Hey Everyone,
I am in DC this summer working for the Environmental Protection Agency. My environmental focus is shifting to the issue of global warming, and I would invite everyone to check out the movie “An Inconvenient Truth”, which I am sure you have heard of at this point. I am checking out churches, and itching to go to NYC at all moments. DC is great, full of amazing culture, I am having a blast here, and my job is exciting. The Lord is working in amazing ways in my life right now behind the scenes, always on my side. I hope everyone is doing well!
Peace,
Art
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
in the light...
"The disease of self runs through my blood,
It's a cancer fatal to my soul..."
Simple song lyrics, but everyday I realize how true they are.
It's a cancer fatal to my soul..."
Simple song lyrics, but everyday I realize how true they are.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
John Camp
John Camp: A great blog you should check out. The reason it is called "John Camp" is because hanging out with my buddy John is like going to camp, for example lets look at John Camp in NYC:
John: "Tonight is going to be great!"
Art (speaking for himself and 5 other people): "Really? What are we doing?"
John: "Well, there's this great Norwegian restraunt in China Town where we will all try fried Whale blubber w
ith a raw egg on top, Simeon's friend recomended it. Then we are off to the best rice pudding place in the City. After that we are going to the basement of a hooka bar where I think we will probably get into some beat boxing and free style rap while waiting in line to see this band. The band is a family group, they find old slide show reels from estate sales, the father plays piano and the 8 yr old daughter plays drums while the mother plays the slide show in the back ground. All the songs are based on the slides. Then, after that we'll go to Ed Carson's for late night tea. Doesn't that sound amazing? By the way, we are getting up at 5:30 am to go to a prayer service with a former roadie for the Grateful Dead. You're going to love it!"
John Camp has moved from NYC to cyberspace. Check it out at:
http://johncampoxford.blogspot.com/
John: "Tonight is going to be great!"
Art (speaking for himself and 5 other people): "Really? What are we doing?"
John: "Well, there's this great Norwegian restraunt in China Town where we will all try fried Whale blubber w
ith a raw egg on top, Simeon's friend recomended it. Then we are off to the best rice pudding place in the City. After that we are going to the basement of a hooka bar where I think we will probably get into some beat boxing and free style rap while waiting in line to see this band. The band is a family group, they find old slide show reels from estate sales, the father plays piano and the 8 yr old daughter plays drums while the mother plays the slide show in the back ground. All the songs are based on the slides. Then, after that we'll go to Ed Carson's for late night tea. Doesn't that sound amazing? By the way, we are getting up at 5:30 am to go to a prayer service with a former roadie for the Grateful Dead. You're going to love it!"John Camp has moved from NYC to cyberspace. Check it out at:
http://johncampoxford.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
Picture pages!
Since we're already having a post-heavy week, why not add one more. Here's a pic from when we all got dressed up to visit Christ Church with Mark and Rosie.
Monday, May 15, 2006
House church Tuesday, May 16.
Just a quick note to let everyone know that we'll be meeting as usual tomorrow night and, to the best of my knowledge, all summer. Since last week we went all spooky, we'll look at Matthew 16 tomorrow (scroll down a bit for that post). Also, I'll warn you now, though we're going back to the book of Matthew, I do have a little spookiness to share with you, so prepare yourselves.
Additionally, Mike is now in Greenville, Danny is back in Myrtle Beach, Michele is in Charleston, and Art is, I think, also in Charleston. That means we need you to come and fellowship with us. Also, we have to pray for these guys--who knows what kind of backsliding they're doing without us? ;-)
So show up, bring your Bibles and maybe a friend, and we'll feast on the Word and assorted snack foods.
Added May 16- I've added some (rather lengthy) thoughts on tonight's scripture to last week's post. Click here to read them.
Additionally, Mike is now in Greenville, Danny is back in Myrtle Beach, Michele is in Charleston, and Art is, I think, also in Charleston. That means we need you to come and fellowship with us. Also, we have to pray for these guys--who knows what kind of backsliding they're doing without us? ;-)
So show up, bring your Bibles and maybe a friend, and we'll feast on the Word and assorted snack foods.
Added May 16- I've added some (rather lengthy) thoughts on tonight's scripture to last week's post. Click here to read them.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Tuesday's scripture- Matthew 16
Just in case you want to get a jump on this Tuesday, the scripture is Matthew 16.
