Luke 13

So, here are my questions that I never got to really answer Sunday or even really talk about from Luke 13, especially verses 22-ff.

1. What does the 'narrowness' of the door (v. 24) have to do with the point Jesus is making in this parable?

2. Why does the host get up and close the door? (v. 25)

3. Why can't Jesus ever just answer the question? (v. 23)

A toast to Donna Akins

I hereby propose a toast to Donna Akins. For all the people out there who have listened to sermon after sermon and ached to ask only once, 'What the Hell does that mean?', we salute you. Raise your glass high Mrs. Akins, we all love you dearly, even more today than last week!

Eschatology - what the hell does that mean?

Eschatology From the Greek, Eschatos meaning last and -logy meaning the study of, is a part of theology and philosophy concerned with what are believed to be the final events in the history of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humanity, commonly referred to as the end of the world.

One of the great texts about the end of the world and things to come is found in I Peter Chapter One:

Praise to God for a Living Hope

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,¹¹ trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

In recent history, the Left Behind Series has brought to the front some issues regarding the 'rapture', which is the belief that some will be left here on earth and some will be whisked away to Heaven. There are those who believe in the rapture in the Christian community, as well as those who do not. Some believe Christ will come back and reign for 1,000 years as one last opportunity for us pitiful humans to get it right. Whether or not you believe in this will dictate whether you are pre-millenial, post-millenial or a-millenial. Have I confused you yet? The bottom line for me is that Peter tells us that even Angels long to look into some of these things. However, if you are interested enough to do some study on your own, here are some key scriptures:

* I Corinthians 15 (esp. v. 50-52)

This whole chapter is on resurrection, but the part about how we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye is where some of our eschatological theology comes from.

* I Peter 3:18-19

These verses are part of the Nicene Creed, and talk about Jesus going to preach to the souls in prison, or in torment. Nearly all early Christian Scholars believed this to be in the realm of the dead. Were these souls in Hell? Were they in Purgatory (a waiting area)? Or were they literally in prison here on earth?

* I Thessalonians 4:13-18

This passage concerns the second coming of Christ. Again, there is a specific moment in time when a trumpet will sound, and the dead in Christ will rise first, which would seem to indicate that they had not yet been resurrected. Where were they? In what 'form' were they?

* Revelation chapter 11

This concludes the long section on the '7 Trumpet Calls of God', and well, you figure it out and let me know.

More to come on the nature of the Soul.

Grace and Peace

Ryan

Narrow Door

Common Meal Tomorrow: The Best Hamburgers this side of the Pecos Valley!

I was at mentoring group this past Thursday, and Grady quoted Brian McLaren...McLaren said of his upbringing in the Plymouth Brethren Movement that he grew up in the Church of the last detail. They worried about everything...the kind of music that could be used in worship, who could what during their gathering time, what decorations could be put up in the auditorium, what time the worship gathering should end, etc. They crossed every 'T' and dotted every 'I', and to be a part of their group you had to do the same.

I grew up in a similar situation -- only the name brand was different, I learned quickly that you had to toe the line or you would find yourself outside of the club. Then, as an adult, I began to learn about things like Grace, and how unmerited favor has been bestowed on each of us.

So that makes the passage from Luke 13 something of a throwback, especially verses 22-30. What does the narrow door mean?

Upcoming Calendar!

Above please find a calendar of upcoming events for our House Church! Click on it for a better view!!!

Luke 12

'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.' -- Luke 12:15

All kinds of greed...hmmm...and I thought there was only one!

This 12th chapter of Luke is very interesting. In these verses Jesus warns against all kinds of things: gossip /tongue wagging (v.1-3), fear (v.4-7), blaspheming (v.8-12), greed (v. 13-21), worry (v. 22-31), not being watchful and ready (v. 35-48 and v. 49-59).

What are you greedy for? What might Jesus say to you is not as important as you think it is?

Tomorrow we will discuss Luke 12 and our lunch menu is Meatball sandwhiches, which DeeDee is bringing!

Have a great day!

Luke 11...Continued

We didn't get a chance on Sunday to discuss the rest of Luke chapter 11, but there is a very interesting section from verses 14-28 where Jesus talks (on the surface at least) about demon possession. the underlying conversation seems to be about the strongholds within each person's life. In verse 23, Jesus says, 'Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.' In a world that doesn't like black and white issues, this appears to me to be a very simplistic thing. Like a light switch that must be either off or on, Jesus says, you must be with him or scatter. I think the additional possibility is that if your hands are full of your own 'stuff', then you can't gather the things or people Jesus has called you to gather.

