LCMS E-mail Groups
LCMSPastor.com E-mail Groups LPT: Lutheran Pastoral Theology: A forum for discussing pastoral questions. “Has anyone ever had a situation like this…what would you do?” Subscribe to lpt Mustard House … Continue reading →
Historical Resources
Term Papers and Bible Studies in Historical Theology The Tail of the Kairoo Podcast JME: from Erich Kiehl: The Jewish Messianic Expectations History of Heresy PDF Other Sites Bible History Chart: A … Continue reading →
Hymn Resources
Pericopal Luke 13 Hymn: This Sunday is the first time I can recall ever seeing the bent-over woman of Luke 13 as a Gospel lesson. She is one of my favorite ladies. … Continue reading →
Artwork
worship-wars.jpg: Projector vs. Hymnal Three Services (mod).GIF from Michael Pendergast: Duties of the Body of Christ From Karen Miller (Approved by pastordale): 050316Sand.jpg 050425Stained Glass 3.jpg 050212 Storm.jpg 050124Eternal Flame.jpg 050223Baby … Continue reading →
The Role of Reason
Image by thriol via Flickr
For some reason, people often think of faith and reason being contradictory, that somehow, when you become a Christian, you must check your brain at the door. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our reason is a gift f…
The Love of Saint Valentine
This week, we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, although the “Saint” in the name is usually dropped. We see images of hearts, red and pink decorations, and depictions of Cupid, the Roman god of physical attraction. But what’s with that name?
According to Wikipedia:
The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in the Nuremberg Chronicle, (1493); alongside the woodcut portrait of Valentine the text states that he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius II, known as Claudius Gothicus. He was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Helping Christians at this time was considered a crime. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner — until Valentinus tried to convert the Emperor — whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn’t finish him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate. Various dates are given for the martyrdom or martyrdoms: 269, 270, or 273.[
So we see the connection with marriage, although much of the activity associated today with St. Valentine’s Day would appall St. Valentine, making a mockery of marriage, and the fact that a Roman god is used to celebrate the day when Rome killed St. Valentine leaves a sour taste in my mouth that candy hearts won’t fix.
That said, in marriage, we see the relationship between a man and a woman being a lesser sampling of the love of Jesus for His bride, the church (all Christians everywhere). (Ephesians 5:22-33)
According to legend, while in prison, Valentine wrote to the Christians to encourage them, and at the end of his letters, he’d sign them, “Your Valentine,” and some believe this marks the source of sending cards and letters on that day.
Regardless of the truth of the legend, as we celebrate God’s love as shown through the life of Valentine and other martyrs, we find a greater love than that offered by the card and candy stores. God has given us His Son and has shown us the greatest love. (John 15:12-13)
So as you celebrate, whether married, single, or somewhere in between, know that St. Valentine’s Day is for all people, a day to celebrate true love, the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Justice or Forgiveness?
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Earlier this week, a man scammed several churches in Akron by sending fake utility bills to them. When reported on TV, the reporter commented that the churches must now choose between justice and forgiveness.
But that reporter didn’t understand that churches (and Christians in general) need not draw this distinction and can (and should) choose both.
We live in two kingdoms at the same time. God’s Kingdom of Power, also known as “The Kingdom of the Left,” includes lawful government. Government is called on to carry out justice for the benefit of its citizens. This means punishing criminals to deter crime and protect the law-abiding citizens. The government’s job is to see to it that people get what they legally deserve.
But the church is God’s Kingdom of Grace, or “Kingdom of the Left.” The church’s job is to forgive, to love, and to share God’s undeserved love. We support the lawful government and let it do its job, and at the same time, we love even those who seek to do us harm.
How does this play out in real life?
While the churches need to press charges, they also need, in whatever way they choose, to say, “We believe that you need to face justice and learn to avoid that sin in the future, but Jesus died for your sins, too.” If the man is jailed, members or the pastor should visit him in jail if allowed. They should invite him to attend their services or other events and go out of their way to get to know him and make him feel loved. Let him know that, yes, sin is serious business, but God forgives.
But this applies to our lives, too. Who has wronged you recently? Is this something that you’re in a position that you should correct it somehow? More importantly, how can you reach out to that person in love and forgiveness the way God has reached out in love and forgiveness to you through Jesus? We tend to care more about the justice end of the equation, but even justice, in our personal lives, must be loving. But thank God that He has not only modeled that love to us, but given it to us in forgiveness through His Son!
