This season of the year is about Sharing. Our faith is actually about Sharing. We are not meant to keep it private. We are not meant to keep it to ourselves. Consider the following two examples:
Passover - This is the re-telling (yes, telling means sharing) of the story of how the Hebrew People left Egypt and gained their freedom. The Jews were slaves in the land of Egypt for 430 years. The Egyptians made life hard for them, and they cried out. God heard their cries, and sent a redeemer (Moses) to lead them out of Egypt. Jewish families gather each year to Share the story, passing it to the next generation. If there are not enough people in a home to eat a lamb, they are to meet as several families. If people are single, they go to a Sharing in the Synagogue.
"If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are." Exodus 12:4
Easter - This is the best holday of the entire Christian faith. It is our reason fro being. Jesus rose from the dead. What are we to do? Celebrate! Tell! That is the first thing the disciples did when they heard that Jesus rose from the dead. The first believers at the tomb were the women. They found the stone rolled away. They saw Angels who told them Jesus had arisen. Then the angels said: "But go, tell his disciples and Peter, `He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' " (Mt 28:7) They did. The disciples found the tomb empty. Mary Magdalene hung around after Peter and John left, and she saw Jesus. What did she do? "Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: 'I have seen the Lord!'" (John 20:18)
What were Jesus instructions to us about the Resurrecton - and the Good News? "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
THis season is made for Sharing, for Telling - for our world needs to know. Sharing and telling bring hope, changed lives, and many blessings.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
LORD Creator - Yahweh Borey
One of my favorite psalms this time of year is:
PS 8:1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
PS 8:2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
PS 8:3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
PS 8:4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
PS 8:5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
PS 8:6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
PS 8:9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Albert Einstein said, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.”
Our God has laid out this world for us. From the very beginning God had a plan, and it was to please us. As we read the Bible, after God made the structure, the rocks we stand on; then poured over it the water that is necessary for life; He began to create beauty. Notice:
3rd Day: “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees”
4th Day: “let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years”
5th Day: “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky”
6th Day: “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds”
7th Day: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
That means to ENJOY!
Have you ever worked on a major project, when it is done, you don’t just rest, you admire and are thankful.
GE 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
GE 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
GE 1:29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. …
One of our shortcomings as humans is perfectionism. We often spend so much time perfecting what will do, that we don’t take the 7th day to rest, to observe and give thanks for all that God has done.
JOB 37:1 "At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place.
JOB 37:2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. 4 After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. 5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. 6 He says to the snow, `Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, `Be a mighty downpour.' 7 So that all men he has made may know his work,
Yahweh Borey, LORD Creator. All of this causes us to worship. Not the Creation, but the Creator. God could have made things in a very utilitarian way, but He did not. God made all things for us to enjoy. We worship in Thanksgiving, LORD Creator.
PS 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
The sad thing is, as Paul tells us: RO 1:20 Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Lord, cause us to pray for the Lost!
Through the LORD Creator, we can pray for the sick, knowing that it is God who made us, and can help us heal (put us back together).
ISA 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
ISA 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
PS 8:1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
PS 8:2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
PS 8:3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
PS 8:4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
PS 8:5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
PS 8:6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
PS 8:9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Albert Einstein said, “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.”
Our God has laid out this world for us. From the very beginning God had a plan, and it was to please us. As we read the Bible, after God made the structure, the rocks we stand on; then poured over it the water that is necessary for life; He began to create beauty. Notice:
3rd Day: “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees”
4th Day: “let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years”
5th Day: “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky”
6th Day: “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds”
7th Day: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
That means to ENJOY!
Have you ever worked on a major project, when it is done, you don’t just rest, you admire and are thankful.
GE 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
GE 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
GE 1:29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. …
One of our shortcomings as humans is perfectionism. We often spend so much time perfecting what will do, that we don’t take the 7th day to rest, to observe and give thanks for all that God has done.
JOB 37:1 "At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place.
JOB 37:2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. 4 After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. 5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. 6 He says to the snow, `Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, `Be a mighty downpour.' 7 So that all men he has made may know his work,
Yahweh Borey, LORD Creator. All of this causes us to worship. Not the Creation, but the Creator. God could have made things in a very utilitarian way, but He did not. God made all things for us to enjoy. We worship in Thanksgiving, LORD Creator.
PS 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
The sad thing is, as Paul tells us: RO 1:20 Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Lord, cause us to pray for the Lost!
Through the LORD Creator, we can pray for the sick, knowing that it is God who made us, and can help us heal (put us back together).
ISA 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?
ISA 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St. Patrick's Day
Who is St. Patrick?
A. A brawny man who can drink more than his share of green beer
B. The folk hero who chased the snakes out of Ireland
C. A Celtic Druid Priest who is the Patron Saint of Ireland
D. None of the above…
We live in a world where many people choose to believe folk tales or a lie.