In this passage we'll see the Pharisees and Sadducees demanding a sign, the disciples being stupid, and other recurring themes of the gospels. Also, Peter will confess that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus will pronounce him keeper of the "keys of the kingdom", and will then rebuke him shortly thereafter saying, "Get behind me, Satan!" Finally, Jesus will predict His own death and tell his disciples that anyone who would come after Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. Answering, perhaps, the unspoken objection that Jesus' plan doesn't sound like much fun, He asks the pointed question, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
I'm hoping to add some thoughts on this in the next couple of days. If you have any insights you'd like to add, just post them as comments. See you Tuesday!
In this passage we'll see the Pharisees and Sadducees demanding a sign, the disciples being stupid, and other recurring themes of the gospels. Also, Peter will confess that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus will pronounce him keeper of the "keys of the kingdom", and will then rebuke him shortly thereafter saying, "Get behind me, Satan!" Finally, Jesus will predict His own death and tell his disciples that anyone who would come after Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. Answering, perhaps, the unspoken objection that Jesus' plan doesn't sound like much fun, He asks the pointed question, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"
I'm hoping to add some thoughts on this in the next couple of days. If you have any insights you'd like to add, just post them as comments. See you Tuesday!
A message from Rosie
Hey house churchers,
I feel like Mark and I just can't stop talking about the church we attend, which is probably a good sign for us, but requires much endurance for y'all.
Below are some things that happen weekly at Christ Church, now located at the corner of Richland and Barnwell Streets.
If you would like to join Mark and I at any of these times and places, please do!
You can call me to ask for more info, a ride, or to stop talking about Christ Church.
Or you can just arrive on scene. You are most welcome!
[Rosie put her phone number here, but I thought that wasn't such a great thing to have on a public blog, so email J.P. or Wendy if you'd like Rosie's number]
1. Ladies Bible study on the Parables of Christ
2. Crave: Wednesday evening youth fellowship
3. Visitors interactive Sunday School with Pastor Bowers
4. Sunday Vespers and dinner with other Christ Church college/young professionals at our place
1. This Bible study just for the ladies begins Wednesday June 14th and continues throughout the summer months. It is held Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm at Christ Church. Women of all ages are welcomed (and sure to be present). There may be a fee of $5.00 to purchase a study guide. I attended the last Bible study on the Promises of God, and it is truly a study. That said, many women were only able to attend periodically, or unable to always complete their study guide. The purpose is to grow in our relationship with Christ, and to grow in our understanding of God's word. If you want to register let me know, otherwise you can just arrive/visit without registering.
2. Crave is also on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm at Christ Church. This is a young adult fellowship with worship songs and great teaching from our youth pastor Rod Arters. Mark and I have met many awesome Christian folk through Crave, and continue to be blessed by the no nonsense teaching : )
3. With the move from Irmo to downtown, Christ Church initiated a new Sunday school class with Pastor Bowers, specifically for visitors. Apparently he outlines the ethos of the Church and then responds to questions from the visitors. We are not allowed to attend this class unless we bring a visitor... so when 9:15am Sunday morning rolls around please help Mark and I sneak into the visitors class. Of course, following Sunday school is the Sunday worship service at 10:30am... until it is finished.
4.Lord's Day evening is a Vespers service from 6:oo-7:15pm, generally continuing the teaching from the morning, although many who are members at other churches attend just this evening service. Following the service, Mark and I (or another young couple) host our generation for dinner. Another good time to meet good Christians. You are also welcome to join us for dinner at 7:30pm even without attending any of the above!! Athough it is written we don't live by bread alone...
In Love,
Rosie
I feel like Mark and I just can't stop talking about the church we attend, which is probably a good sign for us, but requires much endurance for y'all.
Below are some things that happen weekly at Christ Church, now located at the corner of Richland and Barnwell Streets.
If you would like to join Mark and I at any of these times and places, please do!
You can call me to ask for more info, a ride, or to stop talking about Christ Church.
Or you can just arrive on scene. You are most welcome!
[Rosie put her phone number here, but I thought that wasn't such a great thing to have on a public blog, so email J.P. or Wendy if you'd like Rosie's number]
1. Ladies Bible study on the Parables of Christ
2. Crave: Wednesday evening youth fellowship
3. Visitors interactive Sunday School with Pastor Bowers
4. Sunday Vespers and dinner with other Christ Church college/young professionals at our place
1. This Bible study just for the ladies begins Wednesday June 14th and continues throughout the summer months. It is held Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm at Christ Church. Women of all ages are welcomed (and sure to be present). There may be a fee of $5.00 to purchase a study guide. I attended the last Bible study on the Promises of God, and it is truly a study. That said, many women were only able to attend periodically, or unable to always complete their study guide. The purpose is to grow in our relationship with Christ, and to grow in our understanding of God's word. If you want to register let me know, otherwise you can just arrive/visit without registering.
