For the complete blog post click here.
Would love to have been at this debate between greg boyd, chuck colson and shane claiborne. if you haven't read irresistable revolution, you should do so. very challenging book. below is a quick tidbit from greg boyd's blog as he reflects on the debate and some key disagreements between him and chuck colson on the christian's duty towards government.
also mentioned in the blog is shane's new book that will be coming out entitled "jesus for president." can't wait to pick that up!
* Finally, I have to say that the best lines of the debate went to Shane. Three times the crowd applauded after he spoke (Chuck and I got zero). The most insightful, I thought, was when he responded to Colson's citation of Bonhoeffer's attempt to assassinate Hitler as an example of how Christians need to participate in politics and sometimes resort to violence. Shane told a story (of course) of a film he watched that interviewed Hitler's chief secretary. She said that it was "miraculous" how Hitler escaped unharmed when the bomb Bonhoeffer's group planted exploded. This reinforced Hitler's sense of divine mission at a time when it was wavering and encouraged him to carry out his genocidal programs more enthusiastically. Shane said that as much as he respects Bonhoeffer, "the cross lost when that bomb went off." Wow.
Friday, February 29, 2008
evander hanauer and spring training
what does kylie and evander holifield have in common? answer........both are missing a piece of their ear. one was bitten off by iron mike, and the other was lopped off during a fall from the couch - ear meet sharp edge of end table.
so was the scene about 6:15pm thursday evening. not long after i got home from work i was rushing kylie to the er to see if she needed stiches for her ear. it turns out they just sliced off the remaining piece that was hanging, and slapped some magic ointment (neosporan) on it, and said she would grow it back in no time. kylie was really a trooper through the whole thing - i was very proud of her.
spring training has begun and the boys of summer are preparing for the grueling 162 game 2008 season. the reds have a shot to win it all (haha, i can dream, right?).
we are looking stronger in our 5 man rotation, and will continue to score runs this year, which means we should be decent. plus we have a proven manager in dusty baker....sounds to me like a recipe for a pennant run. i love april and may b/c the reds are usually still in the race at this point. it is the dog days of summer that seem to get me down. who knows - 2008 may be the magical year.
so was the scene about 6:15pm thursday evening. not long after i got home from work i was rushing kylie to the er to see if she needed stiches for her ear. it turns out they just sliced off the remaining piece that was hanging, and slapped some magic ointment (neosporan) on it, and said she would grow it back in no time. kylie was really a trooper through the whole thing - i was very proud of her.
spring training has begun and the boys of summer are preparing for the grueling 162 game 2008 season. the reds have a shot to win it all (haha, i can dream, right?).
we are looking stronger in our 5 man rotation, and will continue to score runs this year, which means we should be decent. plus we have a proven manager in dusty baker....sounds to me like a recipe for a pennant run. i love april and may b/c the reds are usually still in the race at this point. it is the dog days of summer that seem to get me down. who knows - 2008 may be the magical year.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
posting comments as blog entries - love it
another one from my friend (oh how i miss our discussions). i am not much for the phone and i take it he isn't either. which is probably a good thing b/c we both have families that need us. anyway - here are some more thoughts from him - i appreciated them so thought others might as well:
"What you call Christianity is not really a religion at all, it is an array of institutions, 501c3 organizations, that collect non-taxable contributions to ensure their own longevity, which doles out "benevolence" for the primary purpose of positive public relations and membership growth."
"However, I'm not a Christian in that sense -- not a member of the social club that calls itself the church."
"Instead, I'm a member of a radically fundamental religious order of believers in Christ who care not for tax deductions, who deplore memberships, who collectively function as a conspiracy of love and sacrifice, though every individual is autonomous, and accountable only to God himself."
Here's the thing Adam, we religious in the only true sense of the word. It is not that Christ didn't come to establish a religion...it's just that the monster that calls itself religion in our culture today isn't it.
You think?
"What you call Christianity is not really a religion at all, it is an array of institutions, 501c3 organizations, that collect non-taxable contributions to ensure their own longevity, which doles out "benevolence" for the primary purpose of positive public relations and membership growth."
"However, I'm not a Christian in that sense -- not a member of the social club that calls itself the church."
"Instead, I'm a member of a radically fundamental religious order of believers in Christ who care not for tax deductions, who deplore memberships, who collectively function as a conspiracy of love and sacrifice, though every individual is autonomous, and accountable only to God himself."
Here's the thing Adam, we religious in the only true sense of the word. It is not that Christ didn't come to establish a religion...it's just that the monster that calls itself religion in our culture today isn't it.
You think?
election - thoughts
pulled up a comment left from a friend of mine a week or so ago, and wanted to post again:
"The New Testament words 'chosen, choose, and election' are the same. The Old Testament word is simply 'chosen.' From [Eph 1:4] many think God chooses some to be saved and some to be lost. Again, I point out -- predestination and election (choosing) have nothing to do with the lost, but are for the saved."