As Christians, it is important we look up and share what is the truth, and in the case of St. Patrick, it is easy to find out the truth … He writes about his life in his "Confessions."
Patrick was born in England about AD 389. He was raised in a Christian home, but did not follow in the ways of his parents. At about 16 years old he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland, where he became a slave. He herded sheep for a number of years, and in the fields rediscovered God. The Lord helped him escape his captors. He was taken by ship to France, where he spent time in a monastery learning to share the Gospel. From there he returned to England.
In England he heard the call of God to take the Gospel to Ireland. He became “a fisher of men,” taking the Gospel where it had never been heard and reached many of the Irish including their chieftains. Patrick writes in his Confessions: “So, it is that in Ireland, where they never had any knowledge of God but, always, until now, cherished idols and unclean things, they are lately become a people of the Lord, and are called children of God”
So the truth is that Patrick was a Priest and a missionary for Jesus Christ who took the Gospel to a pagan nation, and on this day we celebrate the life of a man who accomplished great things for God.
In this world of lies, gossip and innuendos, it is always best to go to the source, go to the source or the person to get the truth. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." JN 8:32
A. A brawny man who can drink more than his share of green beer
B. The folk hero who chased the snakes out of Ireland
C. A Celtic Druid Priest who is the Patron Saint of Ireland
D. None of the above…
We live in a world where many people choose to believe folk tales or a lie.
As Christians, it is important we look up and share what is the truth, and in the case of St. Patrick, it is easy to find out the truth … He writes about his life in his "Confessions."
Patrick was born in England about AD 389. He was raised in a Christian home, but did not follow in the ways of his parents. At about 16 years old he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland, where he became a slave. He herded sheep for a number of years, and in the fields rediscovered God. The Lord helped him escape his captors. He was taken by ship to France, where he spent time in a monastery learning to share the Gospel. From there he returned to England.
In England he heard the call of God to take the Gospel to Ireland. He became “a fisher of men,” taking the Gospel where it had never been heard and reached many of the Irish including their chieftains. Patrick writes in his Confessions: “So, it is that in Ireland, where they never had any knowledge of God but, always, until now, cherished idols and unclean things, they are lately become a people of the Lord, and are called children of God”
So the truth is that Patrick was a Priest and a missionary for Jesus Christ who took the Gospel to a pagan nation, and on this day we celebrate the life of a man who accomplished great things for God.
In this world of lies, gossip and innuendos, it is always best to go to the source, go to the source or the person to get the truth. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." JN 8:32
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
El-Roi – God Sees Me
The first use of this name for God is found in Genesis 16:1-16
. GE 16:13 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
. The story is about a slave girl, a foreigner, who is asked to sleep with her master’s husband. She gets pregnant, and is despised by her master.
“God Sees Me” has a personal touch about it. For God does see each one of us …
. 2CH 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. …
. PS 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love
. God sees all … God sees the rich, God sees the poor. God saw Harar, this poor woman found forgiveness. God sees the old Old. God sees the Young. God sees the Good. God sees the bad.
Does it un-nerve you that God Sees Me – all of me? (God not only sees, but he hears. Did you know Ishmael means: God hears me) God does not just see me, God hears me.
. PS 94:8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? 9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?
. Read - Psalm 139:1-16.
. God sees where you go, He sees what you do. He hears what you say, God even knows what you think!
JER 23:23-24 "Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.
It is only because God cares (yes, God cared for Hagar) the God even looks at us. It is really for our best that God sees us. God Loves us. God sent His only Son to die for us. God wants us to Love Him ~ and God desires us to live for Him. If we do, God Sees ... present and future.
. As God sees, He is our Shepherd, Our Guide, Our Protector. It is all good.
. Thank You Lord, for being the God who sees. El-Roi.
. GE 16:13 She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.
. The story is about a slave girl, a foreigner, who is asked to sleep with her master’s husband. She gets pregnant, and is despised by her master.
“God Sees Me” has a personal touch about it. For God does see each one of us …
. 2CH 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. …
. PS 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love
. God sees all … God sees the rich, God sees the poor. God saw Harar, this poor woman found forgiveness. God sees the old Old. God sees the Young. God sees the Good. God sees the bad.
Does it un-nerve you that God Sees Me – all of me? (God not only sees, but he hears. Did you know Ishmael means: God hears me) God does not just see me, God hears me.
. PS 94:8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? 9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?
. Read - Psalm 139:1-16.
. God sees where you go, He sees what you do. He hears what you say, God even knows what you think!
JER 23:23-24 "Am I only a God nearby," declares the LORD, "and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD.
It is only because God cares (yes, God cared for Hagar) the God even looks at us. It is really for our best that God sees us. God Loves us. God sent His only Son to die for us. God wants us to Love Him ~ and God desires us to live for Him. If we do, God Sees ... present and future.
