9am classes
10am worship
sermon will be from text in acts where young boy fell asleep as preacher went on and on...
Friday, March 24, 2006
fyi for my artist friends, and those who know art's power!
you can now download the International Arts Movement's "Artist as Reconcilers" lecture by Dana Gioia for FREE via iTunes.
--Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Keynote speech at International Arts Movement's "Artist as Reconcilers" conference, February 23, 2006, Cooper Union University, New York City.
Catch the inspiration! Go to iTunes (download from http://www.appl e.com/itunes ) under "music store." Search for "IAM" and click on subscription for "International Arts Movement." Dana Gioia's speech and two other lectures will download on your computer for free.
--Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Keynote speech at International Arts Movement's "Artist as Reconcilers" conference, February 23, 2006, Cooper Union University, New York City.
Catch the inspiration! Go to iTunes (download from http://www.appl e.com/itunes ) under "music store." Search for "IAM" and click on subscription for "International Arts Movement." Dana Gioia's speech and two other lectures will download on your computer for free.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
playing division III league christianity
as march madness unfolds and the whole world watches division I college basketball (as they should)... i think i know how a division III player might feel as he watches the D.I guys play.... "They are playing a different game than I am! That is how big is the gap between them and me."
That's how I (et toi?) feel when reading about this brother who may be killed in afghanistan. why? he's following Jesus. like i am... in a Division III sort of way.
That's how I (et toi?) feel when reading about this brother who may be killed in afghanistan. why? he's following Jesus. like i am... in a Division III sort of way.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
lewis & keller on pride & humility
Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call 'humble' nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all. CS Lewis
It was this statement that led Tim Keller (i think) to say:
"Humility isn't thinking less of yourself;
it is thinking of yourself less."
It was this statement that led Tim Keller (i think) to say:
"Humility isn't thinking less of yourself;
it is thinking of yourself less."
lewis
The more pride one has, the more one dislikes pride in others. In fact, if you want to find out how proud you are the easiest way is to ask yourself, 'How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, or shove their oar in, or patronise me, or show off?' The point is that each person's pride is in competition with every one else's pride. It is because I wanted to be the big noise at the party that I am so annoyed at someone else being the big noise.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Friday, March 17, 2006
Easter Sunday Announcement
We will be having 2 services on the campus of Oak Hall school
9:00am
and
10:30am
we are making room for the people you will invite
April 16 is easter
9:00am
and
10:30am
we are making room for the people you will invite
April 16 is easter
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
which type are you?
a.) As a non-Christian I was invited to a Christian gathering and later became a follower of Jesus
b.) i was raised in a christian home by Jesus followers ... who had begun following him because someone reached out to them
c.) I'm not there yet
if this is totally confusing... think of this way... how did Jesus come to you?
2 examples:
I was on a college campus and my fraternity brothers invited me to a bible study... and that was the beginning.
Jesus has been like air and water to me. I've never known a day i didn't need him and trust him. Of course, I've grown in my appreciation & commitment, but i don't have a "starting point"... why? because my dad was invited to a fraternity bible study.
I am seeking these kinds of stories from all our members... start thinking!
b.) i was raised in a christian home by Jesus followers ... who had begun following him because someone reached out to them
c.) I'm not there yet
if this is totally confusing... think of this way... how did Jesus come to you?
2 examples:
I was on a college campus and my fraternity brothers invited me to a bible study... and that was the beginning.
Jesus has been like air and water to me. I've never known a day i didn't need him and trust him. Of course, I've grown in my appreciation & commitment, but i don't have a "starting point"... why? because my dad was invited to a fraternity bible study.
I am seeking these kinds of stories from all our members... start thinking!
Weezer
what a great name! anyway, a friend just sent me lyrics to one of their songs... and they make you think about friends of ours who literally will be found by the love of God.... through us
Tell me there's a logic out there.
Leading me to better prepare
For the day that something really special might come.
Tell me there's some hope for me.
I don't wanna be lonely
For the rest of my days on the earth.
Easter is coming and it is a great time for telling.
Tell me there's a logic out there.
Leading me to better prepare
For the day that something really special might come.
Tell me there's some hope for me.
I don't wanna be lonely
For the rest of my days on the earth.
Easter is coming and it is a great time for telling.
Sports and Kids
My passion for my son as he plays sports is that he would please and glorify God. I want him to grow in godliness, not simply athletic ability. You see, Chad will never play professional sports. His participation in sports is temporary and meant to be preparatory. Like his father, he will inevitably grow old and only be able to walk for recreation or play golf poorly. But, by the grace of God, sports can help him grow in godly character and prepare him for manhood. His participation in sports can equip him to fulfill his calling as a man to humbly and courageously serve and lead in the home, church and culture. But for that to happen, a father must teach his son to discern and adopt biblical priorities and practices while playing sports.
here is all
here is all
Sports and Kids
My passion for my son as he plays sports is that he would please and glorify God. I want him to grow in godliness, not simply athletic ability. You see, Chad will never play professional sports. His participation in sports is temporary and meant to be preparatory. Like his father, he will inevitably grow old and only be able to walk for recreation or play golf poorly. But, by the grace of God, sports can help him grow in godly character and prepare him for manhood. His participation in sports can equip him to fulfill his calling as a man to humbly and courageously serve and lead in the home, church and culture. But for that to happen, a father must teach his son to discern and adopt biblical priorities and practices while playing sports.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
read this, couple times, pray it for Christ Community
"He who is alone with his sin is utterly alone. It may be that Christians, notwithstanding corporate worship, common prayer, and all their…service, may still be left to their loneliness. The final break through to fellowship does not occur, because though they have fellowship with one another as believers and as devout people, they do not have fellowship as the undevout, as sinners. The pious fellowship permits no one to be a sinner. So everybody must conceal his sin from himself and the fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among them. So we remain alone with our sin, living lies and hypocrisy. The fact is we are sinners. But it is the grace of the Gospel, which is so hard for the pious to understand, that it confronts us with the truth and says: You are a sinner, a great desperate sinner; now come as the sinner that you are, to God who loves you…He does not want anything from you, a sacrifice, a work; He wants you alone. God has come to save the sinner."
---Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
---Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
thoughts on prayer, and prayers
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life;
but above all, for your inestimable love
in the redemption of the world
by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. –Book o’ Common Pryr
Philip. 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Believers don’t pray with the view of informing God about things unknown to Him, or of exciting Him to do His duty, or of urging Him as though He were reluctant. On the contrary, we pray in order that we may arouse ourselves to seek Him, that we may exercise faith in meditating on His promises, that we may relieve ourselves from anxieties by pouring them into His bosom; in a word, that we may declare that from Him alone we hope and expect, both for ourselves and for others, all good things.
--John Calvin
Thou art coming
to a King;
Large petitions
with thee bring.
--John Newton, i think
but above all, for your inestimable love
in the redemption of the world
by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. –Book o’ Common Pryr
Philip. 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Believers don’t pray with the view of informing God about things unknown to Him, or of exciting Him to do His duty, or of urging Him as though He were reluctant. On the contrary, we pray in order that we may arouse ourselves to seek Him, that we may exercise faith in meditating on His promises, that we may relieve ourselves from anxieties by pouring them into His bosom; in a word, that we may declare that from Him alone we hope and expect, both for ourselves and for others, all good things.
--John Calvin
Thou art coming
to a King;
Large petitions
with thee bring.
--John Newton, i think
Monday, March 13, 2006
the acts 19 discussion of loyalties...
here is the chorus that popped in my head y'day while preaching that Christians should lead the way in repentance, confessing and walking away from lesser agendas:
my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
it's to a king & a kingdom
--Derek Webb
my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
it's to a king & a kingdom
--Derek Webb
new class at Study Center
MONDAY March 20th, 8:00pm
"JESUS AND THE PSALMS" Jesus and the Apostles who wrote the New Testament saw the Psalms as pointing to Jesus and as fulfilled in him. In this class we will look at the way that Jesus and the Apostles developed this understanding, and we will look at the several specific psalms and the New Testament passages that relate them to Jesus.
