for da vinci resources, from Westminster Seminary in Philly
http://thetruthaboutdavinci.com/
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
the knockoffs are pouring in...
some of you have sent me great fun-pokes at da vinci code
norman rockwell code starred barney fife's grandson
albino code is also up but i haven't seen it yet
norman rockwell code starred barney fife's grandson
albino code is also up but i haven't seen it yet
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
A Heart That is Established in Grace
"Many there are who, at first, fail in the full apprehension of the utter ruin of nature, as looked at in God's presence, though their hearts have been attracted by the grace of God, and their consciences tranquilized, in some degree, by the application of the blood of Christ. Hence, as they get on in their lives, they begin to make deeper discoveries of the evil within, and, being deficient in their apprehensions of God's grace, and the extent and efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ, they immediately raise a question as to their being children of God at all. Thus, they are taken off Christ and thrown on themselves, and then they either take upon themselves ordinances in order to keep up their tone of devotion, or else fall back into thorough worldliness and carnality. These are disastrous consequences and all the result of not having 'the heart established in grace'." C H Mackintosh (Plymouth Brethren Pastor, England 1879)
5 questions from da vinci
1. Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?
2. What about these alternative gospels that aren't in the New Testament?
and three more, with responses....at
Christian Bible Studies: Bible Study, Bible Courses, Curriculum, Small Groups, Church Leaders, Sunday School Classes
2. What about these alternative gospels that aren't in the New Testament?
and three more, with responses....at
Christian Bible Studies: Bible Study, Bible Courses, Curriculum, Small Groups, Church Leaders, Sunday School Classes
Monday, May 15, 2006
Bringing the Bible to life?
I have really appreciated the way the Sunday 9am class has been publicized.
I have always been uncomfortable with the phrase i put in the title... so the words below summarized a much more helpful (and accurate) way to speak about such things:
"I understand the intent of the people who seek to make the Bible come alive. On the whole I believe that their intentions are pure but their wording is imprecise. In most cases I would suggest that these people are attempting to "bring the history of the Bible to life" or to "bring the setting of the Bible to life." This is a far different task than bringing the actual Scripture to life. It is a far more noble task. The Bible is, after all, a historical document that was written within particular places and within particular cultural contexts. It may be helpful, at times, to bring to life some glimpses of the culture, customs and history of the Bible."
more here:
I have always been uncomfortable with the phrase i put in the title... so the words below summarized a much more helpful (and accurate) way to speak about such things:
"I understand the intent of the people who seek to make the Bible come alive. On the whole I believe that their intentions are pure but their wording is imprecise. In most cases I would suggest that these people are attempting to "bring the history of the Bible to life" or to "bring the setting of the Bible to life." This is a far different task than bringing the actual Scripture to life. It is a far more noble task. The Bible is, after all, a historical document that was written within particular places and within particular cultural contexts. It may be helpful, at times, to bring to life some glimpses of the culture, customs and history of the Bible."
more here:
do you have ?
Marie Nelson is gathering household items that Ada Perry needs...
Pots and Pans (no Teflon—)
Stackable Washer/Dryer --
email Marie: man1 AT ufl DOT edu
Pots and Pans (no Teflon—)
Stackable Washer/Dryer --
email Marie: man1 AT ufl DOT edu
current 9am dvd series
The DVD series that Charlie Staples mentioned yesterday is excellent. In fact, here is a link to a website that can give you a feel for the kind of things you will pick up in the faith lesson section of the class.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
Confusing Indicative and Imperative
Everywhere the Scriptures provide both the declaration of who we are in Christ (indicative) and the command to respond to that particular declaration in a certain way (imperative). For instance, Paul does not simply issue an imperative like, "Stop living with your boyfriend." He says, "How should we who have died to sin live any longer in it?" Paul does not call people to die to sin; he does not invite them to enter into a higher level of abundant life; there are not appeals to become something which the believer is not already. The believer has died, is buried, is raised, is seated with Christ in the heavenlies, and so on. These are not plateaus for victorious Christians who have surrendered all, but realities for every believer regardless of how small one's faith or how weak one's repentance.
Thus, we must stop trying to convert believers into these realities by imperatives: "Do this," "Confess that," "Follow these steps," and so on. Union with Christ ushers us into conversion and conversion ushers us immediately into all of these realities so that, as Sinclair Ferguson writes, "The determining factor of my existence is no longer my past. It is Christ's past" (Christian Spirituality: Five Views, Zondervan, p.57).
For those who speak as though the filling of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, justification, the new birth, and union with Christ are things to be attained by obedience to imperatives, Paul insists, "But of him[God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--that, as it is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord'" (1 Cor.1:30-31).
Union with Christ by Michael Horton, Ph.D.
Thus, we must stop trying to convert believers into these realities by imperatives: "Do this," "Confess that," "Follow these steps," and so on. Union with Christ ushers us into conversion and conversion ushers us immediately into all of these realities so that, as Sinclair Ferguson writes, "The determining factor of my existence is no longer my past. It is Christ's past" (Christian Spirituality: Five Views, Zondervan, p.57).
For those who speak as though the filling of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, justification, the new birth, and union with Christ are things to be attained by obedience to imperatives, Paul insists, "But of him[God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--that, as it is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord'" (1 Cor.1:30-31).
Union with Christ by Michael Horton, Ph.D.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Keller on Repentance
The gospel creates the only kind of grief over sin which is clean and which does not crush. It says: “Look at Jesus dying for you! He won’t leave you or abandon you…it is not because he will abandon you that you should be holy, but because this is one who at inestimable cost to himself has said he won’t ever abandon you!…See the GRACE of God argument? It is the only argument which cannot be answered. This creates the only motivation that leads you to hate the sin without hating yourself. It is the only motivation that will bring sin to lose its attractive power over you.