"The following Scriptures tell us what the choosing, or election, of God is about: 'For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, THAT THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION MIGHT STAND, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, THE ELDER SHALL SERVE THE YOUNGER. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated' Rom. 9:9-13.
At once we see that election or choosing has to do with service-- THE ELDER SHALL SERVE THE YOUNGER. It does not say, 'The younger shall be saved, and the elder shall be lost.' No, but, 'the elder shall SERVE the younder.' Thus election has to do with service. 'Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated' wasn't said of these two men before they were born, but hundreds of years after they died. God hated the descendants of Esau because of their unbelief, and loved the descendants of Jacob because of their faith."
"In John 15, the Lord Jesus said--He had chosed (elected) them disciples. For salvation? No, for service. Even Judas was chosen! For damnation? No, but like Pharaoh, who has a fit vessel unto wrath--after being given many chances to believe, he refused, and thus was used for God's purpose.
"The prophet Isaiah says that Israel is God's chosen people (Isaiah 41:8). Does this mean that all Jews are saved? No. It simply means that God has chosen Israel for a service..."
"Back to Ephesians 1:4--what has God elected or chosen for us, or what has He elected, or chosen us for? Not salvation, but He has chosen us before the foundation of the world (He knew we would believe on His Son) for service--"that we should be hold and without blame before him in love."
From Dr. Mark G. Cambron
"The New Testament words 'chosen, choose, and election' are the same. The Old Testament word is simply 'chosen.' From [Eph 1:4] many think God chooses some to be saved and some to be lost. Again, I point out -- predestination and election (choosing) have nothing to do with the lost, but are for the saved."
"The following Scriptures tell us what the choosing, or election, of God is about: 'For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, THAT THE PURPOSE OF GOD ACCORDING TO ELECTION MIGHT STAND, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, THE ELDER SHALL SERVE THE YOUNGER. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated' Rom. 9:9-13.
At once we see that election or choosing has to do with service-- THE ELDER SHALL SERVE THE YOUNGER. It does not say, 'The younger shall be saved, and the elder shall be lost.' No, but, 'the elder shall SERVE the younder.' Thus election has to do with service. 'Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated' wasn't said of these two men before they were born, but hundreds of years after they died. God hated the descendants of Esau because of their unbelief, and loved the descendants of Jacob because of their faith."
"In John 15, the Lord Jesus said--He had chosed (elected) them disciples. For salvation? No, for service. Even Judas was chosen! For damnation? No, but like Pharaoh, who has a fit vessel unto wrath--after being given many chances to believe, he refused, and thus was used for God's purpose.
"The prophet Isaiah says that Israel is God's chosen people (Isaiah 41:8). Does this mean that all Jews are saved? No. It simply means that God has chosen Israel for a service..."
"Back to Ephesians 1:4--what has God elected or chosen for us, or what has He elected, or chosen us for? Not salvation, but He has chosen us before the foundation of the world (He knew we would believe on His Son) for service--"that we should be hold and without blame before him in love."
From Dr. Mark G. Cambron
Saturday, February 23, 2008
longing for spring
i am over winter this year. these past couple of weeks have been filled with sleet, rain and snow. i spent a couple of days in green bay where the temp hovered around 5 degrees. i am thankful for the seasons. without winter, there wouldn't be a spring or summer to look forward to.
i was looking out the window today, and more than anything i am ready for life again. ready for green grass and trees, birds and flowers. i remember being young and hearing "older" folks talk like this - well i guess i am officially "older."
i think, this year more than other years, i will appreciate the inbreaking of spring this year. come lord jesus come - and come spring come!!
i was looking out the window today, and more than anything i am ready for life again. ready for green grass and trees, birds and flowers. i remember being young and hearing "older" folks talk like this - well i guess i am officially "older."
i think, this year more than other years, i will appreciate the inbreaking of spring this year. come lord jesus come - and come spring come!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
lot happening
we have had a lot happening the last week or so. it has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for our family, but we are getting through it, by god's grace.
got off work early today - ice storm in louisville. not sure what we are in for tomorrow, but should be interesting.
was speaking to a friend at okolona and began talking about - you guessed it - predestination. he happened to have a debate from 2002 that took place at southland christian between some profs from louisville bible seminary and asbury. it was pretty neat, and successfully gave me a headache trying to keep up with these guys. at first i might have said this wasn't an important debate, but i am realizing just how important it is. we are debating god's character, his very nature. that should always be important. and just in case you were wondering - i am NOT a calvinist, after watching the debates!
-------
"now we know that if the earthy tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from god, an eternal house in heaven, not made by human hands." i corinthians 5:1
verse of the week
got off work early today - ice storm in louisville. not sure what we are in for tomorrow, but should be interesting.
was speaking to a friend at okolona and began talking about - you guessed it - predestination. he happened to have a debate from 2002 that took place at southland christian between some profs from louisville bible seminary and asbury. it was pretty neat, and successfully gave me a headache trying to keep up with these guys. at first i might have said this wasn't an important debate, but i am realizing just how important it is. we are debating god's character, his very nature. that should always be important. and just in case you were wondering - i am NOT a calvinist, after watching the debates!