2. Crave is also on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30pm at Christ Church. This is a young adult fellowship with worship songs and great teaching from our youth pastor Rod Arters. Mark and I have met many awesome Christian folk through Crave, and continue to be blessed by the no nonsense teaching : )
3. With the move from Irmo to downtown, Christ Church initiated a new Sunday school class with Pastor Bowers, specifically for visitors. Apparently he outlines the ethos of the Church and then responds to questions from the visitors. We are not allowed to attend this class unless we bring a visitor... so when 9:15am Sunday morning rolls around please help Mark and I sneak into the visitors class. Of course, following Sunday school is the Sunday worship service at 10:30am... until it is finished.
4.Lord's Day evening is a Vespers service from 6:oo-7:15pm, generally continuing the teaching from the morning, although many who are members at other churches attend just this evening service. Following the service, Mark and I (or another young couple) host our generation for dinner. Another good time to meet good Christians. You are also welcome to join us for dinner at 7:30pm even without attending any of the above!! Athough it is written we don't live by bread alone...
In Love,
Rosie
Saturday, May 06, 2006
What Would Fill-in-the-Blank Do?
If contemporary Americans got together to create their own religion, what would they create? This American Life answers the question.
Click here for the mp3. ~5 megs
Click here for the mp3. ~5 megs
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Birthdays and beheadings
So last night we talked about Matthew 14. Since I never did get around to posting the scripture to the blog, and since none of our lawyers were able to make it, I thought I'd give a brief summary of some of the topics we discussed.
Verses 1-12:
Herod has sinned by seducing and marrying his brother's wife. Besides making things awkward at family reunions, it causes John the Baptist to condemn Herod, and since nobody likes a complainer, Herod eventually has John beheaded at the behest of his step-daughter. Now, when Herod hears about Jesus, his first thought is "It's John the Baptist come back to life!" It's funny how rarely my first thought in any given situation is that someone has come back from the dead, but that's right where Herod goes. We discussed how this is evidence of his paranoia--a common response to knowing you've done something wrong and haven't paid for it. Also, note how Herod's first sin (seducing his brother's wife) leads to his next sin (imprisoning John) and his lust (I'm assuming his step-daughter was a naughty dancer) and his pride lead to his killing John. Sin snowballs.
13-21:
We spent most of our time discussing this section of the text. Note how the disciples barely have enough bread to feed themselves, five loaves and two fish. As such, they want to send the people away to fend for themselves. Jesus, however, takes from the disciples what little they have, gives thanks for it, then gives it back to the disciples who give it to the people. Note that when they're done, there are twelve basketfuls left--a basket for each disciple (thanks, Danny). The Disciples start out with less than enough for themselves, but because they're willing to offer the little they have to Jesus, and then offer it to the people, they're left over with an abundance for themselves.
In the same way, I often feel like I barely have enough life in me to get by, let alone to give to other people, but when I give the little I have to Christ, and let Him direct me to give it away, I wind up with more than enough. Mark illustrated how giving his work to God, especially those tasks he finds tedious, makes it fulfilling rather than draining. Though he's given away, he ends up with more than he began with because he gave what he had to God.
22-36:
Since Peter walking on the water is one of the most common Sunday School lesson themes, we didn't spend a whole lot of time on this. We did note however, that Peter began to sink "when he saw the wind." Not the waves, mind you; the wind. In other words, he looked at nothing; with Jesus there before him, Peter focused his eyes on the air, and so he sank. Wendy pointed out how we've noted in the past that Satan is "the prince of the air," which brought up again the image from The Great Divorce of Heaven as a profoundly substantial place, while Hell is ghostly, immaterial. Just as, while Jesus wore it, even the edge of his cloak could heal the sick, so, in this case, while Jesus touched it, the water was substantial enough to hold him up.
We ended the night with prayer for exams, for the willingness to submit everything to God, and for an awareness of how fleeting life is, and how pressing the kingdom of God is. After that, we ate cake to celebrate the birthdays of Michael F. and Wendy. A joyous time was had by all.