. As God sees, He is our Shepherd, Our Guide, Our Protector. It is all good.
. Thank You Lord, for being the God who sees. El-Roi.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Community - a Place of Relationships
The church is to be “community.” We call this many things: Koinonia, Fellowship, Connecting, Care, Friendship, Love.
Community is something that everyone speaks about. We say our churches are great at community, but often we are lacking. Consider the following scenario: As you are walking down the hallway of church someone passes and says, “Hi, How are you?” What do you answer? Most of us say “Good” or “Fine.” And the comment is then reciprocated. But what happens if you say “Terrible!”?
The point is that most of our relationships are superficial. We need to go deeper in our conversations – at least deep enough to listen. Only when we really listen … and respond, do we really build community.
There are many levels to community. The first is that we are in the same room and the same time. Second is perhaps I know your face. Third is that I know your name. Fourth is that I begin to speak to you. Fifth is that I actually listen to you. Sixth is that I respond. Seventh is that speaking, hearing and responding occurs several cycles. Then, a wonderful thing will begin to happen.
That thing is called Trust. When trust occurs, the best types of friendships happen. We begin to become transparent, and share further, because we do not have to fear embarrassment.
In a recent conference at Ridgecrest, it was mentioned that it is important, if we are to build Biblical Community with Post-Moderns, contacts need to be made several times per week. This can happen in worship. Contact in a small group (Sunday School) is even more important because it is a place people talk and discuss. Then Phone calls, Lunches, e-mails and face-book contacts are important.
Churches need to build community. We are a great place between work and home.
- Community should encourage honesty, authenticity, and freedom to ask questions
- Community should endorse connection between personal convictions and actions.
- Community should be a place where it is ok to not know all the answers.
- Connections in community should be full of personal illustrations and life application.
The real world needs community. In many of our churches there are layers one must cut through to become an “insider” in the community. We often demand that one Believes like we believe and Behaves according to our standards before we let them belong to our community. We must switch this around if we are going to reach our world. We need to invite people to Belong. As part of the community we relate to each other through Care and Friendship. As we relate they will discover what we Believe, and when they understand that, they will respond by Behaving as God desires.
Community, what does your community look like. How hard is it for someone to break into your community? Read John 4:35 and Luke 19:10 – see what Jesus asks us to do.
Community is something that everyone speaks about. We say our churches are great at community, but often we are lacking. Consider the following scenario: As you are walking down the hallway of church someone passes and says, “Hi, How are you?” What do you answer? Most of us say “Good” or “Fine.” And the comment is then reciprocated. But what happens if you say “Terrible!”?
The point is that most of our relationships are superficial. We need to go deeper in our conversations – at least deep enough to listen. Only when we really listen … and respond, do we really build community.
There are many levels to community. The first is that we are in the same room and the same time. Second is perhaps I know your face. Third is that I know your name. Fourth is that I begin to speak to you. Fifth is that I actually listen to you. Sixth is that I respond. Seventh is that speaking, hearing and responding occurs several cycles. Then, a wonderful thing will begin to happen.
That thing is called Trust. When trust occurs, the best types of friendships happen. We begin to become transparent, and share further, because we do not have to fear embarrassment.
In a recent conference at Ridgecrest, it was mentioned that it is important, if we are to build Biblical Community with Post-Moderns, contacts need to be made several times per week. This can happen in worship. Contact in a small group (Sunday School) is even more important because it is a place people talk and discuss. Then Phone calls, Lunches, e-mails and face-book contacts are important.
Churches need to build community. We are a great place between work and home.
- Community should encourage honesty, authenticity, and freedom to ask questions
- Community should endorse connection between personal convictions and actions.
- Community should be a place where it is ok to not know all the answers.
- Connections in community should be full of personal illustrations and life application.
The real world needs community. In many of our churches there are layers one must cut through to become an “insider” in the community. We often demand that one Believes like we believe and Behaves according to our standards before we let them belong to our community. We must switch this around if we are going to reach our world. We need to invite people to Belong. As part of the community we relate to each other through Care and Friendship. As we relate they will discover what we Believe, and when they understand that, they will respond by Behaving as God desires.
Community, what does your community look like. How hard is it for someone to break into your community? Read John 4:35 and Luke 19:10 – see what Jesus asks us to do.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Teaching with Depth
This week I am at a conference in the mountains outside of Asheville, NC. My family told me to take good notes - so I decided to jot down notes and ideas here. Although not exactly what was spoken, this is what I received from the presentation.
The speakers are looking at what it takes to reach the post-modern world. In the initial presentation they listed four things that the church needs to do to reach this key market:
1. Provide Depth (see further down to explain)
2. Provide Community
3. Provide Connections - or mentors. This generation wants to interact with someone who has walked the walk.
4. Responsibility - meaning the generation wants to leave a better world than they came into. This could be done in a number of ways including becoming socially active or recycling.
