This morning during our teacher collaboration time, a group of us were doing item analysis on a standardized test that is given every year to our tenth graders. While discussing one of the questions and questioning why so many students got it wrong, a fellow teacher remarked, "sometimes we get so stuck on asking what the text means to us that we forget the author's intent..."
What struck me when the comment was made is that it is the same with God's Word. I have no problem discussing how a Scripture touches us or what God speaks to us through His Word, but we can't forget that there was an original meanting or intent for the Scripture, God did place it there for a purpose and it had meaning to the author of the text. That message definitely has gotten lost in "Bible" studies in the Western Church.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I've been thinking a lot about the latest buzzwords of community transformation and the call for the church to get out in the community and be an agent of change. I have a few thoughts on this that I want to get down for discussion:
1) Obviously, if we are just going out and raking leaves and serving food and painting walls without connecting it to Jesus, no change will happen, we will do no good for the Kingdom.
2) It seems like this is the "in" thing to do so everyone is jumping on board. But sometimes churches need to worry about feeding their own sheep before going out and recruiting some more, otherwise we've got more confused sheep wandering around than we had in the first place.
3) I'm all for community development, love what John Perkins is all about and what he is doing/did in Mississippi and Pasadena, so don't let my cynicism cloud the fact that I am agreement with this issue.
4) Community development must flow from a heart to love and serve God's people, it must be nurtured and prayed over and result from a clear call from the Lord, not just something we think is the right thing to do or everyone else is doing is.
Those are just a few thoughts for now that will help me frame some discussions I want to have in the near future with a few people.
1) Obviously, if we are just going out and raking leaves and serving food and painting walls without connecting it to Jesus, no change will happen, we will do no good for the Kingdom.
2) It seems like this is the "in" thing to do so everyone is jumping on board. But sometimes churches need to worry about feeding their own sheep before going out and recruiting some more, otherwise we've got more confused sheep wandering around than we had in the first place.
3) I'm all for community development, love what John Perkins is all about and what he is doing/did in Mississippi and Pasadena, so don't let my cynicism cloud the fact that I am agreement with this issue.
4) Community development must flow from a heart to love and serve God's people, it must be nurtured and prayed over and result from a clear call from the Lord, not just something we think is the right thing to do or everyone else is doing is.
Those are just a few thoughts for now that will help me frame some discussions I want to have in the near future with a few people.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
I received this about a week ago from a former pro and enjoyed it, began a little correspondence with him, and included his response below.
Jesus, however, warns us that anything we do to draw attention to ourselves -- whatever we do to be noticed by others (Matthew 6:1) -- negates any reward from our Father in heaven. But if we act quietly and non-publicly “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)
As we ponder spiritual disciplines, have we considered the discipline of secrecy?
When Jon Bon Jovi appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s popular daytime television program in the first week of 2006, he presented a check for $1 million towards Hurricane Relief. That generous act thrilled the audience. But, at the same time, Bon Jovi was promoting his musical albums. Did the check come from his marketing budget or from his heart? The public generosity made it very hard to tell.
We must delineate between sin-empowering secrecy and this spiritual discipline of secrecy.
Sin thrives on secrecy. When NBC Dateline set a sting for online sexual predators and then filmed men coming to the home of an underage girl, it became very apparent that those men, for the most part, lived horrifying double-lives. Rabbis, pastors, lawyers, doctors, tradesmen, and others all fell into the net. It cost many of them their marriages and did irreparable harm to their families. That kind of secrecy steals, kills, and destroys everything that the Father intends for us. (John 10:10)
On the other hand, Jesus advocates secrecy over acts that lead us not into shame but potentially into pride. His teaching, however, has few advocates in our self-honoring society.
Our culture teaches us to build a resume, and we do the same with our faith.We drop hints about our spiritual efforts. We mention our sacrificial service and leadership honors. We assist the poor and find ways to let others know about it. We tell stories of our spiritual achievements, victories and good deeds. But a fine line exists between sharing our life stories to encourage others and sharing the stories to enhance our own reputation.
The discipline of secrecy prohibits the building of any spiritual resume. It restrains us when we want to compare ourselves with the next person. It restricts our attempts to advance our own standing in the eyes of the world.