Verses 1-12:
Herod has sinned by seducing and marrying his brother's wife. Besides making things awkward at family reunions, it causes John the Baptist to condemn Herod, and since nobody likes a complainer, Herod eventually has John beheaded at the behest of his step-daughter. Now, when Herod hears about Jesus, his first thought is "It's John the Baptist come back to life!" It's funny how rarely my first thought in any given situation is that someone has come back from the dead, but that's right where Herod goes. We discussed how this is evidence of his paranoia--a common response to knowing you've done something wrong and haven't paid for it. Also, note how Herod's first sin (seducing his brother's wife) leads to his next sin (imprisoning John) and his lust (I'm assuming his step-daughter was a naughty dancer) and his pride lead to his killing John. Sin snowballs.
13-21:
We spent most of our time discussing this section of the text. Note how the disciples barely have enough bread to feed themselves, five loaves and two fish. As such, they want to send the people away to fend for themselves. Jesus, however, takes from the disciples what little they have, gives thanks for it, then gives it back to the disciples who give it to the people. Note that when they're done, there are twelve basketfuls left--a basket for each disciple (thanks, Danny). The Disciples start out with less than enough for themselves, but because they're willing to offer the little they have to Jesus, and then offer it to the people, they're left over with an abundance for themselves.
In the same way, I often feel like I barely have enough life in me to get by, let alone to give to other people, but when I give the little I have to Christ, and let Him direct me to give it away, I wind up with more than enough. Mark illustrated how giving his work to God, especially those tasks he finds tedious, makes it fulfilling rather than draining. Though he's given away, he ends up with more than he began with because he gave what he had to God.
22-36:
Since Peter walking on the water is one of the most common Sunday School lesson themes, we didn't spend a whole lot of time on this. We did note however, that Peter began to sink "when he saw the wind." Not the waves, mind you; the wind. In other words, he looked at nothing; with Jesus there before him, Peter focused his eyes on the air, and so he sank. Wendy pointed out how we've noted in the past that Satan is "the prince of the air," which brought up again the image from The Great Divorce of Heaven as a profoundly substantial place, while Hell is ghostly, immaterial. Just as, while Jesus wore it, even the edge of his cloak could heal the sick, so, in this case, while Jesus touched it, the water was substantial enough to hold him up.
We ended the night with prayer for exams, for the willingness to submit everything to God, and for an awareness of how fleeting life is, and how pressing the kingdom of God is. After that, we ate cake to celebrate the birthdays of Michael F. and Wendy. A joyous time was had by all.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Parables
Tonight we'll be looking at Matthew 13. In this passage, Jesus tells several parables about the kingdom of heaven and discusses why He teaches in parables.
As you read this chapter, I hope you'll consider the nature of the blindness and deafness that affects those who do not understand the parables. We'll discuss that tonight. I look forward to seeing you there!
As you read this chapter, I hope you'll consider the nature of the blindness and deafness that affects those who do not understand the parables. We'll discuss that tonight. I look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Redeemer Winston-Salem
I don't know if you guys remember when I asked if we could jump out of Matthew for a week and instead look at John 15:1-11, but the sermon that inspired that, and a lot of thought from me, is finally online. You can link to it here. This sermon provoked me in a very good way and continues to guide my thinking about what it means to be a child of God. I hope you'll make time to listen to it.
The sermon is about 8.3 megs and is 47 minutes long. If you have any traveling to do, that's a great time to listen to it. If anybody needs a copy on CD, I'm more than happy to make one for you. Just let me know.
Finally, click here for the scripture.
House church was small tonight, but we still had a good time of discussion and prayer. Congratulations to Rosie on her resident alien status; In the midst of all the protests, she's one foreigner we're all glad to have around. Law students, you're in our prayers.
Next week: Matthew 13.
The sermon is about 8.3 megs and is 47 minutes long. If you have any traveling to do, that's a great time to listen to it. If anybody needs a copy on CD, I'm more than happy to make one for you. Just let me know.
Finally, click here for the scripture.
House church was small tonight, but we still had a good time of discussion and prayer. Congratulations to Rosie on her resident alien status; In the midst of all the protests, she's one foreigner we're all glad to have around. Law students, you're in our prayers.
Next week: Matthew 13.
Monday, April 10, 2006
I never...
I know I put this in my blog, but I thought that it also belonged in our house church blog.
I don't know if anyone else noticed, but we played The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" after a message about Israel's adulterous relationship with God. Kinda ironic, eh?
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Memory problems
I know I mentioned this to Wendy, JP, and Michele tonight, but for anyone else who reads this, then I had one thought tonight during Reunion.