How can this be? The sight of Christ dying for you is at once both the one thing in the world that most convicts you to be holy and yet most assures you that you are infallibly loved. If he died for you—that is conviction. But if he died for you—that is the comfort.
How can this be? The sight of Christ dying for you is at once both the one thing in the world that most convicts you to be holy and yet most assures you that you are infallibly loved. If he died for you—that is conviction. But if he died for you—that is the comfort.
More Mercy
Puritan Richard Sibbes from The Bruised Reed:
“There is more mercy in Christ than there is sin in me.”
“There is more mercy in Christ than there is sin in me.”
Tension
God’s mercy, patience, and love must be fully preached in the church. But they are not credible unless they are presented in tension with God’s infinite power, complete and sovereign control of the universe, holiness, and righteousness. --Richard Lovelace
Old Books
Old is relative... last night I watched an episode of "The Brady Bunch" with my 11 year old son and my wife. Seems like they lived on a different planet! Mrs. Brady was sitting under a hair dryer!
Anway, i'm including a couple of books from 70's (1970's!) in my list of "old books" you might consider reading this summer.
Knowing God, by JI Packer, 1973
This is, quite simply, the first book that every Christian should read
Basic Christianity, John Stott,
Absolutely the best brief summary of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Mere Christianity, CS Lewis, 1940's or 50's
This collection of essays is absolutely stunning in readibility, persuasiveness, and heart-warming.
Morning & Evening, Charles Spurgeon
A twice-daily devotional from 19th century London minister
Spiritual Depression, Its Causes & Cures by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 1964
Oh my! This medical doctor turned preacher helps you understand the human heart's struggles and points you to Christ beautifully.
Pretty sad so far that my "old book list" goes back only to 1800's.
Anway, i'm including a couple of books from 70's (1970's!) in my list of "old books" you might consider reading this summer.
Knowing God, by JI Packer, 1973
This is, quite simply, the first book that every Christian should read
Basic Christianity, John Stott,
Absolutely the best brief summary of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Mere Christianity, CS Lewis, 1940's or 50's
This collection of essays is absolutely stunning in readibility, persuasiveness, and heart-warming.
Morning & Evening, Charles Spurgeon
A twice-daily devotional from 19th century London minister
Spiritual Depression, Its Causes & Cures by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 1964
Oh my! This medical doctor turned preacher helps you understand the human heart's struggles and points you to Christ beautifully.
Pretty sad so far that my "old book list" goes back only to 1800's.
What's up with sprinkling?
Christ Community has always wanted to be a "Mere Christianity" kinda church, one that majors on majors and ... well, you know, minors on minors. From time to time we get asked why we baptize by sprinkling or pouring. I'm working on putting together a very brief explanation... until then, here's a quote i'm fairly happy with:
While the Greek bapto means 'to dip', baptizo - the usual New Testament word - is a multi-modal concept signifiying 'to wash' whatever mode is used. Through contact with water, irrespective of the quantity, it illustrates the believer's union with Christ. On careful examination of every instance, it simply cannot be proved that immersion or dipping was ever used in the New Testament. References to Old Testament ceremonial washings (see Heb. 9:10) use baptismos to describe them. It is certain that these washings were by sprinkling (see Numb. 8:7; 19:13-21). Clearly, sprinkling was to be used in the New Testament Church according to the prophecies of Isaiah (52:15) and Ezekiel (36:25). With great respect to "dunkers", what has union with Christ in his death and burial (Rom. 6:3-6) got to do with immersion in water?
Our Lord was buried horizontally in a tomb not six feet down in the ground, and certainly not in water. This passage-Romans 6--simply does not teach baptism by immersion.
Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch both 'went down into the water' (Acts 8:38). Arguably, they walked together down to the water's edge, where, both standing in the water, one was sprinkled by the other. It is not necessary to the text that the eunuch was immersed. Noting Paul's reference to Israel's 'baptism into Moses' in 1 Cor. 10:2, the most that can be said is that the Israelites were sprinkled with sea spray. It was the Egyptians who were immersed!
While the Greek bapto means 'to dip', baptizo - the usual New Testament word - is a multi-modal concept signifiying 'to wash' whatever mode is used. Through contact with water, irrespective of the quantity, it illustrates the believer's union with Christ. On careful examination of every instance, it simply cannot be proved that immersion or dipping was ever used in the New Testament. References to Old Testament ceremonial washings (see Heb. 9:10) use baptismos to describe them. It is certain that these washings were by sprinkling (see Numb. 8:7; 19:13-21). Clearly, sprinkling was to be used in the New Testament Church according to the prophecies of Isaiah (52:15) and Ezekiel (36:25). With great respect to "dunkers", what has union with Christ in his death and burial (Rom. 6:3-6) got to do with immersion in water?
Our Lord was buried horizontally in a tomb not six feet down in the ground, and certainly not in water. This passage-Romans 6--simply does not teach baptism by immersion.
Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch both 'went down into the water' (Acts 8:38). Arguably, they walked together down to the water's edge, where, both standing in the water, one was sprinkled by the other. It is not necessary to the text that the eunuch was immersed. Noting Paul's reference to Israel's 'baptism into Moses' in 1 Cor. 10:2, the most that can be said is that the Israelites were sprinkled with sea spray. It was the Egyptians who were immersed!
da vinci offerings at study center
We will begin on Monday, May 15th with an introduction by Leo Sandgren, who did his PhD at UNC with Bart Ehrman and is very familiar with Bart’s argument and story. (Professor Sandgren teaches Hebrew Scripture and New Testament classes at UF, and he is also the one whose inner light has given us gnowledge.) The title for Professor Sandgren’s talk is "Misquoting Jesus—but getting Ehrman right: reflections on what we can Gno, how we Gno it, and why we care."
on Monday, May 22nd John Sommerville will lead a discussion of the book and the movie. (Dr. Sommerville is Professor, Emeritus, in History at UF, and he has become one of Gainesville’s resident experts on the Da Vinci phenomenon.) 8pm at study center
more at www.christianstudycenter.org
on Monday, May 22nd John Sommerville will lead a discussion of the book and the movie. (Dr. Sommerville is Professor, Emeritus, in History at UF, and he has become one of Gainesville’s resident experts on the Da Vinci phenomenon.) 8pm at study center
more at www.christianstudycenter.org
Lewis on OLD BOOKS
C.S. Lewis:
Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books. --Lewis
have you thought of what old book you might read this summer? i'll try to post a suggested list soon-- pendley
Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books. --Lewis
have you thought of what old book you might read this summer? i'll try to post a suggested list soon-- pendley
Monday, May 08, 2006
Was Jesus Married?
As those of you familiar with the DA VINCI CODE know... a key premise is that Jesus was married... to Mary Magdalene.
Here is a brief and helpful article on this
Here is a brief and helpful article on this
Da Vinci and Truth
This week i'll post some helpful, so i think, wisdom on the da vinci code phenomenon...
'We Christians tend to give the impression that we will hold on to the outward forms whatever happens, even if God really is not there. But the opposite ought to be true of us, so that people can see that we demand the truth of what is there and that we are not dealing merely with platitudes. In other words, it should be understood that we take this question of truth and personality so seriously that if God were not there, we would be among the first to have the courage to step out of the queue.' — Francis Schaeffer (From his book, "The God Who Is There")
'We Christians tend to give the impression that we will hold on to the outward forms whatever happens, even if God really is not there. But the opposite ought to be true of us, so that people can see that we demand the truth of what is there and that we are not dealing merely with platitudes. In other words, it should be understood that we take this question of truth and personality so seriously that if God were not there, we would be among the first to have the courage to step out of the queue.' — Francis Schaeffer (From his book, "The God Who Is There")
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Sunday with Christ Community
9am classes for all ages
adults starting new video class called That the World May Know (Filmed on location in Israel, brings God's Word with astounding relevance for modern believers.)
10am Communion Service
Christ in this sign perceived through the senses sets forth the grace of God in Christ and the blessings of his covenant. They communicate, seal, and confirm possession of those blessings to believers, who by responsively receiving the sacraments give expression to their fatih and allegience. In them God "remembers" his covenant toward us in Christ and does not give us the just wrath we deserve. The Supper is rightly viewed as a means of grace. The efficacy of the sacraments ...resides not in the faith or virture of the minister but in the faithfuness of God. As the preaching of the Word makes the gospel audible, so the sacraments make it visible, and the Holy Spirit stirs up faith by both means. (some concepts from JI Packer)
brief Lord's Supper overview
adults starting new video class called That the World May Know (Filmed on location in Israel, brings God's Word with astounding relevance for modern believers.)
10am Communion Service
Christ in this sign perceived through the senses sets forth the grace of God in Christ and the blessings of his covenant. They communicate, seal, and confirm possession of those blessings to believers, who by responsively receiving the sacraments give expression to their fatih and allegience. In them God "remembers" his covenant toward us in Christ and does not give us the just wrath we deserve. The Supper is rightly viewed as a means of grace. The efficacy of the sacraments ...resides not in the faith or virture of the minister but in the faithfuness of God. As the preaching of the Word makes the gospel audible, so the sacraments make it visible, and the Holy Spirit stirs up faith by both means. (some concepts from JI Packer)
brief Lord's Supper overview
Hope
If it is hope that maintains and upholds faith and keeps it moving on, if it is hope that draws the believer into the life of love, then it will also be hope that is the mobilizing and driving force of faith’s thinking, of its knowledge of and reflections on, human nature, history and society.
--Jurgen Moltmann
--Jurgen Moltmann
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Big day today. Another voice, created to give praise to God, came into our world. Marleigh Schackow was born to Brian and Rebecca. After a very rough start all the reports today have been increasingly encouraging. Being early, she needs your prayers. Particularly Thursday thru Saturday. This means the world to Brian and Rebecca. You can stay up to date on Marleigh's progress at the website below
http://marleighschackow.blogspot.com/
http://marleighschackow.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Lean Hard
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!" by Octavius Winslow (1808 - 1878)
http://www..gracegems.org/Winslows/Christ_sympathy.htm
"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!" by Octavius Winslow (1808 - 1878)
http://www..gracegems.org/Winslows/Christ_sympathy.htm
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Some of my favorite prayers
Sometimes I love the long ones from the Puritans... but sometimes Anne Lamott's liturgy serves me best:
In the morning: "Jesus, help!"
At bedtime: "Jesus, thanks."
In the morning: "Jesus, help!"
At bedtime: "Jesus, thanks."
good teaching on "losing salvation"
THE “APOSTASY” PASSAGE, Hebrews 6:4 - 6 (compare 10:26 - 31) has historically been the focus of considerable theological and pastoral dispute.
The nub of the question is, can genuine believers lose their salvation? Some Christians reply affirmatively, though it is hard to square such affirmations with, for instance, the “golden chain” of Romans 8:29 - 30 or the unqualified assertions of John 6:39 - 40, 44. Some Christians have therefore suggested that what Hebrews envisages is not falling away from eternal life but falling away from useful service.
On the face of it, the language of Hebrews 6 and 10 is sterner than that. Others postulate that the warning is merely hypothetical or even beneficial — a means of grace that guarantees believers will not apostatize. But if we know that, it is difficult to take the warning seriously, for we are assured in advance that the set of apostates is an empty set — and that makes the warning slightly ludicrous and not the desperately serious thing that the author of Hebrews thinks it is. Still others argue that elsewhere the New Testament may teach the perseverance and the preservation of the saints, but here it presupposes that some will fall away — and we must simply live with the tension, not to say contradiction.