** One thing they said is that the generation does not necessarily need the coolist and biggest program or high dollar fluff. They want something that is real.
The session from this afternoon was on depth. The question was asked, "What is meant by depth?" and the answer could be about anything. It could be better Greek or Hebrew exegesis, it could be pulling out more meaning. Lots of things could be done to achieve depth - and not necessarily hit the mark.
Then, how can we achieve depth? Four things were listed to be aware of in a presentation:
1. People are looking for Mystery, not Logic. Facts can be learned by reading a book. They want to go further. We must explore the facts, and find the things that are not in the facts. We must find the hidden things. The things that will cause the mind to wonder and to begin working. We need to have the "wow's." But this does not mean lots of statistics. This means the things that make you want to look deeper yourself. In a sense, there is an entertainment aspect here, but not really entertainment, for it is meant to go beyond tickling the interest. The Mystery is meant to open the door for the person - and to make them want to go in to explore.
2. People are looking for Story, not Fact. Again, this is about helping people gain an interest. Stories have been around for a long time. We all ejoy some kind of story. Some are better than others. I have taken Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories" (The "Elephant's Child is my favorite, O Best Beloved), and kept the interest of third graders - even without pictures. (Of course the spanking parts really help, especially if I tell them with a loud, sharp voice). Stories fill in the spaces between the facts. The leader of the conference told the story of Nicodemus from John 3. He started with Nicodemus approaching the tent, with his hood up so he could not be detected in the darkness of night. Peter opened the tent flap to see who was there, and pulled it aside, not recognizing the guest. When the guest was inside, and saw Jesus in the back of the tent, he pulled his hood back, and everyone gasped, they recognized Nicodemus, one of the Pharasees ...
3. People desire Change and not Stability. Stability gets boring, we want something different. People in the recent election voted for "Change." They did not know exactly what it was, but it must be better than what existed before. And it is a little like living on the edge. This sytle of presentation will make us all work harder. We need to think of a fresh approach every time. But that is what people are looking for. Although God does not change ... yet He does. Take note: The Amelekites, Jericho, and the Midianites were all defeated in different ways. The leaders of the people were required to pray and find what method God wanted - and follow. We must pray and discover what method will work best with our audience, and design the presentation around the needs.
4. We live in a society of Distrust and not Trust. People especially distrust authority. There used to be a time they trusted Pastors, the President, etc... but not any more. They are looking for truth. They want to get to know us, our motivations, our sources. They want to see the genuine person before they trust us. Leadership used to come by standing in front of the group. It was a position of respect. Now it is from withing the group. People follow the person with passion - a person they have gotten to know - one of them. They want reliability.
Changes also include presentation style.
1. People no longer look for information. They want to explore. This is much better, for we remember far more of what we explore than what we are told. Let's open the door, build the curiosity and place people where they can learn.
2. Society has moved from Admiration to Identification. Again, they want the leader to be one of them. We all have faults. We are nervous when we stand in front of others. We have fears. We have shortcomings. The post-modern generation respects someone like them, because they know if the person like them did it, they probably can too.
3. We need to move from dispensation to revelation. We need to reveal or communicate ourselves to others. We don't need to just teach the facts of the Bible. But we need to teach ourselves and how we interact, and what we have learned, and how we have put this into practice, mistakes we have made, things we learned through the mistakes.
Teaching is to be a journey that others want to experience with us and through us.
The speakers are looking at what it takes to reach the post-modern world. In the initial presentation they listed four things that the church needs to do to reach this key market:
1. Provide Depth (see further down to explain)
2. Provide Community
3. Provide Connections - or mentors. This generation wants to interact with someone who has walked the walk.
4. Responsibility - meaning the generation wants to leave a better world than they came into. This could be done in a number of ways including becoming socially active or recycling.
** One thing they said is that the generation does not necessarily need the coolist and biggest program or high dollar fluff. They want something that is real.
The session from this afternoon was on depth. The question was asked, "What is meant by depth?" and the answer could be about anything. It could be better Greek or Hebrew exegesis, it could be pulling out more meaning. Lots of things could be done to achieve depth - and not necessarily hit the mark.
Then, how can we achieve depth? Four things were listed to be aware of in a presentation:
1. People are looking for Mystery, not Logic. Facts can be learned by reading a book. They want to go further. We must explore the facts, and find the things that are not in the facts. We must find the hidden things. The things that will cause the mind to wonder and to begin working. We need to have the "wow's." But this does not mean lots of statistics. This means the things that make you want to look deeper yourself. In a sense, there is an entertainment aspect here, but not really entertainment, for it is meant to go beyond tickling the interest. The Mystery is meant to open the door for the person - and to make them want to go in to explore.
