I'm trying to get some things straight before leaving to join Wendy in France. In that vein, here are a few ideas we're considering for next semester:
1) Do a series based around the book Getting Things Done by David Allen.
This is for a few reasons:
a) Several of our members are starting new jobs that will likely require them to manage their time well.
b) We seem to pray for time management every week.
c) By managing our time, we will make time for God and, let's face it, that's what we really need.
As Wendy has pointed out, most of us, if not all of us, know things to do to manage our time well. This series, though, would offer us accountability--a chance to check in with others going through the same thing. I'm hoping that Alison, Art and Michele will also be able to benefit from this and interact with us through the blog or email. Lastly, and most importantly, this is a spiritual exercise. Paul writes to Timothy that, "...God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." Note that these three qualities are spoken of in one breath as being opposed to timidity. If we are not masters of our own lives, how can we work boldly for God's kingdom? We know that self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit and as such comes from God. I hope we can work together to encourage one another to be good stewards of the time God has granted to each of us.
2. Start earlier.
From now on, I won't be the only one who has to get up to go to work in the morning. To that end, I think it's a good time to start meeting earlier. It would be great if you'd post comments regarding your preferred meeting-time. (Remember, it's not a bad idea to leave time to get some dinner.)
Actually, despite the fact that we are a Shack ministry, those are the only two new things we're currently considering. Let us know what you think!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Blog problems
Hey guys,
The switch over from Old Blogger to New (Craptacular) Blogger has wreaked havoc with our little forum. I'm sorry if you're not able to post or comment. Actually, I'm not able to comment either, and I'm completely unable to moderate the blog, so basically, things are bad on the blog front. Maybe we'll find ourselves a new blog, a happier blog, a blogtastic blog. In the meantime, hope all's well.
The switch over from Old Blogger to New (Craptacular) Blogger has wreaked havoc with our little forum. I'm sorry if you're not able to post or comment. Actually, I'm not able to comment either, and I'm completely unable to moderate the blog, so basically, things are bad on the blog front. Maybe we'll find ourselves a new blog, a happier blog, a blogtastic blog. In the meantime, hope all's well.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Dispelling any Myths (per Last Night)
Jesus Is God
Don't Eat the Pooh
Sex Is Good
The Earth Is Round
Climate Change Is Real (created by Al Gore?)
Don't Eat the Pooh
Sex Is Good
The Earth Is Round
Climate Change Is Real (created by Al Gore?)
Friday, December 15, 2006
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Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Romans 13 (the starting portion)
From our discussion tonight, I feel that it could continue here.
Question from earlier:
Question from earlier:
- What is Paul talking about here? What government should we be subservient to? Examples include Moses, Gideon, Daivd, Daniel and Assoc., Jesus, and Paul.
- What is a "good" government? What is a "bad" government? Is it possible for a totalitarian government, or some other form of "bad" government, to be considered "good"?
- When is government, who is supposed to look out for your well-being, not doing its job?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
A Third View of the Will
Okay, Free Will- It cannot exist, It must exist. Both camps are right, both are wrong. To have an absolute view of it is to miss the concept entirely in my mind. I am not so sure that we can grasp it, and the debate over free will (or lack thereof) is all framed in human conceptions of reality. The problem is, our conception of reality is not the actual determinative factor of reality. You know, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life.” What is reality but the truth? Paul talks in Colossians about reality being found in Christ. I think the debate is outside of our comprehension. I think it is all tied up in His glory, which we cannot yet fully see or comprehend.
This debate radiates all over the place. Predestination is a free will debate, but it is from God’s end, not ours. Nature verses Nurture is a free will debate in the context of science. Whether there is a gay gene or if it is locked up in psychological issues; is a free will debate. And the question of legalism (even though most advocates never realize this is what they are advocating) is the result of free will in relation to church. Of course, this is why the debate is so important, it shapes the way we govern ourselves in the church and in community. The liberal position is “no free will” which we see in liberal churches (Episcopal split/ Methodist) and politics (rehabilitative justice). Then we have the conservative position with conservative churches (God hates fags movement) and politics (retributive justice).