----taught by Richard Horner
"JESUS AND THE PSALMS" Jesus and the Apostles who wrote the New Testament saw the Psalms as pointing to Jesus and as fulfilled in him. In this class we will look at the way that Jesus and the Apostles developed this understanding, and we will look at the several specific psalms and the New Testament passages that relate them to Jesus.
----taught by Richard Horner
your friends
Good questions i came across... regarding our relationships with those who aren't participants in the Kingdom of God.... yet.
Who are you praying for?
When is your next scheduled time to spend time with them?
What do you enjoy about them?
What about them can you enthusiastically commend to your children?
Do you know (or only think you know?) what their current explanation for the world is? What story are they living in?
Who is God to them?
made me think...
Who are you praying for?
When is your next scheduled time to spend time with them?
What do you enjoy about them?
What about them can you enthusiastically commend to your children?
Do you know (or only think you know?) what their current explanation for the world is? What story are they living in?
Who is God to them?
made me think...
Saturday, March 11, 2006
pushing a movie i haven't seen
you netflix folks, lemme know when you cue itBetween Two Worlds: Sophie Scholl
Sunday
9am classes
10am worship, (children's church dismissed prior to sermon message)
worship folder available as pdf at church website
10am worship, (children's church dismissed prior to sermon message)
worship folder available as pdf at church website
Thursday, March 09, 2006
"That was the first time I skipped communion."
This is what a visitor once said to me when they came to Christ Community. "That was the first time I skipped communion. I don't know or trust Jesus the way you said communion represents."
Lately I've been thinking on the question and wondered how you might answer:
"Have you ever had what you'd call an encounter with God--like my friend had--when you were preparing for or taking communion???"
let me know, really
robp AT christcommunitychurch DOT com
Lately I've been thinking on the question and wondered how you might answer:
"Have you ever had what you'd call an encounter with God--like my friend had--when you were preparing for or taking communion???"
let me know, really
robp AT christcommunitychurch DOT com
Philosophy on a Coffee Cup
my starbucks y'day had a new "Way I see it" quote:
"It's difficult for people to get rid of things and let them define who they are. If there's one thing I've learned in this business, it's that you are what you can't let go of." --Brian Scudamore, founder/ceo of 1-800-got-junk?
then i learned npr had a segment on the quote.... hmmmmNPR : Philosophy on a Coffee Cup
...then i remembered some folks at church are asking for your junk to benefit missions...
"It's difficult for people to get rid of things and let them define who they are. If there's one thing I've learned in this business, it's that you are what you can't let go of." --Brian Scudamore, founder/ceo of 1-800-got-junk?
then i learned npr had a segment on the quote.... hmmmmNPR : Philosophy on a Coffee Cup
...then i remembered some folks at church are asking for your junk to benefit missions...
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
interesting
Single--the new normal
It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that married couples with children constitute a decreasing percentage of American households. This trend has been in place for several decades. The big surprise, according to U.S. Census Bureau numbers, is that married couples with children are no longer the most common type of household--they're number two now (22%), followed by married couples without children (21%).
The most common type of American household today is a single adult living alone: no roommates, no relatives, no kids. More than 26% of all American households meet this description. That number is projected to increase to 30% by 2010. The U.S.'s 86 million single adults could soon define the new majority. Already, unmarrieds make up 42% of the workforce, 40% of home buyers, 35% of voters and one of the most potent consumer groups on record.
According to the Institute for American Values, people are hardwired to connect with others. Meeting the basic needs for connection is essential to health and human flourishing. So how does this singleness trend affect our culture and our churches? Singles still need a way to fill their need to connect. The church is an ideal environment for singles to connect with others. As the reality of unmarried America sinks in, churches need to become increasingly friendly to singles.
Sources: BusinessWeek Online
It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that married couples with children constitute a decreasing percentage of American households. This trend has been in place for several decades. The big surprise, according to U.S. Census Bureau numbers, is that married couples with children are no longer the most common type of household--they're number two now (22%), followed by married couples without children (21%).
The most common type of American household today is a single adult living alone: no roommates, no relatives, no kids. More than 26% of all American households meet this description. That number is projected to increase to 30% by 2010. The U.S.'s 86 million single adults could soon define the new majority. Already, unmarrieds make up 42% of the workforce, 40% of home buyers, 35% of voters and one of the most potent consumer groups on record.
According to the Institute for American Values, people are hardwired to connect with others. Meeting the basic needs for connection is essential to health and human flourishing. So how does this singleness trend affect our culture and our churches? Singles still need a way to fill their need to connect. The church is an ideal environment for singles to connect with others. As the reality of unmarried America sinks in, churches need to become increasingly friendly to singles.
Sources: BusinessWeek Online
Ephesus - getting to know the city
"Beginning in the Roman Republic, Ephesus was the capital of proconsular Asia, which covered the western part of Asia Minor. The city bore the title of 'the first and greatest metropolis of Asia.' It was distinguished for the Temple of Artemis (Diana), who had her chief shrine there, for its library, and for its theatre, which would have been capable of holding 25,000 spectators. It was, like all ancient theatres, open to the sky; it was used initially for drama, but during later Roman times gladiatorial combats were also held on its stage. The population of Ephesus has been estimated to be in the range of 400,000 to 500,000 inhabitants in the year 100 AD, making it one of the largest cities of the day. "Ephesus - Wikipedia:
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
women's gathering
wednesday nite
a chance to drop by and/or hang out with other women of Christ Community and gainesville
see the church website link to the right---> to get all the details
a chance to drop by and/or hang out with other women of Christ Community and gainesville
see the church website link to the right---> to get all the details
Monday, March 06, 2006
lent fasting and sunday celebrating
many people have asked me what's the deal with fasting during lent
do you have to fast during lent? no
do you have to fast as a Christian? seems pretty standard to Jesus in sermon on mount
what is fasting? i've seen it as the voluntary abstaining from some good thing... or dramatically reducing your intake of some good thing (examples are endless: i've known people to give up chocolate, ice cream, meat, tv, etc OR to reduce portion sizes or internet time, et al)
WHY? This is the biggie. Fasting that is done to manipulate God or make you feel religious is worthless, literally. Fasting that is a physical expression of the heart cry: "God, I want more of you! I'm so quick to pacify myself and numb my longings and i want to stop. Let every desire (for these good things i'm fasting from)point me to you as the giver of that good thing and make me long for you and the coming of your Kingdom the way that i long for this thing I'm saying no to temporarily.
Now, Sundays are different. My understanding from an Anglican friend is... you are not allowed to abstain or be moderate on Sunday. Sunday is our taste of heaven and there we shall feast on every good thing. The resurrection is re-celebrated each Lord's Day and you just can't not (double negative purposeful) party.
All of this is based on church tradition and some are against it just because of that. Whatever YOU do... do it all to the glory of God.
tomorrow i'll put up some resources on fasting
do you have to fast during lent? no
do you have to fast as a Christian? seems pretty standard to Jesus in sermon on mount
what is fasting? i've seen it as the voluntary abstaining from some good thing... or dramatically reducing your intake of some good thing (examples are endless: i've known people to give up chocolate, ice cream, meat, tv, etc OR to reduce portion sizes or internet time, et al)
WHY? This is the biggie. Fasting that is done to manipulate God or make you feel religious is worthless, literally. Fasting that is a physical expression of the heart cry: "God, I want more of you! I'm so quick to pacify myself and numb my longings and i want to stop. Let every desire (for these good things i'm fasting from)point me to you as the giver of that good thing and make me long for you and the coming of your Kingdom the way that i long for this thing I'm saying no to temporarily.
Now, Sundays are different. My understanding from an Anglican friend is... you are not allowed to abstain or be moderate on Sunday. Sunday is our taste of heaven and there we shall feast on every good thing. The resurrection is re-celebrated each Lord's Day and you just can't not (double negative purposeful) party.
All of this is based on church tradition and some are against it just because of that. Whatever YOU do... do it all to the glory of God.
tomorrow i'll put up some resources on fasting
Acts 19 has this powerful summary statement
The word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
What does that look like? What do you think of?