2. People are looking for Story, not Fact. Again, this is about helping people gain an interest. Stories have been around for a long time. We all ejoy some kind of story. Some are better than others. I have taken Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories" (The "Elephant's Child is my favorite, O Best Beloved), and kept the interest of third graders - even without pictures. (Of course the spanking parts really help, especially if I tell them with a loud, sharp voice). Stories fill in the spaces between the facts. The leader of the conference told the story of Nicodemus from John 3. He started with Nicodemus approaching the tent, with his hood up so he could not be detected in the darkness of night. Peter opened the tent flap to see who was there, and pulled it aside, not recognizing the guest. When the guest was inside, and saw Jesus in the back of the tent, he pulled his hood back, and everyone gasped, they recognized Nicodemus, one of the Pharasees ...
3. People desire Change and not Stability. Stability gets boring, we want something different. People in the recent election voted for "Change." They did not know exactly what it was, but it must be better than what existed before. And it is a little like living on the edge. This sytle of presentation will make us all work harder. We need to think of a fresh approach every time. But that is what people are looking for. Although God does not change ... yet He does. Take note: The Amelekites, Jericho, and the Midianites were all defeated in different ways. The leaders of the people were required to pray and find what method God wanted - and follow. We must pray and discover what method will work best with our audience, and design the presentation around the needs.
4. We live in a society of Distrust and not Trust. People especially distrust authority. There used to be a time they trusted Pastors, the President, etc... but not any more. They are looking for truth. They want to get to know us, our motivations, our sources. They want to see the genuine person before they trust us. Leadership used to come by standing in front of the group. It was a position of respect. Now it is from withing the group. People follow the person with passion - a person they have gotten to know - one of them. They want reliability.
Changes also include presentation style.
1. People no longer look for information. They want to explore. This is much better, for we remember far more of what we explore than what we are told. Let's open the door, build the curiosity and place people where they can learn.
2. Society has moved from Admiration to Identification. Again, they want the leader to be one of them. We all have faults. We are nervous when we stand in front of others. We have fears. We have shortcomings. The post-modern generation respects someone like them, because they know if the person like them did it, they probably can too.
3. We need to move from dispensation to revelation. We need to reveal or communicate ourselves to others. We don't need to just teach the facts of the Bible. But we need to teach ourselves and how we interact, and what we have learned, and how we have put this into practice, mistakes we have made, things we learned through the mistakes.
Teaching is to be a journey that others want to experience with us and through us.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Christian Qualities
Our Sunday School lesson this week comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
This is a great passage for anyone and any church to read. Some instructions that come from this passage:
a. v.11- Build each other up. Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her.
b. v.12 - Respect leaders. Look for ways to cooperate. Highest regard. Hold back your next critical comment about those in positions of responsibility. Say "thank you" to your leaders for their efforts.
c. v.13 - Live in peace. Search for ways to get along with others.
d. v.14 - Warn the idle. Challenge someone to join you in a project.
e. v.14 - Encourage the timid. Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God's promises.
f. v.14 - Help the weak. Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them.
g. v.14 - Be patient. Think of a situation that tries your patience and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.
h. v.15 - Resist revenge. Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.
i. v.16 - Be joyful Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.
j. v.17 - Pray continually. God is always with you - talk to him.
k. v.18 - Give thanks. Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.
l. v.19 - Do not put out the Spirit's fire. Cooperate with the Spirit the next time he prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.
m. v.20 - Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Receive God's word from those who speak for him.
n. v.22 - Avoid every kind of evil. Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation.
o. v.23- Count on God's constant help. Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God's power.
So... How are we as Christians to live?
This week's lesson gives some great advice!
One way to take this lesson is that we could have the church of the Pharisees (which is fair to say you see)
"Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." - LK 11:46
Or we could have the church as Jesus taught it should be (as encouraged by Paul the former Pharisee)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - JN 13:34-35How do I live my Christian Life ... How does my life affect others around me?
What would church be like if everyone followed these rules:
respect those who work hard among you encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances Do not put out the Spirit's fire.
This is a great passage for anyone and any church to read. Some instructions that come from this passage:
a. v.11- Build each other up. Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her.
b. v.12 - Respect leaders. Look for ways to cooperate. Highest regard. Hold back your next critical comment about those in positions of responsibility. Say "thank you" to your leaders for their efforts.
c. v.13 - Live in peace. Search for ways to get along with others.
d. v.14 - Warn the idle. Challenge someone to join you in a project.
e. v.14 - Encourage the timid. Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God's promises.
f. v.14 - Help the weak. Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them.
g. v.14 - Be patient. Think of a situation that tries your patience and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.
h. v.15 - Resist revenge. Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.
i. v.16 - Be joyful Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.
j. v.17 - Pray continually. God is always with you - talk to him.
k. v.18 - Give thanks. Make a list of all the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.
l. v.19 - Do not put out the Spirit's fire. Cooperate with the Spirit the next time he prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.
m. v.20 - Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Receive God's word from those who speak for him.
n. v.22 - Avoid every kind of evil. Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation.
o. v.23- Count on God's constant help. Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God's power.