In many ways the history of religion has been shaped by all of this as well. The Pharisees were the religious conservatives of the day. They butted heads with Jesus all the time as did the Sadducees who were the liberals of the day. I’m not saying there is some moderate view that will solve the puzzle either. That would simply represent some other human interpretation. Basically, I think with all the time we have had on this planet to figure out the question of the will, with all of our philosophers, and with all our experience and debates on the matter: we are still where we begun on the subject advanced as far as basically two polarized and entrenched camps.
So, I propose, what J.P. tells me has been proposed before (of course – “nothing new under the sun”) there must exist a third view of the will, one we cannot understand. This view is a fully realized, cohesive and indestructible theory of the will, which is Jesus ("the truth") which we cannot fully comprehend: “[s]uch knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” David wrote this in Psalm 139, and he was talking about his own nature (and God’s ultimate understanding of it), and I have to agree, no one is ever going to fully understand human nature.
I think the best thing to do is simply to believe that we must struggle against sin fully and completely accepting our guilt and wretched nature (siding with the conservative view) while fully and completely counting on the Lord to carry us through as someone totally incapable of doing so (siding with the liberal view as well).
This debate radiates all over the place. Predestination is a free will debate, but it is from God’s end, not ours. Nature verses Nurture is a free will debate in the context of science. Whether there is a gay gene or if it is locked up in psychological issues; is a free will debate. And the question of legalism (even though most advocates never realize this is what they are advocating) is the result of free will in relation to church. Of course, this is why the debate is so important, it shapes the way we govern ourselves in the church and in community. The liberal position is “no free will” which we see in liberal churches (Episcopal split/ Methodist) and politics (rehabilitative justice). Then we have the conservative position with conservative churches (God hates fags movement) and politics (retributive justice).
In many ways the history of religion has been shaped by all of this as well. The Pharisees were the religious conservatives of the day. They butted heads with Jesus all the time as did the Sadducees who were the liberals of the day. I’m not saying there is some moderate view that will solve the puzzle either. That would simply represent some other human interpretation. Basically, I think with all the time we have had on this planet to figure out the question of the will, with all of our philosophers, and with all our experience and debates on the matter: we are still where we begun on the subject advanced as far as basically two polarized and entrenched camps.
So, I propose, what J.P. tells me has been proposed before (of course – “nothing new under the sun”) there must exist a third view of the will, one we cannot understand. This view is a fully realized, cohesive and indestructible theory of the will, which is Jesus ("the truth") which we cannot fully comprehend: “[s]uch knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” David wrote this in Psalm 139, and he was talking about his own nature (and God’s ultimate understanding of it), and I have to agree, no one is ever going to fully understand human nature.
I think the best thing to do is simply to believe that we must struggle against sin fully and completely accepting our guilt and wretched nature (siding with the conservative view) while fully and completely counting on the Lord to carry us through as someone totally incapable of doing so (siding with the liberal view as well).
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Theology of Sleep (click to see the original post)
As you can tell by the date/time stamp, I didn't read that article very well.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
worship
Ok, so it's not exactlly Romans, but tonight's talk on worship did prod my thinking a little.
What is worship? Can we define it to one particular thing action, thought process, etc? I know I hear people always say, "Let's invite the Spirit of God to come into this place." Huh? If you've got at least two people who believe in Christ in a group, the Spirit's already there (Matthew 18:20). So what exactly are we doing? Like Art pointed out tonight, there's nothing we can say nor do nor give to change God, influence him, or make him feel better about us. He's got everything already (the cattle on a thousand hills, right?). So my big question is what are we doing during "worship"? And if it's not singing 'Delirious?' songs, what is worship?
Semantically, worship is defined as reverant love (mostly for a deity) and daily devotion. So, is worship just my feelings toward God? And reading my Bible and praying?
Statistically, the word 'worship' is mentioned 108 times in the King James Version in 102 separate verses. Analyzing them, I referenced the verses to see exactly what 'worship' really is and what characters in the Bible (both human and non-human) do when they worship. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't give clear-cut and precise definition of what worship involves.