What does that look like? What do you think of?
Friday, March 03, 2006
tonite and sunday
tonite: ken meyers at Christian study center 8pm
sunday:
9am classes
10am worship, Lord's Supper Celebration
Please pray that God will come powerfully to our meeting Sunday and exalt Christ in our midst... drawing everyone to faith in Him.
sunday:
9am classes
10am worship, Lord's Supper Celebration
Please pray that God will come powerfully to our meeting Sunday and exalt Christ in our midst... drawing everyone to faith in Him.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
'tis Ash Wednesday, the day we are reminded that we are dust returning to dust
speaking recently with a newer Christian and he invited me to re-enter the wonder that comes from realizing we (little us!) have been made by the infinite-eternal God... and He cares for us... enough to take on flesh and live & die in our stead.
as you wrestle with the obvious sin God will show many of you during Lent... wrestle believing the gospel... that the sin exposed is forgiven, the wrath due has been received... by Jesus, for you.
wrestle well
speaking recently with a newer Christian and he invited me to re-enter the wonder that comes from realizing we (little us!) have been made by the infinite-eternal God... and He cares for us... enough to take on flesh and live & die in our stead.
as you wrestle with the obvious sin God will show many of you during Lent... wrestle believing the gospel... that the sin exposed is forgiven, the wrath due has been received... by Jesus, for you.
wrestle well
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The times, they are a changin'
Missions Incredible - Christianity Today Magazine: "South Korea sends more missionaries than any country but the U.S. And it won't be long before it's number one."
Monday, February 27, 2006
good quote, good guy--Friday 8pm @ study center
Ken Myers wisely writes: " … 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."
If we read at all during a media fast, we limit ourselves to something that nourishes the soul — slowly, meditatively. (taken from l'ship journal, i think)
i post this b/c lent starts wednesday and media fast is on my radar (yours?) and Ken Myers is speaking friday nite at Christian Study Center
If we read at all during a media fast, we limit ourselves to something that nourishes the soul — slowly, meditatively. (taken from l'ship journal, i think)
i post this b/c lent starts wednesday and media fast is on my radar (yours?) and Ken Myers is speaking friday nite at Christian Study Center
Letter to the editor
rare is the paragraph you remember from a book you read in 1997... here is one...
it is a suggested letter to the editor from the The Bible-believing church to our community...
In recognition of our sins against God and our neighbors, by seeking our own interests and confusing our own aspirations with the will of God, we ask for your forgiveness. Our witness has often been marked by our own greed, power, scandal, self-righteousness, and competitiveness even with each other. We have not modeled the life of God’s kingdom, nor have we served our chief purpose in terms of proclaiming the eternal realities which give hope and meaning to our lives here and now. When you came to our churches for bread, too often you were given stones. When you sought water to quench your eternal thirst, we were too busy with secondary pursuits. As we have received God’s forgiveness, we ask for yours. And if you want to give us another hearing, we would like to get to know you- regardless of your ideology, politics, beliefs, or values. We may not agree with you, but this time you’ll hear something about God and His kingdom. This time, we’ll give you bread. We promise.
-Michael S. Horton, BEYOND CULTURE WARS
it is a suggested letter to the editor from the The Bible-believing church to our community...
In recognition of our sins against God and our neighbors, by seeking our own interests and confusing our own aspirations with the will of God, we ask for your forgiveness. Our witness has often been marked by our own greed, power, scandal, self-righteousness, and competitiveness even with each other. We have not modeled the life of God’s kingdom, nor have we served our chief purpose in terms of proclaiming the eternal realities which give hope and meaning to our lives here and now. When you came to our churches for bread, too often you were given stones. When you sought water to quench your eternal thirst, we were too busy with secondary pursuits. As we have received God’s forgiveness, we ask for yours. And if you want to give us another hearing, we would like to get to know you- regardless of your ideology, politics, beliefs, or values. We may not agree with you, but this time you’ll hear something about God and His kingdom. This time, we’ll give you bread. We promise.
-Michael S. Horton, BEYOND CULTURE WARS
random leftovers from y'days sermon
1. i blew it by forgetting/failing to tell you that Jesus loved God the way that the catechism question said is demanded by the 1st commandment. and that record of righteousness is OURS, received by faith.
2. Apollos never received baptism in Jesus' name, or baptism for the forgiveness of sins... which is troublesome if one thinks that a certain water baptism is a requisite for salvation
3. 19:1 as paul enters ephesus/achaia... this is a door that was SHUT by the Holy Spirit 2-3 years prior (remember acts 16? when the HS wouldn't let Paul go there?)
Are their doors that God previously shut for you that He may be opening now. Is one shut by Him today that He may open later?
4. One more on baptism... some churches/groups that want to say, "We do baptism just like the bible teaches!" are very inconsistent, in my opinion. Example, they may say the Ephesus 12 weren't saved until they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. But that same church/group will not be as strident in demanding verse 6, the tongues and prophesy. Seems inconsistent, hmmm?
This is where I have more respect for the snake-handling pentecostals who seek to be consistent with their bible interpretation (i.e. hermeneutic.
2. Apollos never received baptism in Jesus' name, or baptism for the forgiveness of sins... which is troublesome if one thinks that a certain water baptism is a requisite for salvation
3. 19:1 as paul enters ephesus/achaia... this is a door that was SHUT by the Holy Spirit 2-3 years prior (remember acts 16? when the HS wouldn't let Paul go there?)
Are their doors that God previously shut for you that He may be opening now. Is one shut by Him today that He may open later?
4. One more on baptism... some churches/groups that want to say, "We do baptism just like the bible teaches!" are very inconsistent, in my opinion. Example, they may say the Ephesus 12 weren't saved until they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. But that same church/group will not be as strident in demanding verse 6, the tongues and prophesy. Seems inconsistent, hmmm?
This is where I have more respect for the snake-handling pentecostals who seek to be consistent with their bible interpretation (i.e. hermeneutic.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Sunday at Oak Hall when Christ Community Gathers
9am Classes
<> Children's
<> Richard Horner on "Gospel of Luke" in MEDIA CENTER
<> Intro to Christ Community Seminar, teacher Rob Pendley, Room 13
10am Worship in the theater
Children's church for age 5-grade 2 will be dismissed prior to sermon
<> Children's
<> Richard Horner on "Gospel of Luke" in MEDIA CENTER
<> Intro to Christ Community Seminar, teacher Rob Pendley, Room 13
10am Worship in the theater
Children's church for age 5-grade 2 will be dismissed prior to sermon
Teachers needed
Teachers are still needed for El Shaddai School in Miami, and a teacher and medical doctor are needed to work in Haiti. For more information and to apply, please contact Dony St. Germain at 305-688-0344 or dstgermain AT pcanet DOT org
Friday, February 24, 2006
"We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
this is what the group Paul ran into in Acts 19 says... I'll deal w/ them Sunday. (Lord willing)
For now... just thinking of what they said has made me think of conversations i've had w/ adults who grew up in bible-believing churches and say the same thing. "We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
How grievous! May it not be so of anyone who spends any time in Christ Community. May the children who grow up here love the Holy Spirit... knowing & cherishing how He brings them to Christ and Christ to them... daily!
For now... just thinking of what they said has made me think of conversations i've had w/ adults who grew up in bible-believing churches and say the same thing. "We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
How grievous! May it not be so of anyone who spends any time in Christ Community. May the children who grow up here love the Holy Spirit... knowing & cherishing how He brings them to Christ and Christ to them... daily!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
opportunity
Christ Community Church would like to let you know about an opportunity to help serve the church. Part of meeting at the Oak Hall campus includes un-locking the facilities and putting up signs to direct people to services, classes, child care, etc. We are recruiting people to help with these duties. The job requires about an hour total out of each weekend that you serve. Participants are usually scheduled once or twice per bi-monthly period. If you are interested in helping serve in this capacity, please contact Mark O'Neal (336-2613, mwoneal AT gmail DOT com).
spurgeon
“When you see a man with a great deal of religion displayed in his shop window, you may depend upon it... he keeps a very small stock of it within”
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Coming to a rooftop near you...