Any of us who would pray “Your Kingdom come” must consider this discipline with utmost seriousness. The coming of His Kingdom means the lessening of our kingdom, and godly secrecy guides us in that direction.
The discipline of secrecy may be one of the least practiced spiritual disciplines of our day – yet one of the most rewarding!
The Discipline of Secrecy
Religious living often deteriorates into false piety. Our best intentions to read Scripture, serve well, give generously, and pray faithfully can quickly degenerate into exercises of self-promotion and self-glorification.
Jesus, however, warns us that anything we do to draw attention to ourselves -- whatever we do to be noticed by others (Matthew 6:1) -- negates any reward from our Father in heaven. But if we act quietly and non-publicly “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)
As we ponder spiritual disciplines, have we considered the discipline of secrecy?
When Jon Bon Jovi appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s popular daytime television program in the first week of 2006, he presented a check for $1 million towards Hurricane Relief. That generous act thrilled the audience. But, at the same time, Bon Jovi was promoting his musical albums. Did the check come from his marketing budget or from his heart? The public generosity made it very hard to tell.
We must delineate between sin-empowering secrecy and this spiritual discipline of secrecy.
Sin thrives on secrecy. When NBC Dateline set a sting for online sexual predators and then filmed men coming to the home of an underage girl, it became very apparent that those men, for the most part, lived horrifying double-lives. Rabbis, pastors, lawyers, doctors, tradesmen, and others all fell into the net. It cost many of them their marriages and did irreparable harm to their families. That kind of secrecy steals, kills, and destroys everything that the Father intends for us. (John 10:10)
On the other hand, Jesus advocates secrecy over acts that lead us not into shame but potentially into pride. His teaching, however, has few advocates in our self-honoring society.
Our culture teaches us to build a resume, and we do the same with our faith.We drop hints about our spiritual efforts. We mention our sacrificial service and leadership honors. We assist the poor and find ways to let others know about it. We tell stories of our spiritual achievements, victories and good deeds. But a fine line exists between sharing our life stories to encourage others and sharing the stories to enhance our own reputation.
The discipline of secrecy prohibits the building of any spiritual resume. It restrains us when we want to compare ourselves with the next person. It restricts our attempts to advance our own standing in the eyes of the world.
Any of us who would pray “Your Kingdom come” must consider this discipline with utmost seriousness. The coming of His Kingdom means the lessening of our kingdom, and godly secrecy guides us in that direction.
The discipline of secrecy may be one of the least practiced spiritual disciplines of our day – yet one of the most rewarding!
My response to him was that I agree with his premise, but said that in the world we live in, this is almost impossible, great idea, but very impractical. I found that out in my interview process with Life Promotions. His responded:
Perhaps the "spiritual resume" might be better replaced by "spiritual references" -- i.e. refusing to speak for ourselves but only receive what others might say about us. And if they say nothing? So be it. Might selling ourselves may be the ultimate expression of spiritual insecurity?
Very cool! How about going into a job interview and simply giving a list of references instead of having to sell outselves, let others say what we are about, they'll probably be more truthful anyway. I like that!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Another good one from that same article:
Running back Steven Jackson says that for months he has been getting issues of several handgun magazines that were mistakenly mailed to him instead of Stephen Jackson of the Golden State Warriors.
In fact, just read the whole article, I guarantee a few laugh out louds!
Running back Steven Jackson says that for months he has been getting issues of several handgun magazines that were mistakenly mailed to him instead of Stephen Jackson of the Golden State Warriors.
In fact, just read the whole article, I guarantee a few laugh out louds!
In case you are not familiar with Najeh Davenport, other than being an NFL running back he became famous a few years ago for this.
Which is why the following quote from DJ Gallo on EPSN.com is so funny:
New head coach Mike Tomlin has punished players who show up late to meetings or practices by making them share a laundry basket with running back Najeh Davenport.
Which is why the following quote from DJ Gallo on EPSN.com is so funny:
New head coach Mike Tomlin has punished players who show up late to meetings or practices by making them share a laundry basket with running back Najeh Davenport.
