that it
teaches that we have been given
personal wealth and talents, but
that these gifts are to be invested
in God’s priorities.
Why is Money a “Problem”?
Understanding that all of our
possessions are actually on loan
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Lean Hard!
"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain you." Psalm 55:22
It is by an act of simple, prayerful faith we transfer our cares and anxieties, our sorrows and needs, to the Lord. Jesus invites you come and lean upon Him, and to lean with all your might upon that arm that balances the universe, and upon that bosom that bled for you upon the soldier's spear! But you doubtingly ask, "Is the Lord able to do this thing for me ?" And thus, while you are debating a matter about which there is not the shadow of a shade of doubt, the burden is crushing your gentle spirit to the dust. And all the while Jesus stands at your side and lovingly says, "Cast your burden upon Me and I will sustain you. I am God Almighty. I bore the load of your sin and condemnation up the steep of Calvary, and the same power of omnipotence, and the same strength of love that bore it all for you then, is prepared to bear your need and sorrow now. Roll it all upon Me! Child of My love! Lean hard! Let Me feel the pressure of your care. I know your burden, child! I shaped it—I poised it in My own hand and made no proportion of its weight to your unaided strength. For even as I laid it on, I said I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, this burden shall be Mine, not hers. So shall I keep My child within the encircling arms of My own love. Here lay it down! Do not fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds! Yet closer come! You are not near enough! I would embrace your burden, so I might feel My child reposing on My breast. You love Me! I know it. Doubt not, then. But, loving me, lean hard!"
It is by an act of simple, prayerful faith we transfer our cares and anxieties, our sorrows and needs, to the Lord. Jesus invites you come and lean upon Him, and to lean with all your might upon that arm that balances the universe, and upon that bosom that bled for you upon the soldier's spear! But you doubtingly ask, "Is the Lord able to do this thing for me ?" And thus, while you are debating a matter about which there is not the shadow of a shade of doubt, the burden is crushing your gentle spirit to the dust. And all the while Jesus stands at your side and lovingly says, "Cast your burden upon Me and I will sustain you. I am God Almighty. I bore the load of your sin and condemnation up the steep of Calvary, and the same power of omnipotence, and the same strength of love that bore it all for you then, is prepared to bear your need and sorrow now. Roll it all upon Me! Child of My love! Lean hard! Let Me feel the pressure of your care. I know your burden, child! I shaped it—I poised it in My own hand and made no proportion of its weight to your unaided strength. For even as I laid it on, I said I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, this burden shall be Mine, not hers. So shall I keep My child within the encircling arms of My own love. Here lay it down! Do not fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds! Yet closer come! You are not near enough! I would embrace your burden, so I might feel My child reposing on My breast. You love Me! I know it. Doubt not, then. But, loving me, lean hard!"
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Sunday at Christ Community
10am worship in the theatre at Oak Hall
(PARKING continues to be a problem due to Oak Hall's work... you who are able should park farther away to allow easier parking for visitors and those who physically need it, thanks!)
(PARKING continues to be a problem due to Oak Hall's work... you who are able should park farther away to allow easier parking for visitors and those who physically need it, thanks!)
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Risk the Rain
I am aware that storm clouds are gathering.
Let that not stop you from driving to Kanapaha Park for the picnic. We still hope to eat and fellowship.
Let that not stop you from driving to Kanapaha Park for the picnic. We still hope to eat and fellowship.
How Good is Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe?
In revamping our website we wanted to put our doctrine up there in 2 formats; bullet point and narrative. So, today I was trying to think of an answer to this question:
"How do you tell the gospel in a story?"
Over and over again i returned to this thought: Lewis did it! What aspect of the gospel is missing in LWW. Made me all the more excited about re-reading it this month.
"How do you tell the gospel in a story?"
Over and over again i returned to this thought: Lewis did it! What aspect of the gospel is missing in LWW. Made me all the more excited about re-reading it this month.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Backward and Forward
"Living between the two comings of Christ, Christians are to look backward and forward: back to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb, whereby salvation was won for them; forward to their meeting with Christ beyond this world, their personal resurrection, and the joy of being with their Savior in glory forever." --J.I. Packer
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Declaration of Independence
I know on Sunday I mentioned that I, as a good American, had read the Declaration of Independence prior to Monday's holiday. Well, actually I just watched the movie "National Treasure." (Nicholas Cage is a great actor.)
But you can read the actual document here: Declaration of Independence
But you can read the actual document here: Declaration of Independence
Sunday, July 03, 2005
NOTE MEETING LOCATION SUNDAY July 3!! Baughmann Chapel
Is ours Sunday! Join us 10am Directions & Parking
Save the Dates
Wednesday Evening July 13th
All-Church Picnic
At
Kanapaha Park
A-K bring a side dish
L-Z bring a dessert
Drinks, meat, and paper goods will be provided for you.
Sunday July 24th at Hope Church
Book Discussion (of Pilgrim’s Progress & Lion Witch & Wardrobe) and
Children’s Craft Night
All-Church Picnic
At
Kanapaha Park
A-K bring a side dish
L-Z bring a dessert
Drinks, meat, and paper goods will be provided for you.
Sunday July 24th at Hope Church
Book Discussion (of Pilgrim’s Progress & Lion Witch & Wardrobe) and
Children’s Craft Night
Ancient Words
I know some of you will want the lyric to the wonderful song that Kelly MacGregor sang on Sunday morning.
Ancient Words
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart
Ancient Words
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
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