... me! Screaming, "Come to Richard Horner's 9am class on Luke" Sundays at Oak Hall when CCC gathers
Today a bright young student told me they were personally studying Luke and I said, "What do you think of Richard's class?" Silence. "What class?"
Dude, his class on Luke. Seriously, this is a golden opportunity to learn from a wise man. 9am, Sunday.
Today a bright young student told me they were personally studying Luke and I said, "What do you think of Richard's class?" Silence. "What class?"
Dude, his class on Luke. Seriously, this is a golden opportunity to learn from a wise man. 9am, Sunday.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
16 times as much
"The Church is so important... you might say that when two Christians are following Christ together there is not twice as much Christianity as when they are apart, but sixteen times as much." CS Lewis
Dessert Offer
If you are new/newer to Christ Community... you are welcome to come to my home Friday night for dessert.
7:00-8:15pm
The other elders and i hope to meet you there and get to know you a bit.
Call office for details or to reserve your spot.
379-4949
7:00-8:15pm
The other elders and i hope to meet you there and get to know you a bit.
Call office for details or to reserve your spot.
379-4949
a comment from a reader
Yesterday's post (on naked or clothed) Makes me think of… true Christianity being done out of a fullness, rather than an emptiness. The elder brother (in luke 15) “slaves” for his father because he’s looking to be filled, rather than because he really, in actuality, already IS filled (with the riches of the father, as the parable goes)…. sometimes you just need to sit and be filled before you go out and serve…because if you leave when you’re empty, you’re doing it all on your own….stay a while, sit by the Father and the Son and be filled by the Spirit before you go out and do. Of course, there’s an extreme to that that’s dangerous, but most people, as you’ve mentioned and I’m finally agreeing--in our circles need to do more sitting and less doing, at least for a little.
Amen.
Amen.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Clothed or Naked?
"This is the difference between true Christianity and human religiousness. The former is founded upon the fact of a man's being clothed; the latter, upon the fact of his being naked. The former has for its starting point what the latter has for its goal. All that a true Christian does is because he is clothed—perfectly clothed; all that a mere religious person does is in order that he may be clothed. This makes a vast difference." CH Mackintosh, Notes on Genesis, 1879
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Sunday February 19
9am classes
10am worship
baptism, membership vows, preaching on Acts 18 and
you'll hear a report from Sid and me on our Mexico trip... and we'll sing...
You said, "Ask and I’ll give the nations to you," Oh Lord
That’s the cry of my heart,
Distant shores and the islands will see,
Your light, as it rises on earth
10am worship
baptism, membership vows, preaching on Acts 18 and
you'll hear a report from Sid and me on our Mexico trip... and we'll sing...
You said, "Ask and I’ll give the nations to you," Oh Lord
That’s the cry of my heart,
Distant shores and the islands will see,
Your light, as it rises on earth
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
leave it to God
“I know the words ‘leave it to God’ can be misunderstood, but they must stay for the moment. The sense in which a Christian leaves it to God is that he puts all his trust in Christ: trusts that Christ will somehow share with him the perfect human obedience which He carried out from His birth to His crucifixion: that Christ will make the man more like Himself, and in a sense, make good his deficiencies. If you like to put it that way, Christ offers something for nothing: He even offers everything for nothing. In a sense the whole Christian life consists in accepting that very remarkable offer. But the difficulty is to reach the point of recognizing that all we have done and can do is nothing. What we should have liked would be for God to count our good points and ignore our bad ones…if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already.” C S Lewis, Christian Behavior
catechism excerpt that is powerful--updated
The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him; being zealous for him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in anything he is offended; and walking humbly with him. --larger catechism
last night at dinner we thought through these words and offered answers to these questions:
1.) Which one of these things has God's Spirit empowered you to do lately
2.) Which one of these have you known none of lately?
After thinking about this amazing list and having God's Spirit humble you and drive you to the cross... this is what to keep in mind. Jesus perfectly obedied all 23-28 of these things ALL THE TIME. And that record of righteousness which He built for 30+ years... IS YOURS! Whenever you confess your sin, remember that the God deals with you according to the obedience of Jesus. He dealt with Jesus according to your failure. Praise His holy name!
last night at dinner we thought through these words and offered answers to these questions:
1.) Which one of these things has God's Spirit empowered you to do lately
2.) Which one of these have you known none of lately?
After thinking about this amazing list and having God's Spirit humble you and drive you to the cross... this is what to keep in mind. Jesus perfectly obedied all 23-28 of these things ALL THE TIME. And that record of righteousness which He built for 30+ years... IS YOURS! Whenever you confess your sin, remember that the God deals with you according to the obedience of Jesus. He dealt with Jesus according to your failure. Praise His holy name!
a day after valentines.... but good gospel stuff
--when i was in orlando at a training/renewal worshop, one of the presenters was a gifted lady from Atlanta... while reflecting on God's work in her marriage she said this:
I am most grateful that my husband keeps learning that no one can pursue, strongly lead and cherish me the way he can.
...that when I’m withdrawn and discouraged, his gentle wooing speaks volumes...when I’m masking deep hurt with anger, his strong, consistent pursuit melts me like nothing else
...when darkness has masked Jesus face, I have felt another strong hand leading me home
....and when it’s all said and done, and we are at The great marriage feast I will recognize the tastes and sounds and smells. The dance will be vaguely familiar. For hints of the realm unknown have drifted across the border land. And I have caught glimpses of what is yet to come. My husband has shown me the way.
--Sheri Thomas
I am most grateful that my husband keeps learning that no one can pursue, strongly lead and cherish me the way he can.
...that when I’m withdrawn and discouraged, his gentle wooing speaks volumes...when I’m masking deep hurt with anger, his strong, consistent pursuit melts me like nothing else
...when darkness has masked Jesus face, I have felt another strong hand leading me home
....and when it’s all said and done, and we are at The great marriage feast I will recognize the tastes and sounds and smells. The dance will be vaguely familiar. For hints of the realm unknown have drifted across the border land. And I have caught glimpses of what is yet to come. My husband has shown me the way.
--Sheri Thomas
Intro to Christ Community starts Feb 26
I'll be teaching on the basics of life in Christ Community. If you are:
--new or newer to CCC OR
--desiring membership OR
--more than 3 years removed from removed from the Intro seminar
... then i encourage you to join me for 6 sunday mornings at 9am. We'll discuss the the gospel, the church's future, the gospel, evangelism, the gospel, repentance, the gospel, community groups at CCC, membership, the gospel, the Oakland Raiders, mercy, the gospel... et al
If you are involved with Richard Horner's class, stay there! You can do Intro later.
--new or newer to CCC OR
--desiring membership OR
--more than 3 years removed from removed from the Intro seminar
... then i encourage you to join me for 6 sunday mornings at 9am. We'll discuss the the gospel, the church's future, the gospel, evangelism, the gospel, repentance, the gospel, community groups at CCC, membership, the gospel, the Oakland Raiders, mercy, the gospel... et al
If you are involved with Richard Horner's class, stay there! You can do Intro later.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Good & Concise Meditation on Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is a good time to remember that we are called to love others more than ourselves, and to give ourselves in love through daily deeds of sacrificial service.
To think about these noble virtues is to be reminded of Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
full text here
To think about these noble virtues is to be reminded of Jesus Christ, the lover of our souls. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
full text here
an old friend
not sure why... but sin has been on my mind and heart today... and i stumbled across this definition of sin from a writer who has helped/influenced me tremendously... so much that i call him an old friend... chew on this by(Richard Lovelace) ". . . the structure of sin in the human personality is far more complicated than the isolated acts and thoughts of deliberate disobedience commonly designated in the world. In its biblical definition, sin cannot be limited to isolated instances or patterns of wrongdoing; it is something much more akin to the psychological term complex: an organic network of compulsive attitudes, beliefs, and behavior deeply rooted in alienation from God. Sin originated in the darkening of the human mind and heart as man turned from the truth about God to embrace a lie about him and consequently a whole universe of lies about his creation. Sinful thoughts, words and deeds flow forth from this darkened heart automatically and compulsively, as water from a polluted fountain..."