-------
"now we know that if the earthy tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from god, an eternal house in heaven, not made by human hands." i corinthians 5:1
verse of the week
Sunday, February 17, 2008
seek first
"but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. each day has enough trouble of its own."
pondering this scripture this week, and we will discuss tonight in our small group.
pondering this scripture this week, and we will discuss tonight in our small group.
so i'm 30 now
had a good time with friends and family this weekend. we got to log some good times on the wii. it was a lot of fun!
i am spending a couple days in green bay. it should be nice and cold. i will miss my family like crazy. i am told they have good cheese up there. who knows, i might even bring some back.
i am spending a couple days in green bay. it should be nice and cold. i will miss my family like crazy. i am told they have good cheese up there. who knows, i might even bring some back.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
tutoring
tutoring has turned out to be a real exercise in patience. the little 9 year old i tutor on wednesday nights is smart, just suffers from "can't sit still" syndrome. this is my diagnosis, of course and it is not professional. so i am attempting to teach her the importance of "slowing down" to understand what she is doing. the fact is, i see a lot of myself in this little girl. i am not sure if that fact is a good think or not!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
posting frenzy
want to begin tracking the scriptures we are memorizing for our small group on my blog:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each one should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
"Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him."
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."
and this weeks......
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts, by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
it has been a rewarding experience to memorize and ponder scripture each week, and then come together and share.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each one should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
"Come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him."
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."
and this weeks......
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts, by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
it has been a rewarding experience to memorize and ponder scripture each week, and then come together and share.
i am certain i read this
because i don't have an original idea in my head, but i proposed today that i disagreed with my "brother in christ at work" philosophically on why jesus came to earth.
this is what i said:
Christ came primarily, NOT to establish a religion (or system of belief), but a movement (namely the kingdom of God) in which he invites others to particpate in the redemption of the world.
This is THE major theme of scripture - God partners with Israel in the OT and the Church in the NT to redeem fallen man for his glory (i added this later). Through Christ he has once and for all, finished the work of salvation, and he is asking us to "trust" him for that salvation and the power to live with Christ as king.
we run to religion, rules, laws and the like while jesus wants us to run to him in obedience.
this is what i said:
Christ came primarily, NOT to establish a religion (or system of belief), but a movement (namely the kingdom of God) in which he invites others to particpate in the redemption of the world.
This is THE major theme of scripture - God partners with Israel in the OT and the Church in the NT to redeem fallen man for his glory (i added this later). Through Christ he has once and for all, finished the work of salvation, and he is asking us to "trust" him for that salvation and the power to live with Christ as king.
we run to religion, rules, laws and the like while jesus wants us to run to him in obedience.
wrestling with
all kinds of different ideas, that quite frankly i haven't wrestled with for some time. still in conversation with a brother in christ at work, and the latest topic is election or maybe better put, god's sovereignty. i am coming from the viewpoint of without choice - real choice - then how can there be love? if i haven't had the ablility to choose or deny god since my birth, what is the deal? i believe he is coming from the reformed theological viewpoint (i say think, b/c i really don't know) that god has divinely chosen who will be the elect and who will not.
now - if we serve an all good, all powerful and all knowing god then i have to trust whatever the real deal is, it is right and just. but this is tough stuff. this brings up tons of other questions, and maybe i will wrestle with more of them on this blog at a later time.
suffice to say right now, i am glad i "bumped" into this fellow and have enjoyed the relationship we have formed. he is earnestly seeking to get me to "see the light" and i am returning the favor, but we are not beating each other to a pulp - at least most days.
so if are reading this - what do you think? free will or not free will? or is that even the issue here?
now - if we serve an all good, all powerful and all knowing god then i have to trust whatever the real deal is, it is right and just. but this is tough stuff. this brings up tons of other questions, and maybe i will wrestle with more of them on this blog at a later time.
suffice to say right now, i am glad i "bumped" into this fellow and have enjoyed the relationship we have formed. he is earnestly seeking to get me to "see the light" and i am returning the favor, but we are not beating each other to a pulp - at least most days.
so if are reading this - what do you think? free will or not free will? or is that even the issue here?
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
southern baptist
you know who you are - this is just for you, if you have ears to hear.
there is a second half you can download if you wish.
there is a second half you can download if you wish.
Monday, February 4, 2008
my winner
this was my favorite super bowl video - and i am not all about watching the commercials, i actually look forward to watching the game! but this one was hilarious to me. also, what about that game? one of the best in history, some are saying.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
at it again
this morning emily took the kids for some doughnuts at one of our favorite places, sugar and spice. as they open up the drive through windows kylie catches a whiff of the intoxicating aroma of sugary goodness and proceeds to say:
"mommy, i can taste doughnuts in my nose!"
not sure what to do with that, but it made me laugh.
"mommy, i can taste doughnuts in my nose!"
not sure what to do with that, but it made me laugh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