My own view is that the issue turns on two points, with an important pastoral implication.
First, it is not as if Hebrews teaches one thing and Paul and John another. Paul entreats Christians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5), yet constructs the golden chain. John warns that branches in Christ (the true vine) may be cut off (John 15:1 - 8), yet insists that Christ will preserve all those the Father has given him. There is therefore nothing useful to be gained by pitting Hebrews 6 against, say, John. It aligns very well with one element in John and Paul.
Second, one must ask if the individual descriptions (“enlightened,” “tasted of the heavenly gift,” etc.) in Hebrews 6 and 10 require us to think of genuine Christians. The answer to this question is tied to our theology of conversion and to what is meant by “genuine Christian.” The New Testament gives many instances of people who taste enough of God’s grace to turn their lives around and join the visible church, even though they do not have the kind of grace that enables them to persevere. Even Hebrews 3:6, 14 presupposes as much. Under such a “tight” definition of genuine Christian, none falls away. The question then becomes, “Will you persevere? Is your experience of grace so light that you can walk away from the cross?”
What are the pastoral implications? The reflections suggest that the Bible provides wonderful reassurance to the weak and fainthearted, but threatens the openly defiant with a stern probing of the genuineness of their profession of faith. (DA Carson, commenting on HEbrews 6)
The nub of the question is, can genuine believers lose their salvation? Some Christians reply affirmatively, though it is hard to square such affirmations with, for instance, the “golden chain” of Romans 8:29 - 30 or the unqualified assertions of John 6:39 - 40, 44. Some Christians have therefore suggested that what Hebrews envisages is not falling away from eternal life but falling away from useful service.
On the face of it, the language of Hebrews 6 and 10 is sterner than that. Others postulate that the warning is merely hypothetical or even beneficial — a means of grace that guarantees believers will not apostatize. But if we know that, it is difficult to take the warning seriously, for we are assured in advance that the set of apostates is an empty set — and that makes the warning slightly ludicrous and not the desperately serious thing that the author of Hebrews thinks it is. Still others argue that elsewhere the New Testament may teach the perseverance and the preservation of the saints, but here it presupposes that some will fall away — and we must simply live with the tension, not to say contradiction.
My own view is that the issue turns on two points, with an important pastoral implication.
First, it is not as if Hebrews teaches one thing and Paul and John another. Paul entreats Christians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5), yet constructs the golden chain. John warns that branches in Christ (the true vine) may be cut off (John 15:1 - 8), yet insists that Christ will preserve all those the Father has given him. There is therefore nothing useful to be gained by pitting Hebrews 6 against, say, John. It aligns very well with one element in John and Paul.
Second, one must ask if the individual descriptions (“enlightened,” “tasted of the heavenly gift,” etc.) in Hebrews 6 and 10 require us to think of genuine Christians. The answer to this question is tied to our theology of conversion and to what is meant by “genuine Christian.” The New Testament gives many instances of people who taste enough of God’s grace to turn their lives around and join the visible church, even though they do not have the kind of grace that enables them to persevere. Even Hebrews 3:6, 14 presupposes as much. Under such a “tight” definition of genuine Christian, none falls away. The question then becomes, “Will you persevere? Is your experience of grace so light that you can walk away from the cross?”
What are the pastoral implications? The reflections suggest that the Bible provides wonderful reassurance to the weak and fainthearted, but threatens the openly defiant with a stern probing of the genuineness of their profession of faith. (DA Carson, commenting on HEbrews 6)
Online Course from Covenant College
WANT TO MINISTER TO THE POOR WITHOUT CREATING DEPENDENCY? Learn how through the "Foundations and Principles of Holistic Ministry" email-based distance learning course scheduled for August 28 - September 22, 2006. This course is offered by the Chalmers Center for Economic and Community Development, a training center housed at Covenant College that equips the church worldwide to minister to the poor.
The Foundations course is designed for an individual or a ministry team doing community outreach among the poor - pastors, church planters, ministry leaders and lay staff, and missionaries. It lays the foundation for understanding appropriate goals and strategies for Christian community development in low-income communities.
Topics covered are:
* Understanding poverty
* When to do relief and when to do development
* Harm that can come from inappropriately doing relief or development
* The response of the local church to poverty
* How to integrate Biblical principles into development programs
The "Foundations" course is an email-based guided-reading program with weekly written assignments and peer-to-peer interaction with the other course participants. Since the course format is e-mail based, slow dial-up speed from a remote location will not limit participation. On average, the course requires 8-10 hours of work per week.
Group rates and Two-Thirds World rates are available.
To learn more about this course or to register, visit www.chalmers.org, call
706-419-1805 (U.S.), or e-mail chalmers@covenant.edu. When registering, use Reference Identifier MK-CGC-04/06.
The Foundations course is designed for an individual or a ministry team doing community outreach among the poor - pastors, church planters, ministry leaders and lay staff, and missionaries. It lays the foundation for understanding appropriate goals and strategies for Christian community development in low-income communities.
Topics covered are:
* Understanding poverty
* When to do relief and when to do development
* Harm that can come from inappropriately doing relief or development
* The response of the local church to poverty
* How to integrate Biblical principles into development programs
The "Foundations" course is an email-based guided-reading program with weekly written assignments and peer-to-peer interaction with the other course participants. Since the course format is e-mail based, slow dial-up speed from a remote location will not limit participation. On average, the course requires 8-10 hours of work per week.
Group rates and Two-Thirds World rates are available.