ESV Bible Online: Passage: 1 John 3
ESV Bible Online: Passage: 1 John 3: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears [1] we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. "
Monday, February 13, 2006
back at mi casa
sid gaitonde and i are back in gnv and you'll hear more in days to come... excellent trip, thank you for praying
Sunday, February 12, 2006
heading home tomorrow
hoping that you have had a wonderful day together... worshipping God and hearing of His great love through steve´s teaching on hell... then the chocolate event tonite...
sid and i continue to be encouraged by the beginnings of a movement we are seeing in northern mexico... it is hard for us to imagine why a group of people from america would be so strengthening to these small mexican churches... but tonite when it dawned on me that about 2 percent of their population is evangelical christian== the Christians here really are a minority...
sid and i will be talking with many of you about opportunities to visit here and play a role in encouraging the churches and learning about the glory of God as he builds his church in mexico.... we are scheduled to arrive home tomorrow evening
on of the churches is made up of young professionals and students and you can
see their website here
hasta luega
sid and i continue to be encouraged by the beginnings of a movement we are seeing in northern mexico... it is hard for us to imagine why a group of people from america would be so strengthening to these small mexican churches... but tonite when it dawned on me that about 2 percent of their population is evangelical christian== the Christians here really are a minority...
sid and i will be talking with many of you about opportunities to visit here and play a role in encouraging the churches and learning about the glory of God as he builds his church in mexico.... we are scheduled to arrive home tomorrow evening
on of the churches is made up of young professionals and students and you can
see their website here
hasta luega
Saturday, February 11, 2006
monterrey update from Sid
So far the trip to monterrey has been a spiritually strengthening experience for all the people on this trip. This being my first mission trip i am amazed at how our Lord has been moving in the life of our Mexican brethren and how passionately they are seeking for His glory.
The church planters who have established these churches are people of very modest resources who have had to combat many adversities to establish these churches, but it is just facinating to hear their stories and experience how our Father has provided for means to spread the gospel in the surrounding areas. Speaking with some of the members, it is very interesting to note that almost all of them are new beleivers who have some very compelling evidence of how the holy spirit is moving in their lives.
Being here has made us realize the tremendous opportunity and potential we have been provided by our Lord to help these churches to grow and develop and spread the Good News to people who have had no access to it so far.
The church planters who have established these churches are people of very modest resources who have had to combat many adversities to establish these churches, but it is just facinating to hear their stories and experience how our Father has provided for means to spread the gospel in the surrounding areas. Speaking with some of the members, it is very interesting to note that almost all of them are new beleivers who have some very compelling evidence of how the holy spirit is moving in their lives.
Being here has made us realize the tremendous opportunity and potential we have been provided by our Lord to help these churches to grow and develop and spread the Good News to people who have had no access to it so far.
Friday, February 10, 2006
hola from monterrey
sid and i had the privilege of having lunch with a pastor of a section of monterrey that is growing rapidly... 10 years ago the area had 300 families... today 1000
the church is called BETHEL and the pastor was overflowing with thanks for the americançs who come to encourage them... "you have no idea how much your coming encourages us to keep going strong" this from a lay pastor who has led 60 men to Christ in Bethel Church
tonite we´are meeting with 60 lay leaders from across the presbytery-district... we met them at Encounter with God Church... it was mainly made up of professionals and students... many of them spoke wonderful english, which was nice
thanks for praying... on saturday we are going to look at several potential sites for the next church plants
monterrey is city of 5 million which produces about half of mexico´s gnp
the church is called BETHEL and the pastor was overflowing with thanks for the americançs who come to encourage them... "you have no idea how much your coming encourages us to keep going strong" this from a lay pastor who has led 60 men to Christ in Bethel Church
tonite we´are meeting with 60 lay leaders from across the presbytery-district... we met them at Encounter with God Church... it was mainly made up of professionals and students... many of them spoke wonderful english, which was nice
thanks for praying... on saturday we are going to look at several potential sites for the next church plants
monterrey is city of 5 million which produces about half of mexico´s gnp
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Sunday Night
"Chocolate for Dinner" event ... don't forget. 6:00-8:00pm
Appetizers and Desserts will be served.
Entertainment and Games will be provided.
EVERYONE WELCOME!!
Need Childcare? Contact Lindzee Folgate @378.7608 for details.
6:00-8:00pm
(Map of 10826 Nw 18th Ct; Gainesville, FL 32606)
Appetizers and Desserts will be served.
Entertainment and Games will be provided.
EVERYONE WELCOME!!
Need Childcare? Contact Lindzee Folgate @378.7608 for details.
6:00-8:00pm
(Map of 10826 Nw 18th Ct; Gainesville, FL 32606)
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Current & Former Students at Work
Many of you know that while studying in Tanzania Sydney Schaef helped with an orphanage... here is the website she put together with a Christ Community former student, David Lipps
hananasif.org
hananasif.org
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Christian Study Center of Gainesville - "The Church and Cultural Discernment: Distinguishing Engagement from Captivity"
this looks good
"The Church and Cultural Discernment: Distinguishing Engagement from Captivity" March 3rd
"The Church and Cultural Discernment: Distinguishing Engagement from Captivity" March 3rd
Precious Lord Jesus,
Give me faith to behold . . .
my name engraved in Your hand,
my soul and body redeemed by Your blood,
my sinfulness covered by Your life of pure obedience.
May . . .
Your comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
Your strength sustain me in my trials,
Your blessings revive me in my weariness,
Your presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
Your promises establish me in peace and joy,
Your revivings kindle in me undying devotion.
Search my heart. Show me more of my
corruptions and helplessness, that I may . . .
flee to You,
cling to You,
rest in You,
as the beginning and end of my salvation.
May I never vex You by my indifference and
waywardness; or grieve You by my cold welcome.
Answer my prayers, O Lord, for Your great name's sake.
(a puritan prayer, from valley of vision)
Give me faith to behold . . .
my name engraved in Your hand,
my soul and body redeemed by Your blood,
my sinfulness covered by Your life of pure obedience.
May . . .
Your comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
Your strength sustain me in my trials,
Your blessings revive me in my weariness,
Your presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
Your promises establish me in peace and joy,
Your revivings kindle in me undying devotion.
Search my heart. Show me more of my
corruptions and helplessness, that I may . . .
flee to You,
cling to You,
rest in You,
as the beginning and end of my salvation.
May I never vex You by my indifference and
waywardness; or grieve You by my cold welcome.
Answer my prayers, O Lord, for Your great name's sake.
(a puritan prayer, from valley of vision)
Monday, February 06, 2006
Christians Concerned for the Community
This organization is having a meeting tonite to re-envision their purpose in Gainesville and has asked the local churches to have input.
Several from Christ Community are planning to make it. You can join them at Creekside Community Church on NW 39th Ave at 7pm
Several from Christ Community are planning to make it. You can join them at Creekside Community Church on NW 39th Ave at 7pm
Saturday, February 04, 2006
9am classes; 10am communion service
Jesus, I Come
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress into jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress into jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
off to orlando
I'll be in orlando with kim this week-- yee haw-- at a renewal & training event for pastors... keep me in your prayers as i seek to grow as a leader in Christ's Church
Great to worship with you today. The musicians did a wonderful job giving us a big strong voice on congregational singing and Sid's baptism was a sweet reminder of the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
See you Friday night at Peacemaker Conference... Lord willing. I'll be in touch on Thursday.
Great to worship with you today. The musicians did a wonderful job giving us a big strong voice on congregational singing and Sid's baptism was a sweet reminder of the powerful work of the Holy Spirit.
See you Friday night at Peacemaker Conference... Lord willing. I'll be in touch on Thursday.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Sunday January 29 schedule
9am classes for all ages
Richard Horner begins his study in (got your Darth Vadar voice?) ... Luke.