However, in many verses, the word 'serve' (or one of it's variants) appears in the same verse as the word 'worship'. Several verses (Deuteronomy 4:19, 1 Kings 9:6) mention Israel sinning by bowing down to and serving other gods beside JEHOVAH and worshiping these other [pagan] gods with service. Matthew 4:10 ("Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.") makes mention of the same idea. An idea of worshiping God (or anything else) is conveyed through service for Him (or that other thing).
Practical example: we love our parents, and we want them to know it. We do little things for them (taking out the trash, washing dishes, vacuuming), not because we have to, but because we want to show our devotion to them. Ok, maybe it wasn't the greatest example, but it conveys the idea. We worship God through our actions. (James 2:17-20 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?")
Probably one of the most challenging quotes for me is this: "Preach the Gospel at all times, and, when necessary, use words." [St. Francis of Assisi]. I screw this up everyday. On the ride to school, in class, waiting in line for lunch, etc. There's such a better job I could do being a "little Christ."
So from all this, my observation is that worship is so much more than just three or four songs we sing on Sundays. Worship is a lifestyle. A dedication to something that we believe is worth dedicating our lives to. It's more than just singing a song to God telling Him how great He is. It's dedication to His calling for us, and devotion to Him that's more than just fifteen to twenty minutes one night a week.
Two verses: 1 Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." and 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." This is about the best that I can do to wrap my mind around worship. It's loving God, it's devoting our time and actions to God. It's being Jesus to the world, so they see our lights, and want it.
Maybe I'm way off on what worship really is, but this is what God's showing to me.
What is worship? Can we define it to one particular thing action, thought process, etc? I know I hear people always say, "Let's invite the Spirit of God to come into this place." Huh? If you've got at least two people who believe in Christ in a group, the Spirit's already there (Matthew 18:20). So what exactly are we doing? Like Art pointed out tonight, there's nothing we can say nor do nor give to change God, influence him, or make him feel better about us. He's got everything already (the cattle on a thousand hills, right?). So my big question is what are we doing during "worship"? And if it's not singing 'Delirious?' songs, what is worship?
Semantically, worship is defined as reverant love (mostly for a deity) and daily devotion. So, is worship just my feelings toward God? And reading my Bible and praying?
Statistically, the word 'worship' is mentioned 108 times in the King James Version in 102 separate verses. Analyzing them, I referenced the verses to see exactly what 'worship' really is and what characters in the Bible (both human and non-human) do when they worship. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't give clear-cut and precise definition of what worship involves.
However, in many verses, the word 'serve' (or one of it's variants) appears in the same verse as the word 'worship'. Several verses (Deuteronomy 4:19, 1 Kings 9:6) mention Israel sinning by bowing down to and serving other gods beside JEHOVAH and worshiping these other [pagan] gods with service. Matthew 4:10 ("Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.") makes mention of the same idea. An idea of worshiping God (or anything else) is conveyed through service for Him (or that other thing).
Practical example: we love our parents, and we want them to know it. We do little things for them (taking out the trash, washing dishes, vacuuming), not because we have to, but because we want to show our devotion to them. Ok, maybe it wasn't the greatest example, but it conveys the idea. We worship God through our actions. (James 2:17-20 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?")
Probably one of the most challenging quotes for me is this: "Preach the Gospel at all times, and, when necessary, use words." [St. Francis of Assisi]. I screw this up everyday. On the ride to school, in class, waiting in line for lunch, etc. There's such a better job I could do being a "little Christ."
So from all this, my observation is that worship is so much more than just three or four songs we sing on Sundays. Worship is a lifestyle. A dedication to something that we believe is worth dedicating our lives to. It's more than just singing a song to God telling Him how great He is. It's dedication to His calling for us, and devotion to Him that's more than just fifteen to twenty minutes one night a week.
Two verses: 1 Corinthians 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." and 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." This is about the best that I can do to wrap my mind around worship. It's loving God, it's devoting our time and actions to God. It's being Jesus to the world, so they see our lights, and want it.