The Bible: It isn’t just for Sunday mornings anymore!
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Last month, I challenged all of you to intentionally seek out those in your life who are not connected with a church. I’ve seen some of that happen already, which I find encouraging, and I look forward to meeting more of your friends and neighbors.
But a life of discipleship goes beyond Sunday morning (or Wednesday evening). Remembering the Sabbath means remembering Christ, our Sabbath rest, Who brings our worries and cares to an end and gives comfort and peace every day.
What does that look like? In many ways, it’s a matter of living out your vocations: doing your job to the best of your ability with the knowledge that you do that job to glorify God, loving your spouse with the same love Christ and His church share, loving and teaching your children (no matter how old) about our loving Savior by telling them about and showing forgiveness to them.
It also means being in the Word and prayer every day. Set aside time each day for prayer. For different people, that can mean different things. Maybe for you, the best time is right before bedtime or when you get up in the morning. Maybe it would work best for you to pray before supper, but instead of “Come, Lord Jesus,” take a couple minutes to give each person in the family to pray together about whatever is on the mind and end with a prayer thanking God for providing food. (Parents, this will also help you know what’s on your kids’ minds.)
I’d also like to see everyone involved in at least one group Bible study each week. If none of the studies we offer on Sunday morning or evening work for you, talk to some friends, whether from Shepherd of the Ridge or other Christians, and find a time you can get together with them each week for a round table-style Bible study, where each person reads a verse or paragraph and offers a thought about how that passage applies to your life. Another impromptu method of study is to work through a book of the Bible, asking how each passage relates to God’s plan of salvation. Think of it as a group getting together each week to solve a mystery, and work together to unlock that from the passage.
If you’ve gotten this far and said, “None of that will work for me,” then this is your chance to get creative. Don’t give up! Maybe you have coworkers who’d like to share a devotion during your lunch break. Maybe you have Facebook friends who’d like to discuss a passage on your “wall” each day. If you have friends or relatives you call regularly on the phone, suggest doing a phone study with them!
What other suggestions do you have? Leave a comment below!
Outer Beauty, Inner Beauty, and Imputed Beauty
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
While apparently around since April, I just saw the Covergirl ad on TV featuring Ellen DeGeneres. (See below)
We actually backed up the TiVo and rewatched it several times, just to make sure we didn’t misread it. Sure enough, you heard it right. Outer beauty is more important than inner beauty. Somehow, this just doesn’t seem like the message we want to send to our daughters.
That said, as Christians, we know that we’re not all that beautiful on the inside (Mt 15:18-19), being corrupted by sin. But we also know that God loves us, and through Jesus’ merits and sacrifice, we’re beautiful to Him.
How do we take that beauty that He has given to us and make it outer beauty? By giving it to others by sharing the love of Christ in Word and deed (Ro 10:15). In doing so, we point the world to true beauty, the beauty of the Son of God, Who is beautiful because He became ugly for us (Is 52:14-15).
Help Needed in Haiti
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I just got this note from Lutheran Church Charities. If you’re looking for a way to help, here’s your chance.
Help is urgently needed for Haiti
Immediate Need is for Food and Water
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:35, 40)
As you are aware, yesterday afternoon Haiti was hit with the worst earthquake in 200 years. Most of the capitol city, Port-au-Prince, has been destroyed. In addition, there have been over 30 aftershocks, which makes the situation even more dire. Having been to Haiti numerous times, I know that Haiti is always in dire circumstances without a disaster! But disasters such as this allow the Christian Church to show the Compassion and Mercy of Christ to those who do not know Him (over half the population in Haiti practices Voodoo).
Some of the ministries that Lutheran Church Charities works with in Haiti are all right since they are not located in the Port-au-Prince area. Pastor Isaac and his orphanage are safe. However, they will be indirectly affected since Port-au-Prince is the key hub for Haiti.
Haiti, The Poorest Nation in the Western Hemisphere
Few countries are as vulnerable to natural disaster as Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere. Wracked by political instability and poverty, and hammered by a series of hurricanes in 2008, Haiti faces a tough recovery ahead. Poor communications are making it difficult to immediately assess the extent of the damage and fatalities, but as daylight comes, the scale of the quake’s destruction is slowly coming into focus.