10am
and wow! what a difference to have you there at 9:59... yeh Christ Community...
we'll worship our Great God with singing, prayer, the baptism of Sid Gaitonde!... and preaching, looking at the topic "The Gospel & Your Personal Relationships"
**There will be children's church for age 5 thru grade 2, taught by Nathan Taylor and someone else whose name i can't read**
also, you can sign up for p'maker conference at Oak Hall Sunday
(Wow, i just realized what a great day for Star Wars geeks, 1.) LUKE and 2.) Sid's full name is SidDARTH! )
Richard Horner begins his study in (got your Darth Vadar voice?) ... Luke.
10am
and wow! what a difference to have you there at 9:59... yeh Christ Community...
we'll worship our Great God with singing, prayer, the baptism of Sid Gaitonde!... and preaching, looking at the topic "The Gospel & Your Personal Relationships"
**There will be children's church for age 5 thru grade 2, taught by Nathan Taylor and someone else whose name i can't read**
also, you can sign up for p'maker conference at Oak Hall Sunday
(Wow, i just realized what a great day for Star Wars geeks, 1.) LUKE and 2.) Sid's full name is SidDARTH! )
How will Gainesville be reached with the gospel? Healthy churches
Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998), who after serving as a missionary in India for many years returned to Britain, only to find that he needed to be a missionary there as well. Newbigin was convinced that the most effective way a secular, pluralistic culture can be reached with the gospel is through the local congregation. "The only hermenuetic of the gospel,” he wrote, “is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live by it." He means that the local church, like the one you are a part of, should be "interpreting" the gospel and its significance for the world. Newbigin mentions six practical things this might mean for the church: (For a fuller explanation, see Lesslie Newbigin, The Gospel In A Pluralist Society [Eerdmans, 1989], 227-233)
1. The church is a community of praise. In a culture that worships sex, money and power, we praise the true Lord.
2. The church is a community of truth. We are constantly bombarded by ideas and slogans and stories that are deeply contradictory of the Christian gospel. Our community should continuously be reminding ourselves about the true story of God and the world, being careful not to believe the wrong story about either.
3. The church is a community for others. In the words of William Temple, the church is the only organization that exists for those who are not members of it. Our neighbors and surrounding community should see us as a people who exist for their good, their peace, and their blessing, so that even if they disagree with us they are deeply thankful for our presence.
4. The church is a community of priests. We should come together every Sunday in order to release one another into the secular business of the world, equipping one another to be "priests" of the Kingdom in our places of school and work.
5. The church is a community of mutual responsibility. We should not just be promoting change, but we should actually be a new social order, in which sex, money and power are used in ways that are deeply counter-cultural and simultaneously used for the sake of blessing to others rather than self-satisfaction.
6. The church is a community of Hope. Our community is very odd, seeing that our hope is not in capitalism, not in the free market, not in a strong military, not in personal success and achievement, but rather our hope is in a crucified man. This should have a dramatic impact on the way we live in the world.
Let me challenge you: help your Christ Community become one like this.
1. The church is a community of praise. In a culture that worships sex, money and power, we praise the true Lord.
2. The church is a community of truth. We are constantly bombarded by ideas and slogans and stories that are deeply contradictory of the Christian gospel. Our community should continuously be reminding ourselves about the true story of God and the world, being careful not to believe the wrong story about either.
3. The church is a community for others. In the words of William Temple, the church is the only organization that exists for those who are not members of it. Our neighbors and surrounding community should see us as a people who exist for their good, their peace, and their blessing, so that even if they disagree with us they are deeply thankful for our presence.
4. The church is a community of priests. We should come together every Sunday in order to release one another into the secular business of the world, equipping one another to be "priests" of the Kingdom in our places of school and work.
5. The church is a community of mutual responsibility. We should not just be promoting change, but we should actually be a new social order, in which sex, money and power are used in ways that are deeply counter-cultural and simultaneously used for the sake of blessing to others rather than self-satisfaction.
6. The church is a community of Hope. Our community is very odd, seeing that our hope is not in capitalism, not in the free market, not in a strong military, not in personal success and achievement, but rather our hope is in a crucified man. This should have a dramatic impact on the way we live in the world.
Let me challenge you: help your Christ Community become one like this.
how clear
Sunday we'll be looking at "The Gospel & Personal Relationships"... so i've been looking at several passages and many of them remind me of the CS Lewis quote about the Christian teaching on sex being frustratingly clear--married monogamy or celibacy--if memory serves me.
equally clear are some of the bible's teachings on r'ships:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.
if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
ESV Bible Online: Passage: matthew 18
equally clear are some of the bible's teachings on r'ships:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.
if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
ESV Bible Online: Passage: matthew 18
Thursday, January 26, 2006
How God Hears
God stands to you in the close, the endeared relation of a Father by adopting grace, and it were a dishonor done to His name, and an ignoring of His Fatherhood, to approach Him in prayer in any other relation and character than this. Oh, feel that, when you pour out your sinful heart, your sorrowful heart, your broken heart before Him, you are pouring it all into a Father's ear, a Father's bosom.
continued
continued
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Mass Murder in Slow Motion
this is from Al Mohler:
Here at home, most American Christians are busy taking care of their families, working in their churches, fulfilling their vocations, and attempting to pay some attention to domestic and international developments. A tragedy like the genocide in Darfur can all too easily escape our attention or fall between the cracks of our active consciousness.
Nicholas Kristof's courageous and clear-headed reports from Darfur should awaken the Christian conscience to the evil of genocide and the necessity of doing something more than watching as millions are massacred. Merely knowing about the crisis does not solve the crisis--but it is a necessary first step. Read the entire article here
Here at home, most American Christians are busy taking care of their families, working in their churches, fulfilling their vocations, and attempting to pay some attention to domestic and international developments. A tragedy like the genocide in Darfur can all too easily escape our attention or fall between the cracks of our active consciousness.
Nicholas Kristof's courageous and clear-headed reports from Darfur should awaken the Christian conscience to the evil of genocide and the necessity of doing something more than watching as millions are massacred. Merely knowing about the crisis does not solve the crisis--but it is a necessary first step. Read the entire article here
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
consecration thru the week
at Christ Community... it is our practice to confess our sins, receive comfort from God's promises and then consecrate ourselves to him...What is consecration? basically it is saying, "God I'm yours. Use me to heal people not harm them."
a great example is found in a recent song called Yahweh
I think Yahweh is great and I use it all time in conversation w/ my kids
and
Take these hands
Teach them what to carry
Take these hands
Don't make a fist
a great example is found in a recent song called Yahweh
I think Yahweh is great and I use it all time in conversation w/ my kids
Take this mouth, so quick to criticize,
Take this mouth, give it a kiss
Take this mouth, give it a kiss
and
Take these hands
Teach them what to carry
Take these hands
Don't make a fist
Sid's Baptism and Book of Acts
Sunday we will baptize Siddarth Gaitonde...later this week i hope to go thru the book of acts and show where the nations were streaming into the family of God
let us not miss this great opportunity to exalt our God and exult in His relentless pursuit of His people
let us not miss this great opportunity to exalt our God and exult in His relentless pursuit of His people
Tales Of Persia: Missionary Stories From Islamic Iran: Books: William McElwee Miller,Bruce Van Patter
great little children's book
and for those of you trying to cultivate the faith of a child
Amazon.com: Tales Of Persia: Missionary Stories From Islamic Iran: Books: William McElwee Miller,Bruce Van Patter:
and for those of you trying to cultivate the faith of a child
Amazon.com: Tales Of Persia: Missionary Stories From Islamic Iran: Books: William McElwee Miller,Bruce Van Patter:
Thinking Biblically & interacting with movies
audio stuff about movies:
Meaning and the Movies: What the 5 Academy Award Nominees for Best Picture Tell Us About Ourselves
given by Drew Trotter, director of Christian Study Center in C'ville VA
* given at University of Pennsylvania, 2005
and
Brian Godawa interiew part one
part deux
2 articles by john frame of reformed seminary in orlando:
Moving Pictures: Theologizing at the Movies
Introduction to the art and science of theological moview reviews
Webpage PDF
and
questions to ask films
Meaning and the Movies: What the 5 Academy Award Nominees for Best Picture Tell Us About Ourselves
given by Drew Trotter, director of Christian Study Center in C'ville VA
* given at University of Pennsylvania, 2005
and
Brian Godawa interiew part one
part deux
2 articles by john frame of reformed seminary in orlando:
Moving Pictures: Theologizing at the Movies
Introduction to the art and science of theological moview reviews
Webpage PDF
and
questions to ask films
Monday, January 23, 2006
The peace of circumstances or the peace of God?