The Israelites had to celebrate Passover once a year, right? Which itself was a celebration of The LORD's delivering them from the Egyptians. And, throughout the wilderness, they could not stop complaining. Even after celebrating the Passover, they would go right back to complaining. ("God is terrible. God is terrible. God is terrible. God is good. YAY! God is terrible. God is terrible. God is terrible.")
This leads me to think about the ramification of my thoughts and actions. Even if I worship God with my actions, this story alone shows me the even the actions won't change my heart's true condition or state.
I agree with you, JP. Reading about the Israelites and the disciples makes me really understand (or maybe "visualize" is a better word) how God loves us through times when our faith is really grinding gears.
The Israelites had to celebrate Passover once a year, right? Which itself was a celebration of The LORD's delivering them from the Egyptians. And, throughout the wilderness, they could not stop complaining. Even after celebrating the Passover, they would go right back to complaining. ("God is terrible. God is terrible. God is terrible. God is good. YAY! God is terrible. God is terrible. God is terrible.")
This leads me to think about the ramification of my thoughts and actions. Even if I worship God with my actions, this story alone shows me the even the actions won't change my heart's true condition or state.
I agree with you, JP. Reading about the Israelites and the disciples makes me really understand (or maybe "visualize" is a better word) how God loves us through times when our faith is really grinding gears.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Scripture for Tuesday, March 27th
This coming Tuesday, we'll be discussing Matthew 11. In it, we see John the Baptist (who recognized Jesus as the coming messiah, it seems, while both were still in-utero) seemingly doubting Jesus. I love that Jesus, rather than chastising John through his disciples, merely tells them to tell John what He's doing--that should be answer enough. Then Jesus goes on to say, "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist..." It encourages me greatly to know that we serve a God who loves us even when we doubt.
Jesus goes on to criticize his generation and then to attack specific cities that He and his disciples have visited. It seems strange to me that he goes after entire cities when we, in all our modern individualism, tend to think only of individuals who may respond to God, or not, as they choose. Jesus here presents an idea that, while salvation is always an individual matter, one's community also plays a major role. This works at least two ways, as far as I can tell:
1) It's incredibly hard to be godly or raise a godly family in a corrupt community.
2) God's people should influence their communities in such a way that the whole community should be blessed, and more virtuous as a result.
For me, though, the real kicker comes at the end when Jesus offers rest for the weary. Allow me to pause and say that when I think of rest, I think of sitting by a pool or a fire, sipping a drink and maybe half-heartedly reading something of no consequence. Jesus' prescription for rest, however, is to "Take [His] yoke upon you and learn from [Him]." There seems to be a contradiction here. If I invited you for a weekend of rest, and then asked you to do my laundry and clean out my basement I think you'd be rightly vexed. The idea that it is restful to labor under Jesus, however, is an interesting one, and on that I'll be thinking more about in the coming days. Please share your thoughts on this--I'm looking forward to discussing it with you all on Tuesday.
Jesus goes on to criticize his generation and then to attack specific cities that He and his disciples have visited. It seems strange to me that he goes after entire cities when we, in all our modern individualism, tend to think only of individuals who may respond to God, or not, as they choose. Jesus here presents an idea that, while salvation is always an individual matter, one's community also plays a major role. This works at least two ways, as far as I can tell:
1) It's incredibly hard to be godly or raise a godly family in a corrupt community.
2) God's people should influence their communities in such a way that the whole community should be blessed, and more virtuous as a result.
For me, though, the real kicker comes at the end when Jesus offers rest for the weary. Allow me to pause and say that when I think of rest, I think of sitting by a pool or a fire, sipping a drink and maybe half-heartedly reading something of no consequence. Jesus' prescription for rest, however, is to "Take [His] yoke upon you and learn from [Him]." There seems to be a contradiction here. If I invited you for a weekend of rest, and then asked you to do my laundry and clean out my basement I think you'd be rightly vexed. The idea that it is restful to labor under Jesus, however, is an interesting one, and on that I'll be thinking more about in the coming days. Please share your thoughts on this--I'm looking forward to discussing it with you all on Tuesday.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Prayer tonight
We're meeting at Wendy's tonight at 7:30 to go somewhere and pray somehow. If that's too much uncertainty for you, focus on the fact that we are definitely praying that the Holy Spirit will lead us to remain in Christ and that, through His work, we will bear abundant fruit.