International Red Cross spokesman Paul Conneally said an estimated 3 million people (one third of Haiti’s population) may have been affected by the quake and that it would take a day or two for a clear picture of scope of the destruction to emerge.
I have been in communication directly or indirectly with those in Haiti and with the Lutheran and Christian ministries that LCC works with. I have also been in contact with ministries in the United States such as LCMS World Relief and Human Care (Rev. Glenn Merritt) to find out what their immediate needs are.
We have a mission group scheduled to leave for Haiti on March 11th, headed by Susan Gross at Christ Orland Park and other congregations. We will be able to send relief efforts over with them.
The Immediate Need And How You Can Help
Given that Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere – food is ALWAYS a need. With four out of five people living in poverty and more than half in abject poverty, any financial assistance to help with food and water is desperately needed at this point.
Lutheran Church Charities has a program called “Feed The Invisible Guest” based on Matthew 25, where for .50 a day a child can be fed. You can contribute to the “Feed The Invisible Guest” fund here.
Make A Difference!
Having spent time in Haiti over the years, I can testify to the great need there, even before the earthquake. With the earthquake hitting Port-au-Prince the whole country will be affected as Port-au-Prince is the main hub.
LCC always guarantees that every dollar given goes directly for its intended purpose with NO administration charges taken out. We will work through the Lutheran Church in Haiti for the distribution of the food.
Thank you for your compassion and help!
Serving Together, Serving Christ, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME,
Tim Hetzner
See our web site for the most current updates.
Web site: www.lutheranchurchcharities.org
phone: 866-455-6466
Evangelism Moment: The 2010 Challenge
First off, let me throw some statistics at you. According to a recent survey, as many as 96% of “unchurched” people are at least somewhat likely to attend a church service if invited by someone with whom they have an established relationship, a friend, coworker, etc. At the same time, only 21% of active church-goers invite anyone to church over the course of a year. In addition, 70% of the unchurched say nobody has ever invited them! And one more statistic from that study: “For the vast majority of the unchurched, the church is still relevant today. Indeed many of them perceive the church to be the most relevant institution in society today.”
Now, let’s do a little math. Our average Sunday attendance is right around 90 and has been for at least the past 10 years. I bet all of you, if you think about it, could think of at least three friends or coworkers, probably more, who don’t attend a Christian church on a regular basis. Some of those, should they accept your invitation, will bring spouses or families. So if we shoot low and assume at least 2/3 will accept the invitation and, on average, bring one additional family member (some are single, but some have kids, so it averages out), that’s 90 x 2/3 x 2 = 120 visitors per year in addition to those who find the church through other means. If half of those friends are willing to come more than once (Don’t stop with the once!), that’s 160 per year. In short, that means we should see, at the very least, an average attendance spike of 3+ visitors per week. Even at that bare minimum rate, we’ll be up to an average attendance of 130 in just 10 years, and that’s not counting any other evangelism programs we implement during that time.
All that said, I firmly believe that many of you have more than 3 unchurched friends. On any given week, about 10% of the town attends a service somewhere. That means that, of your 10 closest friends, 9 are home on Sunday morning, waiting for you to invite them.
So here’s what I’d like everyone, young and old, adult or child, to do:
- Make a list of all your friends and coworkers with whom you have a personal relationship.
- Cross off anyone that you know attends a Christian church regularly.
- Who’s left? See if you can come up with twelve separate households.
- Write their names on a calendar, one per month. If you have less than 12, just fill in the first part of the year until you run out. Maybe God will provide someone else to be added to the end of the year.
- Each month, make a point of inviting that person. Offer to drive. Kids, ask your parents about having a Saturday night sleepover, then bring your friend to church and Sunday School the next day.
The Fine Print
- Following this will not make you a better Christian. It will not make God love you more. (He couldn’t possibly love you more than He already does.)
- This is not about numbers. In fact, if your friend is a member of a Christian church but just doesn’t attend, if you think they’d be more willing, offer to go to their church with them! This is about bringing people to hear the Gospel so the Holy Spirit can give faith and eternal life to your friend.
- You cannot do anything to create faith in your friend. Only the Holy Spirit does that, but He works through the Gospel, so your job is simply to bring the soil to the seed and watch God make it grow.
- Make sure to answer any questions about what to wear or anything else. Let them know you’ll sit with them and answer any questions they have. Many people don’t come simply because they’re intimidated and worry that they won’t know what to do, so let them know that we put step-by-step directions in everyone’s hands.