"Were the sky always without a cloud and the ocean without a ripple the
believer would not know so well the God with Whom he has to do; for alas, we
know how prone the heart is to mistake the peace of circumstances for the
peace of God. When everything is going smoothly and pleasantly—property
safe, our business prosperous, our children carrying on agreeably, our
residence comfortable, our health excellent—everything in short, just to our
mind (liking), how apt we are to mistake the peace which reposes upon
circumstances for that peace which flows from the realized presence of
Christ. The Lord knows this; and therefore He comes in , one way or
another, and stirs up the nest, that is, if we are found nestling in
circumstances, instead of in Himself."
--CH Mackintosh, Notes on Genesis, 1897
believer would not know so well the God with Whom he has to do; for alas, we
know how prone the heart is to mistake the peace of circumstances for the
peace of God. When everything is going smoothly and pleasantly—property
safe, our business prosperous, our children carrying on agreeably, our
residence comfortable, our health excellent—everything in short, just to our
mind (liking), how apt we are to mistake the peace which reposes upon
circumstances for that peace which flows from the realized presence of
Christ. The Lord knows this; and therefore He comes in , one way or
another, and stirs up the nest, that is, if we are found nestling in
circumstances, instead of in Himself."
--CH Mackintosh, Notes on Genesis, 1897
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Friday February 3 & Saturday Feb 4
Anyone who:
--lives with another human
--planning to marry sooner or later
--is married
--is a parent
--has co-workers
--has in-laws
--has neighbors
--is a teacher
Basically, conflict is a part of life and you'll either get bitter or withdraw or beat the mess out of someone. This brief seminar is a great opportunity to focus on conflict as an opportunity to bring God glory by experiencing His grace and renewal.
Here is a brief sample:
"Teaching children to be peacemakers is one of the most challenging responsibilities of being a parent or teacher. It requires faith and reliance on God, ministry to our children's hearts, systematic biblical instruction, and careful guidance of their social involvement."Family - read whole article on teaching children to be peacemakers:
--lives with another human
--planning to marry sooner or later
--is married
--is a parent
--has co-workers
--has in-laws
--has neighbors
--is a teacher
Basically, conflict is a part of life and you'll either get bitter or withdraw or beat the mess out of someone. This brief seminar is a great opportunity to focus on conflict as an opportunity to bring God glory by experiencing His grace and renewal.
Here is a brief sample:
"Teaching children to be peacemakers is one of the most challenging responsibilities of being a parent or teacher. It requires faith and reliance on God, ministry to our children's hearts, systematic biblical instruction, and careful guidance of their social involvement."Family - read whole article on teaching children to be peacemakers:
Friday, January 20, 2006
Sunday January 22 schedule
when Christ Community gathers at Oak Hall School on Tower Road...
9:00 is back with a vengeance
Children's classes are having their "open house" slash kickoff gathering where the teachers for this quarter meet the students and parents
For the adults who aren't attending the above with their children.... there is a single-session class in the media center (Jan 29 is when Dr. Richard Horner kicks off his Luke class)
10:00 (and remember our urging/pleading/begging/threatening about you being seated in the theater at, like 10am) worship service... our last week in Acts 17 as we look at Paul's presentation proper
then, sunday afternoon at 4:30 is club 45 and youth group meets at 7
9:00 is back with a vengeance
Children's classes are having their "open house" slash kickoff gathering where the teachers for this quarter meet the students and parents
For the adults who aren't attending the above with their children.... there is a single-session class in the media center (Jan 29 is when Dr. Richard Horner kicks off his Luke class)
10:00 (and remember our urging/pleading/begging/threatening about you being seated in the theater at, like 10am) worship service... our last week in Acts 17 as we look at Paul's presentation proper
then, sunday afternoon at 4:30 is club 45 and youth group meets at 7
NPR helps us seek the coming of the Kingdom of God
This morning on the way into school my children and i listened to a review on NPR of what sounds like an interesting documentary/movie. "The boys of baruka" is what it sounded like to me.
Anyway, about 76% of black teen boys in baltimore do not graduate from high school. In an effort to fight this some group takes 40 jr hi boys to Kenya to live in boarding school for grades 7 & 8. The plan is to grip them there with a vision for their lives that includes a commitment to be a life-long learner. It was fascinating.
In connecting it with us, we (the pca) have a wonderful community re-development work going in the sandtown area of baltimore. i'm sure there are many great things being done by Christ-followers in baltimore. why don't you pray for that city (and especially the boys there) today? that the prayer of Jesus would be realized---THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE... on earth.... as it is in Heaven
**I hope to add links later, to npr, to sandtown, etc... BTW, blogger is telling me that this blog looks like a spam blog... how offensive! does that mean it is boring? Like when i answer phone and people say, "Oh, i thought you were a machine... hey Rob..."
Anyway, about 76% of black teen boys in baltimore do not graduate from high school. In an effort to fight this some group takes 40 jr hi boys to Kenya to live in boarding school for grades 7 & 8. The plan is to grip them there with a vision for their lives that includes a commitment to be a life-long learner. It was fascinating.
In connecting it with us, we (the pca) have a wonderful community re-development work going in the sandtown area of baltimore. i'm sure there are many great things being done by Christ-followers in baltimore. why don't you pray for that city (and especially the boys there) today? that the prayer of Jesus would be realized---THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE... on earth.... as it is in Heaven
**I hope to add links later, to npr, to sandtown, etc... BTW, blogger is telling me that this blog looks like a spam blog... how offensive! does that mean it is boring? Like when i answer phone and people say, "Oh, i thought you were a machine... hey Rob..."
Information meeting, take 2
The info regarding the initiatives of early 2006 are going to be presented again tonite at Hope Church (Tower & 24th) from 7:00-7:45. If you didn't make sunday's presentation, or can't make tonite's... scroll down just a bit to get the link to The audio & paperwork from sunday's info meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2006
an informational meeting on overseas mission trip is tonite
Preliminary meeting for a future trip
Where: MacGregor home (352-372-5204)
When: Thursday January 19 7pm
Why: Preliminary meeting about an international mission trip. We will discuss location and dates. We will pray that God will reveal His purposes to us.
Who should come: All who would follow Christ in obedience to the ends of the world and all who would be willing to pray and help those who willing to go
Where: MacGregor home (352-372-5204)
When: Thursday January 19 7pm
Why: Preliminary meeting about an international mission trip. We will discuss location and dates. We will pray that God will reveal His purposes to us.
Who should come: All who would follow Christ in obedience to the ends of the world and all who would be willing to pray and help those who willing to go
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
End of the Spear
The movie based on 5 men killed while bringing the gospel to the Aucas opens friday and will play in GNV at the Newberry Road 16 screen theater
register on sunday
sign up sunday for the peacemaker conference we're co-hosting w/ Faith Pres & Abundant Grace Community Church.
Conference is Friday Feb 3 evening and Saturday feb 4 morning.
Conference is Friday Feb 3 evening and Saturday feb 4 morning.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Christ Community Church - Gainesville Florida - Downloads
The audio & paperwork from sunday's info meeting are available at the website
Christ Community Church - Gainesville Florida - Downloads
Christ Community Church - Gainesville Florida - Downloads
Monday, January 16, 2006
Women's Bible Study Begins
Tuesday January 17th
@ 10:45am
Held at Paige French's home in Haile,
9143 SW 31st Place
(Map )
The study will be taught by
Jenna Lammers and Rebecca Schackow.