I LOVE this article by Gregg Easterbrook! You have to read it in its entirety (it's not nearly as long as his TMQ's). I particularly enjoy the following quote:
Some commentators argue that Vick must be dealt with severely to "send a message" about athlete's behavior. No: Vick must be dealt with fairly, to send a message about justice.
He goes on to say how Vick shouldn't be sent a message to right the wrong that happened years ago in the Ray Lewis situation, namely that he wasn't punished harsh enough.
I couldn't agree more. I've never been a fan of making an example out of someone (though I did watch a Dateline a few weeks ago about an abusive husband who was made an example out of the by the judge, but though it was stated in those terms, I actually believe the sentence fit the crime).
I've fought this as a coach and teacher, too often I hear that a student or player must be "made an example of." I disagree, let the punishment fit the crime, if the player is engaged in conduct detrimental to the team, she should be removed, not to send a message to the other players but rather for the best of the team and their goals.
Some commentators argue that Vick must be dealt with severely to "send a message" about athlete's behavior. No: Vick must be dealt with fairly, to send a message about justice.
He goes on to say how Vick shouldn't be sent a message to right the wrong that happened years ago in the Ray Lewis situation, namely that he wasn't punished harsh enough.
I couldn't agree more. I've never been a fan of making an example out of someone (though I did watch a Dateline a few weeks ago about an abusive husband who was made an example out of the by the judge, but though it was stated in those terms, I actually believe the sentence fit the crime).
I've fought this as a coach and teacher, too often I hear that a student or player must be "made an example of." I disagree, let the punishment fit the crime, if the player is engaged in conduct detrimental to the team, she should be removed, not to send a message to the other players but rather for the best of the team and their goals.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
I was just humbled as I was going through some old mail and looked at a recent International Teams newsletter with the following quote from a Refugee Ministry Leader.
It was great to pray with believers from all over the world. I saw a Filipino serving in Japan praying over a Nigerian who is a US citizen and married to a Filipina with whom he serves Somali refugees in Kenya. I started praying with my eyes open after I realized what was happening.
The Nigerian US citizen is my good friend and brother Akindotun Modupe, the Filipina is his wife Ami who I am blessed to know. They are dear friends and faithful ministers of the Gospel! They just went through some tragic times and could use any extra prayers that would be offered up to our Father.
It was great to pray with believers from all over the world. I saw a Filipino serving in Japan praying over a Nigerian who is a US citizen and married to a Filipina with whom he serves Somali refugees in Kenya. I started praying with my eyes open after I realized what was happening.
The Nigerian US citizen is my good friend and brother Akindotun Modupe, the Filipina is his wife Ami who I am blessed to know. They are dear friends and faithful ministers of the Gospel! They just went through some tragic times and could use any extra prayers that would be offered up to our Father.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Interesting stuff from the latest Koinonia House newsletter:
A large number of young people are leaving the Church after high school, according to a survey of 1,023 Protestants age 18 to 30. While 35 percent of those who leave generally resume regular church attendance by age 30, and another 30 percent attend sporadically, significant numbers of Christian youth are leaving and never coming back.
"Too many youth groups are holding tanks with pizza. There's no life transformation taking place," said Ed Stetzer, director of Nashville-based LifeWay Research, which did the survey in April and May 2007. "People are looking for a faith that can change them and to be a part of changing the world."
Over half of church dropouts cited problems with the pastor or people at church, with over 40 percent saying they saw church members as hypocritical or insincere. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed said they had philosophical, religious, or political reasons for leaving.
What do we do to keep young adults engaged in Christianity?
Former atheist-turned-Christ-apologist Anthony Horvath argues that one of the biggest issues is that Christian youth are not being taught to defend their faith. Kids have major questions;
-Why is there evil and suffering in the world if God is good? -What is the evidence for God's existence?-What makes the Bible different from any other religious holy book?-Are the events of the Bible historical?
Horvath argues that kids do not simply need to be taught what the Bible says, they need to know how to defend their faith, as 1 Peter 3:15 says:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Older Christians and Christian parents need to research and do their homework so that they can be ready to answer the questions of their young people. Churches should make sure that their youth groups do more than hang out, sing, and eat pizza. While youth ministries should be a lot of fun, they need to be places where kids are trained in the knowledge of God, not simply entertained.