So... How are we as Christians to live?
This week's lesson gives some great advice!
One way to take this lesson is that we could have the church of the Pharisees (which is fair to say you see)
"Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." - LK 11:46
Or we could have the church as Jesus taught it should be (as encouraged by Paul the former Pharisee)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - JN 13:34-35How do I live my Christian Life ... How does my life affect others around me?
What would church be like if everyone followed these rules:
respect those who work hard among you encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances Do not put out the Spirit's fire.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Love that must keep loving
Being close to Valentine’s day, I spoke to a group this week on love. Of all the attributes we study, Love is the most important. “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved (ahab) you with an everlasting love (ahab); I have drawn you with loving-kindness (Chesed).’” Jeremiah 31:3
In the Hebrew there are two words for love. These represent two kinds of Love:
The first word is “ahab.” “Ahab” is tender, endearing love such as between members of a family, between friends, or even for our favorite type of food. Greek words for this type of love include “eros” and “phileo.”
The second word, “chesed” represents steadfast covenant love. This love is deeper than a kind love. It is a driven love. A love we feel obligation to give. It is a love that must keep loving. This is the “agape” love of the New Testament.
One writer said, “Chesed translated as kindness is often thought of as being synonymous with niceness, but the connotation of Chesed is much deeper. Chesed can be properly described as an act that has no ‘cause.’”
We need both kinds of love in life. Where would life be without “ahab” or romantic love? Where would we be without endearing love. “Isaac …married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her.” Ge 24:47
But Love must continues, even in the hard times. That is committed Love. "’Don't be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness (Chesed) for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’" 2 Samuel 9:7
The Lord Himself is our example of Love and compassion. The Lord Himself is the love which draws us to salvation. “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Continuing love that lifts us up, grows our character and changes us when we fall . . . And remains even to eternity - "In your unfailing love (Chesed) you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Eodus 15:13 And “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love (Chesed) endures forever.” 1Chronicles 16:34
In our marriages we need (ahab) tender, endearing love:
“Jacob was in love (ahab) with Rachel and said, ‘I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’" Gen. 29:18 And we need the love that goes the distance: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Cor. 13:4-7
In our churches we need Love moved by the moment (ahab) – to help those who have huge needs … And Love (agape) that will remain involved long term – even Senior Adults in the nursery. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph 4:2
So where is your love . . . How will you grow in love
For God so loved the world that He gave … for eternal life.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
In the Hebrew there are two words for love. These represent two kinds of Love:
The first word is “ahab.” “Ahab” is tender, endearing love such as between members of a family, between friends, or even for our favorite type of food. Greek words for this type of love include “eros” and “phileo.”
The second word, “chesed” represents steadfast covenant love. This love is deeper than a kind love. It is a driven love. A love we feel obligation to give. It is a love that must keep loving. This is the “agape” love of the New Testament.
One writer said, “Chesed translated as kindness is often thought of as being synonymous with niceness, but the connotation of Chesed is much deeper. Chesed can be properly described as an act that has no ‘cause.’”
We need both kinds of love in life. Where would life be without “ahab” or romantic love? Where would we be without endearing love. “Isaac …married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her.” Ge 24:47
But Love must continues, even in the hard times. That is committed Love. "’Don't be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness (Chesed) for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’" 2 Samuel 9:7
The Lord Himself is our example of Love and compassion. The Lord Himself is the love which draws us to salvation. “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3
Continuing love that lifts us up, grows our character and changes us when we fall . . . And remains even to eternity - "In your unfailing love (Chesed) you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Eodus 15:13 And “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love (Chesed) endures forever.” 1Chronicles 16:34
In our marriages we need (ahab) tender, endearing love:
“Jacob was in love (ahab) with Rachel and said, ‘I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’" Gen. 29:18 And we need the love that goes the distance: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Cor. 13:4-7
In our churches we need Love moved by the moment (ahab) – to help those who have huge needs … And Love (agape) that will remain involved long term – even Senior Adults in the nursery. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph 4:2
So where is your love . . . How will you grow in love
For God so loved the world that He gave … for eternal life.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Sunday, February 15, 2009
God's Protection and Purim
Today my sister Anna is teaching a Sunday School class on the book of Esther. This is a great book, and our family remembers the fun of hearing the story of Esther during our Purim celebrations. Purim is a celebration of God’s protection and care during dangerous times. Today this book is a reminder that God takes care of His people – no matter what.
While the word “God” is not contained in the book of Esther, God’s presence is very clear.
One interesting rabbit trail that can be found connecting Ester to other parts of the Bible is found in the phrase: “the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews” Esther 8:3.