To learn more about this course or to register, visit www.chalmers.org, call
706-419-1805 (U.S.), or e-mail chalmers@covenant.edu. When registering, use Reference Identifier MK-CGC-04/06.
Must-see movie
according to a source i trust the pik that sbux has been pushing is really good
"akeelah and the bee"
"akeelah and the bee"
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Hell
sunday will be week 2 of ccc's "2 sundays in heaven series"
so, this is good opp to say that same loving God who created heaven also created hell
as always, tim keller offers a fresh way of talking to your friends about this aspect of God's world
Preaching Hell
so, this is good opp to say that same loving God who created heaven also created hell
as always, tim keller offers a fresh way of talking to your friends about this aspect of God's world
Preaching Hell
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Get All that You Can
"If God, in His great grace, has given Jesus to you, get out of Him all that you can, and do not think that He will consider you to be intruding. It is the delight of His heart to give out of His fullness to His needy people; He is best satisfied with you when you are best satisfied with Him; He gets most from you when you get most from Him." Charles Spurgeon
Extending the grace of God
Christ Community exists to experience and extend the grace of Jesus Christ. The extension of that grace involves all of life. I'm thrilled to announce that our own Sylvia Olmsted is now an Associate Dean at UF! Sylvia's servant leadership will bring the blessings of the kingdom in ways that will benefit many people.
Here's the link.
Here's the link.
Sex, Romance, and God's Glory
this workshop for men concludes Tuesday 615am at hope church (for morning guys)
and
Thursday night at Phegley's for night owls
and
Thursday night at Phegley's for night owls
Monday, April 24, 2006
Christ Community online sermons
Christ Community sermons are available on our website. We get reports that they are being downloaded from as far away as 13th Street!
Here they are
Here they are
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Revelation, John Piper, and Left Behind
Item 1: Several people mentioned being helped by today's sermon. I'm glad. Steve's work (which I've seen already) in Revelation next Sunday is really good.
ITem 2: One person asked, "So you don't seem to follow the Left Behind series." Correct, i don't.
Item 3: Another wondered if I could re-state the John Piper comment.
#1. I'm not worthy to carry John Piper's shoes. As a preacher, dad, husband, anything.
#2. He is in the top 10 influences on my life.
#3. When he says, "Do you enjoy more making much of God or having God make much of you (paraphrase)?" I think there's a false choice he's making me make.
I totally get that much of American christianity doesn't make much of God and that is rubbish. But I think there is a better way to say it than he does. He is so popular and right on 99% of the time (wait, baptism if off too, make it 98%) that we all need to be reminded to be like the Berean church in Acts.
All that said, John Piper is one of the men who i sincerely thank God for putting in my path. If I could run 1/100 as faithful a race I would be thrilled.
ITem 2: One person asked, "So you don't seem to follow the Left Behind series." Correct, i don't.
Item 3: Another wondered if I could re-state the John Piper comment.
#1. I'm not worthy to carry John Piper's shoes. As a preacher, dad, husband, anything.
#2. He is in the top 10 influences on my life.
#3. When he says, "Do you enjoy more making much of God or having God make much of you (paraphrase)?" I think there's a false choice he's making me make.
I totally get that much of American christianity doesn't make much of God and that is rubbish. But I think there is a better way to say it than he does. He is so popular and right on 99% of the time (wait, baptism if off too, make it 98%) that we all need to be reminded to be like the Berean church in Acts.
All that said, John Piper is one of the men who i sincerely thank God for putting in my path. If I could run 1/100 as faithful a race I would be thrilled.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Sunday with Christ Community
9am classes for all ages
10am worship, there is children's church (Kristin Williams & Lindsey Wagner) this week
this is the 1st of "TWO SUNDAYS IN HEAVEN" as the preaching will focus on helping de-bunk myths of boredom and awaken/arouse anticipation of our life in the City of God.
4:30 CLUB 45 at church house, ends at 6pm
7pm Youth Group at church house
10am worship, there is children's church (Kristin Williams & Lindsey Wagner) this week
this is the 1st of "TWO SUNDAYS IN HEAVEN" as the preaching will focus on helping de-bunk myths of boredom and awaken/arouse anticipation of our life in the City of God.
4:30 CLUB 45 at church house, ends at 6pm
7pm Youth Group at church house
what will we do in heaven?
Much of the language of what we'll do in heaven has to do with ruling, reigning... it ain't watching Oprah... it has a feel of work without the frustrations we normally experience in work. Dallas Willard says:
"We should not think of ourselves as destined to be celestial
bureaucrats involved eternally in celestial administrivia.
We should think of our destiny as being absorbed in a tremendously creative team effort, with unimaginable splendid leadership, on an inconceivable vast plane of activity, with ever more comprehensive cycles of productivity and enjoyment. This is the ‘eye hath not seen, neither ear heard' that lies before us in the prophetic vision (Isaiah 64:4)" --Dallas Willard
"We should not think of ourselves as destined to be celestial
bureaucrats involved eternally in celestial administrivia.
We should think of our destiny as being absorbed in a tremendously creative team effort, with unimaginable splendid leadership, on an inconceivable vast plane of activity, with ever more comprehensive cycles of productivity and enjoyment. This is the ‘eye hath not seen, neither ear heard' that lies before us in the prophetic vision (Isaiah 64:4)" --Dallas Willard
Sex Romance & The Glory of God
Tomorrow morning at 6:15am at Hope (corner of Tower Rd & 24th Ave)... we'll complete our workshop/class
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God (you can listen to the incredible sermon here)
Well, a wise man once said to me... "Whenever you talk about sex, remember this:
<>There are men enslaved to pornography.
<>There are married couples who haven't made love to each other in years.
<>There are men and women so wounded from sexual abuse that the idea of "enjoying" sex feels like an oxymoron.