Jesus then goes on to say, 'When an evil spirit comes out of anyone, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.' I think, of this whole chapter, this might be the most relevant portion for us today. When I decide to lose some weight, and start watching my eating habits, but DON'T exercise in addition to changing my eating habits, the change never lasts. To change a bad habit, you must REPLACE the habit with another practice, as well as all the circumstances that surround the bad habit.

Finally, we read: 'As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you. He replied, blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.' Jesus seems to be speaking to all these people He meets throughout the book of Luke about the things they hold dear...family or friends or possessions or whatever, and he consistently turns their whole world upside down. Someone says something definitive that seems to make sense and Jesus says the opposite. I don't think he's being obstinate, I think He is consistently challenging his listeners to look at their world in a completely new and different way from the norm in their society.

How might Jesus be asking us to look at our world in a fresh way today?

Light and Darkness

If you read Luke 11:35-36 you will find the following...

'See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.'

I have struggled over the years, trying to figure out how to be full of the light. In my effort to accomplish this, I immersed myself into nothing but Christian music and literature for a period of time -- but still I found myself a mix of light and darkness. So then I went the other direction, and sort of scorned the "Christian-eze', but after a season, I realized I was still a mix of light and darkness.

I realized that this was not the reason for my being full of light or full of darkness. So, here I am, still pursuing that ideal of perfect light...

Turn To Me...

"O my child, I have waited long for your coming. My eyes have grown weary with watching, and my heart heavy with longing for you.

For I have said 'Rest in Me', but you have striven. I have said, 'Stand Still', but you have continued to run. I have called, but you have been listening to human voices.

Turn to me.

You do not need to do more. Like the sinner who misses the gift of saving grace through absorption in good works, so you, My child, have missed My sweet reality in your frantic effort to please Me."

-- Frances J. Roberts

Weak

Sign on previously mentioned Church building near our office. Content changed, my feelings remain the same:

'7 days without prayer makes one weak.'

Better theology, but...

Only if you mean it...

For the last several years I have had a personal code I try very hard to live by...if I'm not willing to sign my name on the dotted line that I said it, then I am not going to speak it into life. I have not always lived up to that high standard, I'm sure...but it has served as an excellent gatekeeper for my tongue.

In much the same vein, Amy Foster really got me thinking yesterday. She said she didn't know what really being a sold-out disciple might look like today. After reflecting on Amy's question, I realized that I have actually made some revisions in the past few weeks about what I believe true discipleship might look like...

I believe that God has more in store for us than being 'good Church attenders.' I believe being a disciple means a whole lot more than I was ever taught that it did. I believe God is calling me to live radically for Him in the context of a culture that pays little attention to him. I believe that God can send me out into this world however He chooses to...with money, without money, to the Holiday Inn EXPRESS, to the streets, etc.

But what, to quote Mrs. Foster, does discipleship really look like -- day in and day out?

This morning I was reading in Rob Bell's new book (thanks to Casey) and I came upon this...'ONLY IF YOU MEAN IT. This would make an excellent mantra, wouldn't it?'

What if we only did those things we REALLY meant? If we spent so much time with God that we came to value the things He valued and then only thought, said or did those things we really mean?

Now that, I believe, is something to ponder as you begin your week. Thanks to Rob Bell and Amy Foster...

Discipleship, Part 2

For this Sunday, September 20th, we will be looking at some passages on discipleship and watching another video by archaeologist and historian Ray VanDerLaan. The specific texts we will be looking at are:

Luke 9:1-9 Jesus sends out the 12

Luke 9:57-62 Counting the cost of following Jesus

Luke 10:1-24 Jesus sends out the 72

Hope to see you on Sunday!

Grace and Peace

Ryan

Thank You!

Thanks to all who helped me celebrate my 40th birthday last night. I enjoyed all of the cards, gifts and well wishers. It meant a lot to see everyone out in force at Tres José...I was completely shocked, and had NO idea it was coming! I feel totally loved and blessed, and wish I could truly express to you what I feel in my heart for each one of you!

Discipleship

Following our discussion this morning, I just wanted to post a couple of questions and thoughts that were raised so you can chew on them further this week...

1. This morning we discussed the people in our lives who we felt had shown us the greatest picture of discipleship. Most of the people mentioned were what one might term 'average folk.' Aunts, friends of the family, grandparents, etc. Folks who loved and served and consistently lived out the presence and spirit of Christ in front of us.

Based on these examples, what do you think the true definition of a 'disciple' is?

2. What does it mean to be a disciple in our culture today? Is it different today than it was in the time of Christ? Why or why not?