- If your friend isn’t comfortable with a service, keep an eye on the church calendar for picnics, movie nights, Bible studies, or other activities to help them connect with a church community and help them see that these are friendly, fun-loving, non-judgmental people.
God has put us here in the middle of a hurting world, and He has given us the Cure. The more we share it, the more our joy increases. May your year be filled with the joy of a life lived as a forgiven and eternal child of God.
Evangelism Moment: Sharing Christ in Christmas
Christmas is almost upon us, but too often, we celebrate God becoming flesh by leaving the malls’ and radios’ music to tell people about Jesus. Yet just today, I heard about a child who doesn’t even know that Christmas has something to do with a baby …
Continue reading →The War on Christmas: An Exit Strategy?
It’s that time of year again, a time to celebrate peace on earth and, if necessary, shove it down your neighbor’s throat. While this year’s controversies seem fewer than previous years’, the question of “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays” vs “whatever holiday you Wannakuh” continue. What’s a Christian to do?
First of all, this is a question of Christian liberty. The simplest answer is, “Whatever you want,” and the answer may be that simple. The Bible doesn’t dictate how to respond to a cashier in a store except with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) Sadly, we’re sometimes so adamant about making sure people keep “Christ in Christmas” that “Merry Christmas” becomes a battle cry instead of a joyous greeting. You can’t demand that anyone acknowledge or observe a particular holiday any more than you can demand that someone believe that, in Jesus Christ, the infinite God became a human baby.
It seems that we’re more concerned about shopping centers proclaiming Christ than our own lives. Instead of getting angry when the store clerk says, “Happy Holidays,” you have several options:
- Say, “Thanks. You, too.” (You do celebrate the pagan holiday of the New Year, too, right?)
- Say, “Thanks, and merry Christmas to you,” with a smile on your face.
- Say, “Thanks. I’m sure the extra work for you can make it not so happy, but I hope you can find joy in the midst of it.” (Compassion—pretty novel, right?)
- Beat them to it, but not as a race. As they ring up your order, say something like, “Sometimes, it’s hard to see how all this was intended to point to God becoming a baby to save mankind.”
Whatever you say, say it with joy. God has become man, and since the world crucified Him the first time, we shouldn’t be surprised if they do it again and again, but that’s why He came. Whatever the world happens to say to you, thank God that the same stores that don’t allow their employees to say, “Merry Christmas,” often have, “Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord,” piped over their speakers in the store. Enjoy the irony, and take a moment to pray for those who work and shop in that store, that as they wrap their gifts, they come to know the One who was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger to save them.
Does Jesus belong at city council meetings?
The Cleveland City Council has fallen under fire for beginning each meeting with a Christian invocation or prayer, and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State have called foul, claiming that the council is endorsing Christianity through their actions. While this has happened in many cities and small towns and even in the United States congress, the debate rages as to the role of religion in politics, especially in our nation that guarantees religious freedom.
Not being a constitutional lawyer, I can’t address whether the council has the right to do so, but I can address the question whether they should.
As Lutherans, we understand God’s Kingdom to come in three ways, as His Kingdom of Power, Grace, and Glory.
Power
God’s Kingdom of Power exists everywhere. (Psalm 103:19) He created all things and has established not only the laws of nature, but the natural law of morality that He has written on all people’s hearts. He has also put in place earthly governments to protect us, and in our nation, our elected officials act on His behalf to execute justice. God places them there out of love, and, recognizing them as God’s representatives, we respect the positions they hold. (Romans 13:1-7) Note that the state’s job is to carry out God’s justice, not His mercy.
Grace
Grace means “undeserved love,” and God’s Kingdom of Grace refers to that place where He displays His grace most clearly: in the forgiveness of sins that He gives through the sacrifice of His Son for us on the cross. (Romans 14:17, Colossians 1:13-14) The responsibility to pass on this message rests with the church. (Matthew 9:38) Prayer, which is only heard through the worthiness of God’s Son on our behalf, rests firmly in the Kingdom of Grace, so using the Kingdom of Power to promote the Kingdom of Grace confuses these two, however well-intentioned. (Matthew 22:20,21)
Glory
God’s Kingdom of Glory refers to heaven and the New Creation that we will all see on the Last Day at Jesus’ return at the Resurrection. (Job 19:25-27) There, the other two kingdoms will merge, and we will all acknowledge Him and know the truth once and for all.