<> There are married couples who were sexually active prior to marriage and the guilt of it hinders their delight in each years later.
<> There are Christians with warped views... thinking that sex, even between man & wife, is at best tolerable and at worst dirty.
<> Etc.
We all need to be reminded that there is hope. The gospel is powerful and God has graciously given resources for gospel applications to each of our struggles. If this comes to someone's eyes who is ready to reach out for help, great. Contact a friend or talk with me or another elder. We're happy to help and help you find help.
Rob
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God (you can listen to the incredible sermon here)
Well, a wise man once said to me... "Whenever you talk about sex, remember this:
<>There are men enslaved to pornography.
<>There are married couples who haven't made love to each other in years.
<>There are men and women so wounded from sexual abuse that the idea of "enjoying" sex feels like an oxymoron.
<> There are married couples who were sexually active prior to marriage and the guilt of it hinders their delight in each years later.
<> There are Christians with warped views... thinking that sex, even between man & wife, is at best tolerable and at worst dirty.
<> Etc.
We all need to be reminded that there is hope. The gospel is powerful and God has graciously given resources for gospel applications to each of our struggles. If this comes to someone's eyes who is ready to reach out for help, great. Contact a friend or talk with me or another elder. We're happy to help and help you find help.
Rob
Near Death Experiences
CLUB 45 sunday at 4:30
Monthly meeting/bible study for 4th and 5th graders
at church house, sunday 4:30-6pm
at church house, sunday 4:30-6pm
What you believe about the future
is the main determinant in how you process, how you experience, and how you handle circumstances in the present. --Tim Keller
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
thursday fellas
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God - New Class for Men
Learn what your wife wishes you knew. This course will focus on what the Bible says a
real man should be. We are offering this during two different times in the week.
for Night Owls, there is a Thursday Evening Class.
Thursday evenings, April 20th & 27th, 7:30-8:45pm.
Taught by Kevin Phegley at the Phegley’s home, just off Newberry Road
Map of 10826 Nw 18th Ct
Gainesville, FL 32606-5479, US
Learn what your wife wishes you knew. This course will focus on what the Bible says a
real man should be. We are offering this during two different times in the week.
for Night Owls, there is a Thursday Evening Class.
Thursday evenings, April 20th & 27th, 7:30-8:45pm.
Taught by Kevin Phegley at the Phegley’s home, just off Newberry Road
Map of 10826 Nw 18th Ct
Gainesville, FL 32606-5479, US
…on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a fair green country under a swift sunrise.
gold streets in heaven
In Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem is described as being made of pure gold
and precious stones (Rev 21:15-21). It seems that this is pointing to the ultimate
fulfillment of this “commonality of all wealth” theme. No longer is wealth and
power accumulated in the hands of the few. It is there for all of the people of
God.
If the people of God today could only begin to live this out, how much
different (i.e., set apart, holy) would we be from the rest of society? ---from hope for new york kingdom document
and--by the way--when you read....
No longer is wealth and
power accumulated in the hands of the few.
you shouldn't think, "Yeh, like right now Trump & Sam Walton have it all."
you should think, "Yeh, like right now we (americans) have it all."
and precious stones (Rev 21:15-21). It seems that this is pointing to the ultimate
fulfillment of this “commonality of all wealth” theme. No longer is wealth and
power accumulated in the hands of the few. It is there for all of the people of
God.
If the people of God today could only begin to live this out, how much
different (i.e., set apart, holy) would we be from the rest of society? ---from hope for new york kingdom document
and--by the way--when you read....
No longer is wealth and
power accumulated in the hands of the few.
you shouldn't think, "Yeh, like right now Trump & Sam Walton have it all."
you should think, "Yeh, like right now we (americans) have it all."
sex in heaven?
one thing i'll mention while preaching on eternity is will there be sex in the new heavens & new earth? That doggone NARNIAN gets at it again w/ an answer:
I think our present outlook might be like that of a small boy who, on being told that the sexual act was the highest bodily pleasure, should immediately ask whether you ate chocolates at the same time. On receiving the answer no, he might regard absence of chocolates as the chief characteristic of sexuality. In vain would you tell him that the reason why lovers in their carnal raptures don't bother about chocolates is that they have something better to think of. The boy knows chocolate: he does not know the positive thing that excludes it.
We are in the same position. We know the sexual life; we do not know, except in glimpses, the other thing which, in Heaven, will leave no room for it. Hence where fullness awaits us we anticipate loss.
I think our present outlook might be like that of a small boy who, on being told that the sexual act was the highest bodily pleasure, should immediately ask whether you ate chocolates at the same time. On receiving the answer no, he might regard absence of chocolates as the chief characteristic of sexuality. In vain would you tell him that the reason why lovers in their carnal raptures don't bother about chocolates is that they have something better to think of. The boy knows chocolate: he does not know the positive thing that excludes it.
We are in the same position. We know the sexual life; we do not know, except in glimpses, the other thing which, in Heaven, will leave no room for it. Hence where fullness awaits us we anticipate loss.
end of 4 part harmony
Unfortunately for the human race, this creation situation of harmony did not continue. Adam
and Eve, based upon the tempting of the serpent, began to doubt the goodness of God. Because
they doubted His goodness, they were led into disobedience (sin). As a result of their sin, the
world fell apart. This can be seen in the following alienations (ruptured relationships):
Heaven
to understand the promises of heaven and our eternal dwellings, you must see what was true at creation.... there was a 4-part harmony: we were cool with God, each other, our own selves, and the environment....
Theological: The relationship between God and people--obedience--humans acting in
accordance with the reality that God was looking out for their best interests; examples
that God was looking out for their best interests—abundant provision, God sees “it is
not God for man to be alone” so He provides for companionship.