I also think it might be beneficial if everyone posted some reflection on the time after we've done it. Like our discussions, I know these posts will be honest and not a bunch of empty feel-good crap. Of course, I also hope they are uplifting, and reflect God's work in our hearts.
I also think it might be beneficial if everyone posted some reflection on the time after we've done it. Like our discussions, I know these posts will be honest and not a bunch of empty feel-good crap. Of course, I also hope they are uplifting, and reflect God's work in our hearts.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Scripture for Tuesday
I trust everyone enjoyed their Spring Break massively. Now, as you look back on that time, it's my prayer that you'll bring that sense of fun and relaxation back with you and let it diffuse throughout everything in your life. If that's asking too much, then I'll make due with you all smiling widely on Tuesday.
Now, for a little change of pace, I hope you guys don't mind me switching this up, but I heard an amazing sermon this morning on John 15:1-11, so I'd like to discuss that on Tuesday rather than the next chapter of Matthew. I'll just go on and paste the text here for you.
Now, for a little change of pace, I hope you guys don't mind me switching this up, but I heard an amazing sermon this morning on John 15:1-11, so I'd like to discuss that on Tuesday rather than the next chapter of Matthew. I'll just go on and paste the text here for you.
This passage combined with the message really got me thinking. I guess we'll find out what it does for you on Tuesday.
John 15
I Am the True Vine
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Spring Break house church
Hey all, just wanted to let you know that, despite Spring Break, we'll still be meeting--same bat-time, same bat-channel. The scripture for tonight will be Matthew 9 . I look forward to seeing you all.
I'll try to be clever later.
I'll try to be clever later.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Fat Tuesday
It occurs to me, since tomorrow is Fat Tuesday and since Wendy is busy preparing to take folks to France, it would be cool if you'd like to bring some foodstuffs to feast upon. Mark said there was a possibility of hummus, but no pressure. We'll still have chips, salsa and coffee, and if you're broke or don't have time, or just don't want to, no problem. However, if you feel inclined to bring some food to house church, I'll help you eat it and praise God for it.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Scripture for Tuesday
Wendy, Danny, Michelle and I visited Christ Church with Mark and Rosie on Sunday, where the pastor's sermon focused on having a heart for God's house, for God's word--essentially, for God. He suggested that members find out what scripture the pastor would be preaching on the following Sunday so that they could prepare their hearts and minds to feast on God's word on Sunday. In keeping with that idea, here's this week's scripture along with some questions to get you thinking before you arrive.
Scripture: Matthew 7
Questions:
(verses 1-2)
1) Paul writes in Romans 14:10 "...why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." Does all judging imply a looking down? What is the difference between 'judging' and correcting our brothers?
2) Just from personal experience, how are people who are judgmental received in society?
(verses 3-5)
3) If we are to pluck from our own eye the plank before helping our brother with his speck of dust, just how sanctified do we need to be before correcting or seeking to lead our brother?
(verse 6)
4) I've always taken this verse pretty literally, and never really considered its context. Looking at it now, is it possible that Jesus is being a little ironic? Is it possible that our 'pearls' are our corrections and sniping criticisms? If so, it certainly makes sense that they would be received with violence.
(verses 13-29)
5) The rest of the passage seems centered around receiving the kingdom of Heaven. What theme is central to achieving that?
Now, don't feel the need to answer all of these just because I put a tremendous amount of work into them and formatted the post ever-so-thoughtfully. Seriously, I do suggest at least a quick look at the scripture before we meet up tomorrow because, hey, God's word is good.
Scripture: Matthew 7
Questions:
(verses 1-2)
1) Paul writes in Romans 14:10 "...why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." Does all judging imply a looking down? What is the difference between 'judging' and correcting our brothers?
2) Just from personal experience, how are people who are judgmental received in society?
(verses 3-5)
3) If we are to pluck from our own eye the plank before helping our brother with his speck of dust, just how sanctified do we need to be before correcting or seeking to lead our brother?
(verse 6)
4) I've always taken this verse pretty literally, and never really considered its context. Looking at it now, is it possible that Jesus is being a little ironic? Is it possible that our 'pearls' are our corrections and sniping criticisms? If so, it certainly makes sense that they would be received with violence.
(verses 13-29)
5) The rest of the passage seems centered around receiving the kingdom of Heaven. What theme is central to achieving that?
Now, don't feel the need to answer all of these just because I put a tremendous amount of work into them and formatted the post ever-so-thoughtfully. Seriously, I do suggest at least a quick look at the scripture before we meet up tomorrow because, hey, God's word is good.
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