So should our elected officials pray before and at their meetings? We should pray at all times! (Ephesians 6:18) Should they force others in attendance to pray, especially when they may not believe in the God being addressed? No.
Instead of insisting that all of our elected officials include public prayer at their meetings, let’s encourage them to pray privately throughout as they make decisions intended for the good of the community, and spend our time praying for them, that the Lord would guide them to seek justice for all people.
Evangelism Moment: What to say to a suffering friend
It’s no secret that we live in a world of pain and suffering. And when we’re suffering the most and really need someone to talk to, it seems we find ourselves alone. When friends go through major crises like divorce or the death of a child, we tend to…
Continue reading →How should I pray?
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When Jesus taught His disciples to pray (Luke 11:1-13), He gave a great list to begin with, and in the Lord’s Prayer, we find in many ways a summary of all those things we pray about, but as you set time aside to be with God in prayer, do you ever find yourself at a loss what to pray about?
Here at Shepherd of the Ridge, we have a list each week of specific people seeking others’ prayers for them. That’s a great place to start. Even if you don’t know the details of that person’s need, God does, and He will provide as that person needs.
But consider praying for those you might not normally pray for:
- Those who annoy you: (Matthew 5:44) But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Sometimes, “enemy” means that person who took 15 items into the 12 item checkout, or that person at work who just irritates you, or telemarketers. Pray that God would bless them with love and faith, and that He would give you opportunities to love those people.
- Terrorists: Speaking of loving our enemies, pray for those who’ve been fooled into thinking they’re doing God’s will by murder. Pray that God show them His love, that they may know His love, that His love would save them, and that they in turn would reach out to the world in love.
- Those farthest away from you & toughest to love: Think of those with whom you simply have nothing in common, those with tremendous needs that leave you feeling like you could never help them, and ask God for opportunities to help those you don’t think you could help.
- And if you’re brave, pray for faith. God often allows suffering to strengthen our faith, because it’s through those difficult times that we struggle the most and find ourselves running to God, whereas in times of abundance, we think we can do it ourselves.
Whom else can you pray for that you wouldn’t normally think of? God has given us love beyond our ability to comprehend, and we can share that love without fear of running out of love. Pray for opportunities to love. the wisdom to recognize those opportunities, and the courage to act on them.
A lesson from “Balloon Boy”
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Recently, the nation was held captive by a bizarre situation that appears to have turned out to be a publicity stunt for a potential “Reality TV” show. The “Balloon Boy” event caught our attention, and we’re still talking about it, even though it turned out to be nothing. Most of what I hear comes across as condemnation for abusing the public’s trust for personal gain.
Pastors live in the public eye enough that I often feel like I’m on a Reality TV show, but that’s the nature of the life God has called me to live. That said, I would not want a camera crew in our home at all times, broadcasting our family’s private lives. They’re called “private lives” for a reason.
At the same time, every Christian, not just pastors, lives under scrutiny. When you cut someone off on the road, and they see your “Pray for our troops” ribbon on the back of your car, what are you telling that person about Jesus? When we act judgmental and look down our noses at those we consider worse sinners than us or gossip about them, what are we saying about the unconditional love and forgiveness of God through Christ?
While our good works don’t save us—Jesus’ work for us has already done that—what message does your life send to others? If your family were on a Reality TV series, would the viewers know you’re Christians? What would you be telling them, through your lives, about Christianity?
You don’t have to be on a Reality TV series. The world is watching you. Let them see the life of a broken sinner who lives by the grace of God, whose sin has been forgiven, and who now reflects that love to the people He has brought into your life.
What’s the difference between a religion and a cult?
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The word “cult” gets thrown around a lot these days. I’ve discussed the term with my Mormon friends, and every time Scientology rears its head, the term tends to accompany it. Some call Christianity a cult. Others refer to any religion as a cult. But a difference exists, and it’s an important one. Some parents have come to me and said, “My child has joined a particular church. Is it a cult? I heard it is.” Cults have certain characteristics, and contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with size. Cults can have less than a dozen or millions of members. What makes a religion a cult comes down to how it treats its members, not any specific teachings, however strange they seem. (We believe in one God Who is three distinct persons, that He became human and died while still remaining God, and that He will forgive all sins. Even Scientology’s belief in an alien invasion isn’t as strange as that!)