Childcare will be provided.
@ 10:45am
Held at Paige French's home in Haile,
9143 SW 31st Place
(Map )
The study will be taught by
Jenna Lammers and Rebecca Schackow.
Childcare will be provided.
FEBRUARY 6
monday nite feb the 6thseveral CCC'ers are meeting for dinner and then attending together a vision/planning meeting of Christians Concerned for the Community... you are welcome to join
--details posted here later
--details posted here later
Martin Luther King, Jr. - "I Have a Dream"
American Rhetoric: Martin Luther King, Jr. - "I Have a Dream"
also, if you have never read, "Letter from a birmingham jail",you should
also, if you have never read, "Letter from a birmingham jail",you should
Friday, January 13, 2006
the athens paul saw
There were images of Apollo,the city’s patron, of Jupiter, Venus,
Mercury, Bacchus, Neptune, Diana, and Aesculapius. The
whole Greek pantheon was there, all the gods of Olympus.
And they were beautiful. But many were also what most Christians—and social conservatives—would define as pornographic today. The herms which adorned the city wall, for example, were roughly fashioned with phallic attributes, and stood as protecting talismans at every entrance in the city. --Dennis Haack
I'm putting more quotes from Acts 17 sermon study here.
Mercury, Bacchus, Neptune, Diana, and Aesculapius. The
whole Greek pantheon was there, all the gods of Olympus.
And they were beautiful. But many were also what most Christians—and social conservatives—would define as pornographic today. The herms which adorned the city wall, for example, were roughly fashioned with phallic attributes, and stood as protecting talismans at every entrance in the city. --Dennis Haack
I'm putting more quotes from Acts 17 sermon study here.
Sunday January 15 schedule
9am Childcare begins, for ages 4 and below
9:05 in theater, "get on the same page for 2006" meeting led by Rob Pendley, in the theater
10:00am worship service
there will be NO club 45 meeting this Sunday; it has been postponed
9:05 in theater, "get on the same page for 2006" meeting led by Rob Pendley, in the theater
10:00am worship service
there will be NO club 45 meeting this Sunday; it has been postponed
Thursday, January 12, 2006
info from our North American Missions Team
christ community is a part of the presbyterian church in america (a.k.a. PCA) which operates a tremendous gospel initiative to north america called MNA (Mission to N.America!).... here is info taken from an email they sent me today w/ some opportunities
Haitian Ministries Personnel Needs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haitian Ministries continues to seek people to fill the following positions:
One kindergarten teacher is needed immediately for the El Shaddai School.
One elementary teacher for the El Shaddai School.
One elementary teacher to train teachers in Haiti.
A medical doctor to do quarterly one-week visits to several locations in Haiti.
For more information and to apply, please contact Dony St. Germain at 305-688-0344 or donyshaATaolDOTcom
Sharing Christ with Hispanic Americans
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
According to the 2000 census, 66.8 percent of Hispanics in the United States are under 35 years of age! Recent demographic projections show that by 2050 Hispanic Americans will comprise some 24 percent of our total population. The United States will soon replace Spain as the second largest Hispanic populated country in the world. Current studies indicate that around 65 percent of Hispanic Americans in the United States already prefer English as their heart language of choice. So, we can safely say that the Hispanic American segment of our population is young, rapidly growing, and English speaking! Are you and your church interested in sharing Christ (in English!) with Hispanic Americans in your community? Contact MNA Hispanic American Ministries Coordinator, Tim McKeown, for suggestions and help, at tmckeownATpcanetDOTorg or 678-825-1225.
Learn more about Hispanic American Ministries at mna.org and mtw.org
Haitian Ministries Personnel Needs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haitian Ministries continues to seek people to fill the following positions:
One kindergarten teacher is needed immediately for the El Shaddai School.
One elementary teacher for the El Shaddai School.
One elementary teacher to train teachers in Haiti.
A medical doctor to do quarterly one-week visits to several locations in Haiti.
For more information and to apply, please contact Dony St. Germain at 305-688-0344 or donyshaATaolDOTcom
Sharing Christ with Hispanic Americans
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
According to the 2000 census, 66.8 percent of Hispanics in the United States are under 35 years of age! Recent demographic projections show that by 2050 Hispanic Americans will comprise some 24 percent of our total population. The United States will soon replace Spain as the second largest Hispanic populated country in the world. Current studies indicate that around 65 percent of Hispanic Americans in the United States already prefer English as their heart language of choice. So, we can safely say that the Hispanic American segment of our population is young, rapidly growing, and English speaking! Are you and your church interested in sharing Christ (in English!) with Hispanic Americans in your community? Contact MNA Hispanic American Ministries Coordinator, Tim McKeown, for suggestions and help, at tmckeownATpcanetDOTorg or 678-825-1225.
Learn more about Hispanic American Ministries at mna.org and mtw.org
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Pre-evangelism, thoughts on acts 17
-- As we address the biblically illiterate Americans of the 21st century, we need to follow Paul's Acts 17 model, building a case from Creation before expecting people to understand the message of sin and salvation. We need to practice "pre-evangelism," using apologetics to defend basic concepts of who God is, who we are, and what we owe Him, before presenting the gospel message. --Nancy Pearcey, in her book "Total Truth"
Not a song, but a prayer stuck in my head
While folding clothes last night, I was excited about listening to a lecture on Yom Kippur by my Hebrew professor at Covenant Seminary. At the beginning of the audio was a prayer by another professor. I cannot get it out of my head and hade to transcribe it b/c it resonated so deeply in me. Here it is:
Almighty & everlasting God
heaven is your throne
earth is your footstool
holy and reverent is your name
you are worshipped
in the company of the mighty angels and saints on high
and in the
assembly of your people here on earth
how thankful we are for
your grace that has made us a part of that assembly, that we may
lift our praise to you this morning.
The God of abraham isaac and Jacob
The God of
moses and the prophets the God who has finally and
fully revealed Yourself in our Lord, jc, our blessed mediator,
thru whom we are bold to approach unto you
forgive us our sins, and grant us your grace that we may serve you ever more fully .
We live in dangerous times and we pray
for the pacification of iraq for the
end of genocide in darfur
we pray that our blessed mediator who sits at your right hand may so exercise
the kingdom of his power in all the world as may best induce to these ends:
that the gospel may go forth with freedom and with power and that your people may be gathered to you from the ends of the earth
equip us, we pray, to serve you in our generation. --Prayer by David Clyde Jones, grammatical errors by Rob
Almighty & everlasting God
heaven is your throne
earth is your footstool
holy and reverent is your name
you are worshipped
in the company of the mighty angels and saints on high
and in the
assembly of your people here on earth
how thankful we are for
your grace that has made us a part of that assembly, that we may
lift our praise to you this morning.
The God of abraham isaac and Jacob
The God of
moses and the prophets the God who has finally and
fully revealed Yourself in our Lord, jc, our blessed mediator,
thru whom we are bold to approach unto you
forgive us our sins, and grant us your grace that we may serve you ever more fully .
We live in dangerous times and we pray
for the pacification of iraq for the
end of genocide in darfur
we pray that our blessed mediator who sits at your right hand may so exercise
the kingdom of his power in all the world as may best induce to these ends:
that the gospel may go forth with freedom and with power and that your people may be gathered to you from the ends of the earth
equip us, we pray, to serve you in our generation. --Prayer by David Clyde Jones, grammatical errors by Rob
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
conference February 3rd & 4th
When I first met with Brian and Julie, all they wanted was to resolve some legal issues and finalize their divorce as quickly as possible. Before I would discuss those issues, however, I wanted to know why they had decided to end their marriage. The surface reason was readily apparent. Julie had recently discovered that Brian had been unfaithful.
Here is one brief story about themes we'll discuss...
Here is one brief story about themes we'll discuss...
write this down
we are co-hosting a great teaching seminar on conflict in relationships...
Friay Night, February 3rd
Saturday Morning, February 4th
Friay Night, February 3rd
Saturday Morning, February 4th
Monday, January 09, 2006
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