Maybe I'm way off on what worship really is, but this is what God's showing to me.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Comparison of the dangers of doctors to firearms
Since we have a group of lawyers in our midst, I thought this was appropriate:
FACTS TO PONDER:
(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.
(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.
(C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.
(Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services)
Now think about this:
Guns:
(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000.
(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500.
(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is 0.00188.
(Statistics courtesy of FBI)
So, statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more
dangerous than guns.
Remember, "Guns don't kill people, doctors do."
Fact: Not everyone has a gun, but almost everyone has at least one doctor.
Please alert your friends to this alarming threat. We must ban doctors
before this gets completely out of hand!
FACTS TO PONDER:
(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.
(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.
(C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.
(Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services)
Now think about this:
Guns:
(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000.
(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is 1,500.
(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is 0.00188.
(Statistics courtesy of FBI)
So, statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more
dangerous than guns.
Remember, "Guns don't kill people, doctors do."
Fact: Not everyone has a gun, but almost everyone has at least one doctor.
Please alert your friends to this alarming threat. We must ban doctors
before this gets completely out of hand!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Romans 2- Things to Think About
It was great to see those of you who were at house church last night. Here's a quick summary of the take-home points that we extracted from Romans 2.
1) Don't be a hypocrite. (vs. 1-4) (See also Matt 7:1-4, and Matt 18:23-35)
2) Live in such a way that God's name will be honored and not dishonored. (vs 17-24)
3) Contemplate God's law, and examine yourself in light of it. Let the recognition that you cannot measure up to that fill you with gratitude for the kindness God has shown in forgiving you. Let that kindness lead you to repentance (vs 5).
4) Seek glory, honor and immortality by persisting in doing good (vs 7).
Have a great week, and feel free to post your thoughts and experiences below.
1) Don't be a hypocrite. (vs. 1-4) (See also Matt 7:1-4, and Matt 18:23-35)
2) Live in such a way that God's name will be honored and not dishonored. (vs 17-24)
3) Contemplate God's law, and examine yourself in light of it. Let the recognition that you cannot measure up to that fill you with gratitude for the kindness God has shown in forgiving you. Let that kindness lead you to repentance (vs 5).
4) Seek glory, honor and immortality by persisting in doing good (vs 7).
Have a great week, and feel free to post your thoughts and experiences below.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Thursday night
I don't know about anyone else, but would anyone else beside Michele and I be interested in having house church on Thursday night since we kinda skipped it tonight? This would only be for this week and we can resume our normal scedule again on next Tuesday. How's it sound to anyone who reads the blog?
Monday, August 21, 2006
Driving to Wal-Mart
Since currently the Shack doesn't have all the drivers it needs for its Wal-Mart expedition Tuesday night, we're going to be cancelling or postponing Pendleton's End this week so that people can help out by driving. Wendy, Danny and I are already committed. If you are willing to drive, please contact Lou. All you need to do is clean out your car (trunk, too) so that people can fit into it with their purchases.
This is an excellent opportunity to welcome new people to the ministry and possibly to our house church. It's a good chance to be Christ-like, too, being kind to helpless little freshmen. Okay, enough guilt, if you can help out, please do.
This is an excellent opportunity to welcome new people to the ministry and possibly to our house church. It's a good chance to be Christ-like, too, being kind to helpless little freshmen. Okay, enough guilt, if you can help out, please do.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
No House Church Tuesday, July 4th
Since:
1) It's July 4th
2) Wendy will be celebrating her father's birthday with him in Summerville
3) I'm working on my thesis
Pendleton's End won't be meeting this Tuesday, July 4th. Please use this time to celebrate American independence from Britain by spelling color with no 'U' and referring to sweaters as sweaters rather than as 'jumpers'.
1) It's July 4th
2) Wendy will be celebrating her father's birthday with him in Summerville
3) I'm working on my thesis
Pendleton's End won't be meeting this Tuesday, July 4th. Please use this time to celebrate American independence from Britain by spelling color with no 'U' and referring to sweaters as sweaters rather than as 'jumpers'.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Up-Date
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
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
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.
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