The Amalekites are historic enemies of Israel.
* Exodus 17, where the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Joshua fought this battle as Moses held up his hands until the battle was won.
* In Judges 3, they joined Eglon king of Moab in punishing the Hebrews for 18 years.w In Judges 6, they joined the Midianites in a war against the Hebrews.
We meet Agag (the possible ancestor of Haman) in 1 Samuel 15, when Israel, under the leadership of Samuel fights against the Amalekites, defeating them. God tells Israel, “totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” However, Saul spares the King, Agag. “But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs--everything that was good.” 1 Samuel 15:8. Saul was punished for this in 1 Samuel 28:18.
* A story is told in 2 Samuel 1 about an Amalekite who lies to David about Saul’s death.
It is said that Satan worked through the Amalekites in the days of Moses, Saul, David and Esther in order to kill the Messiah who would come through the nation Israel.
The Amalekites were descendants of Esau (brother of Jacob). King Herod was also an Idumaean, or a descendant of Esau. God's Word frequently predicted that the descendants of twin brothers Jacob and Esau would be in conflict. (Genesis 25:23). King Herod tried to kill Jesus, and eliminate the Messiah (Matthew 2:16).
Through this story we find that if we will put God first in our lives our lives will have purpose (Esther 4:14), and we will be under the shadow of His protection.
While the word “God” is not contained in the book of Esther, God’s presence is very clear.
One interesting rabbit trail that can be found connecting Ester to other parts of the Bible is found in the phrase: “the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews” Esther 8:3.
The Amalekites are historic enemies of Israel.
* Exodus 17, where the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Joshua fought this battle as Moses held up his hands until the battle was won.
* In Judges 3, they joined Eglon king of Moab in punishing the Hebrews for 18 years.w In Judges 6, they joined the Midianites in a war against the Hebrews.
We meet Agag (the possible ancestor of Haman) in 1 Samuel 15, when Israel, under the leadership of Samuel fights against the Amalekites, defeating them. God tells Israel, “totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.” However, Saul spares the King, Agag. “But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs--everything that was good.” 1 Samuel 15:8. Saul was punished for this in 1 Samuel 28:18.
* A story is told in 2 Samuel 1 about an Amalekite who lies to David about Saul’s death.
It is said that Satan worked through the Amalekites in the days of Moses, Saul, David and Esther in order to kill the Messiah who would come through the nation Israel.
The Amalekites were descendants of Esau (brother of Jacob). King Herod was also an Idumaean, or a descendant of Esau. God's Word frequently predicted that the descendants of twin brothers Jacob and Esau would be in conflict. (Genesis 25:23). King Herod tried to kill Jesus, and eliminate the Messiah (Matthew 2:16).
Through this story we find that if we will put God first in our lives our lives will have purpose (Esther 4:14), and we will be under the shadow of His protection.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Arkansas Roots
Today I decided to write about Family History. Chelsea is in Russellville, Arkansas for a few weeks, and part of the family lived in Paris, Arkansas. Here is some of their story:
The family history begins near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Rogers and McAlister families moved to Alabama soon after the territory opened for white settlement. They lived on adjoining farms. Cousins married sisters:
1. William Jarrett Rogers (Chelsea, this is the one you found listed on the land record in the Library last night) married Grizzilla’s sister Sarah Elizabeth McAlister.
2. Remus Edward Rogers (a cousin of William) married Grizzila Drusilla “Pid” McAlister. Sarah and Elizabeth were sisters. In the 1880’s both of these families moved to Arkansas. In the 1910 census we find these families on neighboring farms near Paris, Arkansas. Remus’ children were: Albert (born Feb. 23, 1889), Homer, Jeannie, Claude, John, Voyza, Eugene, Everett, and Verna.
Sarah Elizabeth McAlister was a devout Christian, and loved reading her Bible. She read it through many times, and told her children and grandchildren stories from the Bible. One of her favorites was the story about Noah. She would tell how after a rain storm God gives the rainbow. She also liked to tell about why we try to take a mote out of our brother’s eye (Mt. 7:4). Children of William Jarrett and Sarah Elizabeth were:
James Francis Rogers - He was very short and seemed to have some kind of spells. He died in a coal mine disaster.
George Columbus Rogers - He lost an arm while hunting. He sat down on a log, and his dog pulled the trigger. He learned to compensate for the lost arm, and could play the violin and mouth organ. He made a contraption to wear on his arm so he could play the violin. He died at Biggs, OK. of pneumonia.
May Hulda Hanna Etter Rogers – (Grandma Effie used to say, “Who knows why she had so many names”) was named after both of her grandmothers (Mahulda McRae and Hanna Etta Cowley). She was known as Aunt Etter. She was married three times: 1) E. Holland; 2) Sal Watson; 3) C.R. Boatwright
William Monroe Rogers – This is Chelsea’s Great-Great Grandfather.