3. Turn and look at the end of Matthew 28...why do you think Jesus specifically commissioned his followers to go and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations? How is that that different than the commission offered in many American Churches today?

4. In the video we watched, Ray Vander Laan challenged his listeners that the disciple (talmid) is not someone who wants to know what the rabbi knows, rather he or she is someone who wants to BE what the Rabbi IS. A disciple, Vander Laan says, is 'consumed with being like our rabbi.' How consumed are we today? How badly do we want to be like Jesus?

I pray that this is a GREAT week for you, and may you be covered in the dust of your rabbi!

Starting a new week!

'O my child, I have waited long for your coming. My eyes have grown weary with watching, and my heart heavy with longing for you. For I have said, "Rest in me," but you have striven. I have said, "Stand still," but you have continued to run. I have called, but you have been listening to human voices.

Turn to me.

You do not need to do more. For you will find your quest ended. Then you will see how futile has been all the struggle. Like the sinner who misses the gift of saving grace through absorption in good works, so you, My child, have missed My sweet reality in your frantic effort to please Me.'

As we begin another week, take a deep breath, relax and sink into God's all-encompassing love for you!

Tomorrow's Gathering

Hello!

In case you are just wondering what we might be doing at our gathering tomorrow, here goes:

We will be looking at Luke 8, the Parable of the Sower, particularly the first few verses prior to the actual parable.

Also, we will be watching part of a video by one of the greatest theologians of our time, Ray VanderLaan, about the meaning of discipleship!

So, if you get a chance...take a look at Luke 8!

Grace and Peace

The Church That Shall Remain Nameless Near My Office

OK, in the classic vein of REALLY bad Church signs...this one is right next to the Peripetee Office.

You can't spell victory...

With an absent 'T'.

Clearly this will bring thousands flocking to Christ. Argh.

Sleep Tight

I am here at my computer, having had a marginal day which was uplifted, as usual, by my book club and time at the Foster's. In addition, Connie Bingham gave me a devotional book this evening, and it had something in it that I just HAD to share with you!

'Behold, I am near at hand to bless you, and I will surely give to you out of the abundance of Heaven.

For my heart is open to your cry; yes, when you cry to me in the night seasons,

I am alert to your call, and when you search after me, the darkness will not hide my face;

It will be as the stars which shine more brightly in the deep of night.

Even so it shall be.'

And that reminded me of my favorite compline prayer from the book of common prayer...and I am praying it for each of you tonight, especially for the Akins....Bill, Donna, Brandon, Katie and Elisabeth...

'Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.'

Singing through life

After working with DeeDee and Steve for several years, I can't believe I am blogging about this, but here goes:

One of the hallmark passages for restoration people comes from Ephesians 5:19: 'Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.' This is one of the two passages in the New Testament from which our forefathers derived our plan for a cappella worship.

On a similar note, I'm not sure if you are aware of it or not, but DeeDee SINGS! She has a beautiful voice, and she uses it CONSTANTLY! Driving down the road, sitting at her desk, watching TV, doing her hair, whatever. She is humming or singing something. Now, while she does have a gorgeous voice, it can occasionally be a slight annoyance when she is on her 53rd song of the day, and it isn't 11:00 am yet!

But the real meaning of that passage in Ephesians 5, I believe, will back DeeDee up in her 'songful' approach to life. Nowhere in that passage does it seem to indicate that Paul is referencing what we do when we gather as a body (sorry to my ancient forefathers!). Instead, he seems to be teaching us how 'we should walk in the way of Love, as God showed us love through Christ.' We should be the kind of people with a song in our heart as we be-bop down the street!

Now that can get hard, especially when life seems to have turned out differently than you had planned for it to go. But don't lose heart! And, 'always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.'

WOULDA-COULDA-SHOULDA

If you can handle one more Shel Silverstein poem, this one struck me between the eyes...

WOULDA-COULDA-SHOULDA

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

Layin' in the sun,

Talkin' 'bout the things

They would-coulda-shoulda done...

But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

All ran away and hid

From one little did.

Man, have I been stuck. Better yet, PARALYZED. Analyzing everything that has happened, scrutinizing every word spoken, every look cast, every thought attributed...And all the while, I have been frozen in neutral, unable to move out and move on.

So it's time.

I am re-reading 'Cloister Walk' for our book club and I came upon a passage that really struck me...

'..an important aspect of monastic life has been described as "attentive waiting." A spark is struck; an event inscribed with a message -- this is important, pay attention -- and we wait attentively, EXPECTING God to show us what we need to see...'

So, here I am, waiting attentively, trying to kick the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas from my path! I'll close with Psalm 62:5... 'Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from HIM!'

Grace and Peace