Just as important, both Christian youth and Christian adults need to shun hypocrisy. The teen years can be the hardest years of a person's life. They are often years of insecurity, filled with longings to be loved and accepted. If the Church fails to embrace these young people and demonstrate the true love and nurturing character of Christ, kids can be deeply hurt. It's tragic when people feel safer and freer to be themselves in a tavern than they do in a body of believers.
Only by being filled with the Spirit and in touch with the true heart of God can we be the models of Christ that we need to be to the next lost and dying generation. Only by building up our young people to be warriors of the faith can they be prepared to battle the world's philosophies as they grow into adults.
I really like the balance he lays out when he says that youth groups should be a lot of fun but should also be places where kids are trained in the knowledge and ways of our Lord.
Another great quote was the need to shun hypocrisy, which is so evident in the church that it makes me puke! Why can't we just be honest and admit that we are all sinners who are freely redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Is it that hard? Why do we need to play the game?
Any arguments?
A large number of young people are leaving the Church after high school, according to a survey of 1,023 Protestants age 18 to 30. While 35 percent of those who leave generally resume regular church attendance by age 30, and another 30 percent attend sporadically, significant numbers of Christian youth are leaving and never coming back.
"Too many youth groups are holding tanks with pizza. There's no life transformation taking place," said Ed Stetzer, director of Nashville-based LifeWay Research, which did the survey in April and May 2007. "People are looking for a faith that can change them and to be a part of changing the world."
Over half of church dropouts cited problems with the pastor or people at church, with over 40 percent saying they saw church members as hypocritical or insincere. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed said they had philosophical, religious, or political reasons for leaving.
What do we do to keep young adults engaged in Christianity?
Former atheist-turned-Christ-apologist Anthony Horvath argues that one of the biggest issues is that Christian youth are not being taught to defend their faith. Kids have major questions;
-Why is there evil and suffering in the world if God is good? -What is the evidence for God's existence?-What makes the Bible different from any other religious holy book?-Are the events of the Bible historical?
Horvath argues that kids do not simply need to be taught what the Bible says, they need to know how to defend their faith, as 1 Peter 3:15 says:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Older Christians and Christian parents need to research and do their homework so that they can be ready to answer the questions of their young people. Churches should make sure that their youth groups do more than hang out, sing, and eat pizza. While youth ministries should be a lot of fun, they need to be places where kids are trained in the knowledge of God, not simply entertained.
Just as important, both Christian youth and Christian adults need to shun hypocrisy. The teen years can be the hardest years of a person's life. They are often years of insecurity, filled with longings to be loved and accepted. If the Church fails to embrace these young people and demonstrate the true love and nurturing character of Christ, kids can be deeply hurt. It's tragic when people feel safer and freer to be themselves in a tavern than they do in a body of believers.
Only by being filled with the Spirit and in touch with the true heart of God can we be the models of Christ that we need to be to the next lost and dying generation. Only by building up our young people to be warriors of the faith can they be prepared to battle the world's philosophies as they grow into adults.
I really like the balance he lays out when he says that youth groups should be a lot of fun but should also be places where kids are trained in the knowledge and ways of our Lord.
Another great quote was the need to shun hypocrisy, which is so evident in the church that it makes me puke! Why can't we just be honest and admit that we are all sinners who are freely redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Is it that hard? Why do we need to play the game?
Any arguments?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Yesterday I received an email from a person who will remain unnamed that she had changed her email address. Today I received the following email from the administrator at a church that will remain unnamed:
Thanks -----. I’ll be sure ---’s database is updated. Coming soon!!!...you’ll be able to change your own general information in ---'s database from the web!!!!
WOW! How great. What did we do in the past when we couldn't change our own general info from the web...what a great selling point for any church, I'll have to sign up San Damiano.
Thanks -----. I’ll be sure ---’s database is updated. Coming soon!!!...you’ll be able to change your own general information in ---'s database from the web!!!!
WOW! How great. What did we do in the past when we couldn't change our own general info from the web...what a great selling point for any church, I'll have to sign up San Damiano.
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