William Monroe Rogers had no education. He worked on his farm and in the oil fields. This family moved back and forth a couple times from Arkansas to Oklahoma. Monroe had a reputation as a hard worker. He was very helpful to both his parents, and to his brother (who had lost an arm), and sister. Monroe was the youngest in his family. He drank to excess, was short on patience. However he was friendly and always looked nice.
Monroe married Martha Elvira Jane Adams from Newton County, Arkansas. She was a small woman never weighing over 116 pounds. She worked hard raising seven children. Although she was sick a lot she was a good practical nurse. “Ellie” helped other sick people. She was loving and kind and fun at times.
There were seven children in this family: Icie and Iva were born in Oklahoma. The other children were born in Arkansas. Mary was born on Feb. 23, 1907. Effie, Sally, and Martha followed, each born 2 years after the other. Randall was born 7 years after Martha in Oklahoma.
Just like the story, “The Grapes of Wrath,” most of the family moved to California during the depression/ dustbowl era.
The family history begins near Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Rogers and McAlister families moved to Alabama soon after the territory opened for white settlement. They lived on adjoining farms. Cousins married sisters:
1. William Jarrett Rogers (Chelsea, this is the one you found listed on the land record in the Library last night) married Grizzilla’s sister Sarah Elizabeth McAlister.
2. Remus Edward Rogers (a cousin of William) married Grizzila Drusilla “Pid” McAlister. Sarah and Elizabeth were sisters. In the 1880’s both of these families moved to Arkansas. In the 1910 census we find these families on neighboring farms near Paris, Arkansas. Remus’ children were: Albert (born Feb. 23, 1889), Homer, Jeannie, Claude, John, Voyza, Eugene, Everett, and Verna.
Sarah Elizabeth McAlister was a devout Christian, and loved reading her Bible. She read it through many times, and told her children and grandchildren stories from the Bible. One of her favorites was the story about Noah. She would tell how after a rain storm God gives the rainbow. She also liked to tell about why we try to take a mote out of our brother’s eye (Mt. 7:4). Children of William Jarrett and Sarah Elizabeth were:
James Francis Rogers - He was very short and seemed to have some kind of spells. He died in a coal mine disaster.
George Columbus Rogers - He lost an arm while hunting. He sat down on a log, and his dog pulled the trigger. He learned to compensate for the lost arm, and could play the violin and mouth organ. He made a contraption to wear on his arm so he could play the violin. He died at Biggs, OK. of pneumonia.
May Hulda Hanna Etter Rogers – (Grandma Effie used to say, “Who knows why she had so many names”) was named after both of her grandmothers (Mahulda McRae and Hanna Etta Cowley). She was known as Aunt Etter. She was married three times: 1) E. Holland; 2) Sal Watson; 3) C.R. Boatwright
William Monroe Rogers – This is Chelsea’s Great-Great Grandfather.
William Monroe Rogers had no education. He worked on his farm and in the oil fields. This family moved back and forth a couple times from Arkansas to Oklahoma. Monroe had a reputation as a hard worker. He was very helpful to both his parents, and to his brother (who had lost an arm), and sister. Monroe was the youngest in his family. He drank to excess, was short on patience. However he was friendly and always looked nice.
Monroe married Martha Elvira Jane Adams from Newton County, Arkansas. She was a small woman never weighing over 116 pounds. She worked hard raising seven children. Although she was sick a lot she was a good practical nurse. “Ellie” helped other sick people. She was loving and kind and fun at times.
There were seven children in this family: Icie and Iva were born in Oklahoma. The other children were born in Arkansas. Mary was born on Feb. 23, 1907. Effie, Sally, and Martha followed, each born 2 years after the other. Randall was born 7 years after Martha in Oklahoma.
Just like the story, “The Grapes of Wrath,” most of the family moved to California during the depression/ dustbowl era.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Getting started
Today I started my blog. So, what will go on my blog?
Some of it will be things I am doing ... Sunday School lessons, Discipleship Lessons, Wednesday Prayer Meeting topics, and Other Bible Studies.
Some of it will be ... Jewish Holidays (I want to connect these to things Jesus did in the New Testament), and Sunday School growth ideas.
Other things will be things I am interested in ... Geneaology, Gardening, History.
And if someone sends me a question, I might research that also. There is always the desire to learn more.
Some of it will be things I am doing ... Sunday School lessons, Discipleship Lessons, Wednesday Prayer Meeting topics, and Other Bible Studies.
Some of it will be ... Jewish Holidays (I want to connect these to things Jesus did in the New Testament), and Sunday School growth ideas.
Other things will be things I am interested in ... Geneaology, Gardening, History.
And if someone sends me a question, I might research that also. There is always the desire to learn more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