• Intra-personal: The relationship of individual people to themselves--Naked and
feeling no shame. People were not ashamed of who they were before God or before
one another.
• Inter-personal: The relationship between people and groups of people--Mutual
delight and appreciation; Adam breaks out into poetry when he meets Eve; goal is for
unity to come from diversity—the two shall be one
• Environmental: The relationship between people and the environment--Nature
provides for mans needs—a river watered the garden; nature dependent on man’s
working to bring forth its fruits. Humans depicted as wise caretakers of the land.
later we'll look at why this is not the way it is right now for us...
Theological: The relationship between God and people--obedience--humans acting in
accordance with the reality that God was looking out for their best interests; examples
that God was looking out for their best interests—abundant provision, God sees “it is
not God for man to be alone” so He provides for companionship.
• Intra-personal: The relationship of individual people to themselves--Naked and
feeling no shame. People were not ashamed of who they were before God or before
one another.
• Inter-personal: The relationship between people and groups of people--Mutual
delight and appreciation; Adam breaks out into poetry when he meets Eve; goal is for
unity to come from diversity—the two shall be one
• Environmental: The relationship between people and the environment--Nature
provides for mans needs—a river watered the garden; nature dependent on man’s
working to bring forth its fruits. Humans depicted as wise caretakers of the land.
later we'll look at why this is not the way it is right now for us...
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Heavenly Escapism?
Isn't concern about Heaven escapist?
I answer the question with another question, from C. S. Lewis: Who talks the most against "escapism"? Jailers. Is it escapist for a baby to wonder about life outside the womb? Is it escapist for someone on a long ocean voyage to wonder about landfall? Is it escapist for the seed to dream of the flower? It is escapist if, and only if, Heaven is a lie. Those who call Heaven "escapism" are presupposing atheism.
(from Q&A on heaven, by Peter Kreeft)
I answer the question with another question, from C. S. Lewis: Who talks the most against "escapism"? Jailers. Is it escapist for a baby to wonder about life outside the womb? Is it escapist for someone on a long ocean voyage to wonder about landfall? Is it escapist for the seed to dream of the flower? It is escapist if, and only if, Heaven is a lie. Those who call Heaven "escapism" are presupposing atheism.
(from Q&A on heaven, by Peter Kreeft)
According to Huckleberry Finn, “Now she had got a start, and she went on and told me all about the good place. She said all a body would have to do there was to go around all day long with a harp and sing, forever and ever. So I didn’t think much of it. But I never said so. I asked her if she reckoned Tom Sawyer would go there, and she said, not by a considerable sight. I was glad about that, because I wanted him and me to be together.
common questions
How can I be happy in Heaven if someone I loved deeply on Earth doesn't make it to Heaven?
Will there be animals in Heaven? Will my dead cat be there?
Will i be bored there?
Preaching will be on HEAVEN the next 2 sundays at Christ Community
Will there be animals in Heaven? Will my dead cat be there?
Will i be bored there?
Preaching will be on HEAVEN the next 2 sundays at Christ Community
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Calling all men
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God - New Class for Men
Learn what your wife wishes you knew. This course will focus on what the Bible says a
real man should be. We are offering this during two different times in the week.
For Early Risers, there is a Tuesday Morning Class:
Tuesday mornings, at 6:15-7:30 a.m. April 18th & 25th
Taught by Rob Pendley at Hope Church*. Free Starbucks!
*(HOPE church is located on the corner of Tower Rd & SW 24th Ave)
Or
for Night Owls, there is a Thursday Evening Class.
Thursday evenings, April 20th & 27th, 7:30-8:45pm.
Taught by Kevin Phegley at the Phegley’s home.
Learn what your wife wishes you knew. This course will focus on what the Bible says a
real man should be. We are offering this during two different times in the week.
For Early Risers, there is a Tuesday Morning Class:
Tuesday mornings, at 6:15-7:30 a.m. April 18th & 25th
Taught by Rob Pendley at Hope Church*. Free Starbucks!
*(HOPE church is located on the corner of Tower Rd & SW 24th Ave)
Or
for Night Owls, there is a Thursday Evening Class.
Thursday evenings, April 20th & 27th, 7:30-8:45pm.
Taught by Kevin Phegley at the Phegley’s home.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Good Friday
5:30 Friday
a 30 minute guided reflection on the death of Christ
In this quiet service we will think together on the 7 statements Jesus made from the cross... and use them as our guide into thinking on his suffering and death for us.
The somber mood of this service is in anticipation of the celebration of Easter morning.
5:30 until 6pm at Hope Church (corner Tower & SW 24th)
no childcare
a 30 minute guided reflection on the death of Christ
In this quiet service we will think together on the 7 statements Jesus made from the cross... and use them as our guide into thinking on his suffering and death for us.
The somber mood of this service is in anticipation of the celebration of Easter morning.
5:30 until 6pm at Hope Church (corner Tower & SW 24th)
no childcare
Monday, April 10, 2006
Easter
Easter Egg Hunt
10:00-12:00 on Saturday, April 15th.
Easter Services
9:00am AND 10:30am. Both services will be identicle and ~60min. in length.
10:00-12:00 on Saturday, April 15th.
Easter Services
9:00am AND 10:30am. Both services will be identicle and ~60min. in length.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Sunday, April 9th
Paul Boyd will be our speaker this Sunday.
He will be preaching on, "A Heart For Missions", Psalm 51:1-17.
Our Children will also be a part of our service this Sunday,
with their Spring Music Perfomance!
Sunday School Classes @ 9:00am
Worship Service @10:00am
He will be preaching on, "A Heart For Missions", Psalm 51:1-17.
Our Children will also be a part of our service this Sunday,
with their Spring Music Perfomance!
Sunday School Classes @ 9:00am
Worship Service @10:00am
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
You are inviting your friends
The many names that you are submitting are being prayed for. My heart has been strengthened by your desire to bring people to hear the news of the resurrected Jesus.
Way to go. And may God bring Himself much glory and honor in our midst.
Easter services 9:00am and 10:30am
Way to go. And may God bring Himself much glory and honor in our midst.
Easter services 9:00am and 10:30am
Friday, March 31, 2006
beautiful scandalous night
At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree
On that beautiful scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night
rest of lyric
On that beautiful scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white
On that beautiful, scandalous night
rest of lyric
husbands, here's help
C.J. Mahaney
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God:
What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know
Listen | Watch |
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God:
What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know
Listen | Watch |
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Christ Preaching from the cross!
I think Augustine said somewhere that the cross was a pulpit in which Christ preached his love to the world. I can't remember (or just don't know) where he said this. That expression is a succinct way of drawing our attention to the holiness of God (a sacrifice was needed), His love (he provided the sacrifice), our sinfulness (we've been separated from God by our sin), His provision in Christ (his life and death) and our response (we need to hear this word preached and respond to it in repentance and faith). So there it is--the gospel is about our holy and loving God, creator and judge, His creation of us in His image, our sin against Him, His amazing provision of us in Christ, whose life, death and resurrection was for us. He then calls all who hear this message to turn away from their sins and trust in Christ alone for forgiveness of sins, restoration of a relationship with God, and even adoption as His children, now and forever! by mark dever
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
any group looking for way to serve?
oak hall has given us permission to put out sandwich boards announcing our 2 easter services
Thursday and friday from 4-7pm
if your group, or you individually, or your family... would like to pick up the boards at the church house on wednesday, then put them up and take them down thurs and friday... let debbie know at 379-4949 ext 12 or debbie AT christcommunitychurch dot com
Thursday and friday from 4-7pm
if your group, or you individually, or your family... would like to pick up the boards at the church house on wednesday, then put them up and take them down thurs and friday... let debbie know at 379-4949 ext 12 or debbie AT christcommunitychurch dot com
Desire
O LORD,your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts. isaiah 26
Friends, I am in prayer for His name and renown to be spread through our Easter weekend activities at Oak Hall:
Saturday Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday services (9:00am and 10:30am)
Receiving information about who you are inviting would greatly be appreciated and enflame the prayer that is being kindled. Would you please take a minute in the next couple of days and email your hot list to info AT christcommunitychurch DOT com
thanks
are the desire of our hearts. isaiah 26
Friends, I am in prayer for His name and renown to be spread through our Easter weekend activities at Oak Hall:
Saturday Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday services (9:00am and 10:30am)
Receiving information about who you are inviting would greatly be appreciated and enflame the prayer that is being kindled. Would you please take a minute in the next couple of days and email your hot list to info AT christcommunitychurch DOT com
thanks
Legitimized
Grace takes the agency of salvation out of human hands, whereas the heart’s desire of every child of Adam and Eve is to keep it there—to strive endlessly to find something we can do to make ourselves legitimate. But grace makes all our efforts to legitimize ourselves irrelevant because it proclaims us already legitimized by the work of Someone Else, without a single effort on our part.
— Robert Farrar Capon
The Astonished Heart
— Robert Farrar Capon
The Astonished Heart
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Acts 20:28 this sunday
while we normally take chunks of scripture at a time... this week we'll look at one verse... actually a portion of one verse
the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
the outline will run:
I. You were costly to obtain
II. You are God's treasured possession
there is an amazing connection between Ephesians 1:14 and 1 Peter 2
this is a chance, as easter approaches, to have an extended meditatation on the death of Christ
the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
the outline will run:
I. You were costly to obtain
II. You are God's treasured possession
there is an amazing connection between Ephesians 1:14 and 1 Peter 2
this is a chance, as easter approaches, to have an extended meditatation on the death of Christ
The scars of God
This sunday i'll be preaching on one verse. Acts 20:28 (...the church of God, obtained with His own blood.) will lead us to the broken body and shed blood of Christ at His table. Pray that he will meet us there, in his majesty & meekness.
"The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God's wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone."
--Edward Shillito in the poem "Jesus of the Scars"
"The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God's wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone."
--Edward Shillito in the poem "Jesus of the Scars"
suicide
Mississippi is a small place. You know the six steps to Kevin Bacon thing? Well in mississippi we are all 6 steps to everyone.
Last week a friend of a friend ended his life. An early 20's Christian. What brings a person to this point. I have known this temptation before and many others have as well. I'm posting a link to a helpful article by Anthony Bradley of Covenant Seminary.
Last week a friend of a friend ended his life. An early 20's Christian. What brings a person to this point. I have known this temptation before and many others have as well. I'm posting a link to a helpful article by Anthony Bradley of Covenant Seminary.
Monday, March 27, 2006
I did it to please a baseball player fraternity brother
When I pledged a fraternity during my freshman year at Mississippi State I was thrilled with the whole thing, even the work. The fraternity members were pretty much allowed & encouraged to make the joining process difficult. One portion of our pledging was to sit and visit with each member, a one-on-one of sorts. This was the only time I conversed one to one with many of the older guys. Will McRaney was a 2 sport athlete at Miss. State. Before going to visit him i was nervous... that he would be jealous of my physique. And, I knew that God, Jesus, Bible would come up. He was kind to me and before we ended said, "We're starting some bible studies at the fraternity house, would you be interested?"
Umm, sure.
And that invitation started me down a road.
Umm, sure.
And that invitation started me down a road.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Sleeping in Church... Sunday at Christ Community
9am classes
10am worship
sermon will be from text in acts where young boy fell asleep as preacher went on and on...
10am worship
sermon will be from text in acts where young boy fell asleep as preacher went on and on...
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
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