Cults all share, to a greater or lesser degree, these characteristics:
- Brainwashing: When joining a cult, the cult will hold back some of its teachings from you, only giving it piece by piece. Questions tend to be discouraged, especially if the question expresses doubt of the organization’s teachings. Anyone who suggests an alternate view faces reprimand or is gently encouraged to just trust the leadership without asking questions. Those who ask too many questions can be threatened with expulsion.
- Members are allowed limited information, such as being discouraged or forbidden from viewing mainstream media, allowed only to read or view materials approved by the organization’s leadership.
- Members who consider leaving the organization face ostracism from other members of the organization. Remaining members are encouraged to avoid the ex-member, and often, spouses are encouraged to divorce the exiting spouse.
- Members are discouraged from contact, sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently, with family or friends outside the cult except during proselytizing activities.
- They often have a single charismatic leader, although as cults age or grow, this can change or disappear or be replaced by a hierarchical structure. Regardless of the structure, the leadership is seen as infallible, often considered to be divine or receive immediate (i.e. without means like a book, rather directly through visions or dreams) revelation from the divine.
So take a look at your church. Is it a religion or a cult? Let’s take a look at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, of which Shepherd of the Ridge is a member.
- I always tell students and members, “When you become a Christian, don’t check your brain at the door.” Keep asking questions. Keep reading and talking. Feel free to read the opponents of our beliefs and consider their arguments. I’m even running a study on Sunday mornings to consider the arguments of an atheist who claims to prove the Bible to be fallacious. If what we believe is true, and I believe it is or I wouldn’t have this job, then we have nothing to fear from opposing viewpoints.
- When someone wants to leave to join another church or leave Christianity altogether, while we will miss them and are concerned about them being deceived by false teachings, we encourage all to love them and continue to pray for them and help however we can. Spouses should always stay married.
- We see family and friends as blessings from God, and short of an abusive relationship or one wherein friends are causing someone to get into some kind of trouble (with the law, a marriage, etc.), we would never tell people whom they should or shouldn’t be friends with. In fact, we actively encourage friendships with those outside the church as an opportunity to serve those not being served, whether their needs are spiritual or physical.
- While we believe Jesus is God and thus infallible, we don’t consider our pastors infallible, and I always encourage people to correct me when they disagree with me and am always happy to discuss those issues and learn more.
The International Cultic Studies Association has a more comprehensive list if you’d like to see other common characteristics. Note that what constitutes a cult is not always black and white, but more like a sliding scale. Most religions express one or two of the characteristics on the ICSA checklist, but when those characteristics start adding up, the organization can be considered more cultic.
Think about some of the groups that are considered cults at times. Do they fit the description? Talk to your friends who may be involved in these groups, and ask what they believe and why. Talk about how your beliefs differ, and discuss together the merits of both. But most of all, love them. These are not your enemies—they are people Jesus died for. So love them as He has loved you.
I said above that we encourage questions, so feel free to post questions, comments, or dissent in the comments below.
Today, You Will Be With Me…Online?!
We’re busy, no question about it. Schools don’t respect Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings for church time, so not only might you sometimes have trouble getting here for a service, but forget about any other activities without some major restructuring of the schedule! When we came to North Ridgeville, we were looking forward to making friends and geting together, and while we’ve made friends, we’ve been so busy between work and our kids that we just haven’t had time for anything social, and I know we’re not alone in that.
Beyond just meetings, we’re not a business–we’re a family. We love each other and want to stay in touch with each other. When someone hurts, as strange as it may sound, we want to share that hurt, not just in sympathy, but so we can be praying for and encouraging each other. And as a family, we also benefit from being in God’s Word together!
So while there’s no substitute for being together and meeting face-to-face, because that’s just not possible, I’d like to propose an experiment to build each other up in the common bond we share.
On our website, I’d like to begin an online Bible Study. Genesis has a lot to talk about, so we’ll start there. (Good place to start: “In the beginning,” huh?) Each week, I’ll post a short reading, probably just a few verses, some comments or background information, and a couple open-ended questions, like, “Have you ever found yourself in a situation like this?” or something like that. Then you can leave comments and ask further questions. This way, anyone with internet access (if you don’t have a computer and are interested, the library does) can join in.
I’d appreciate your feedback on this idea. Does this sound like something you’d like to try? Should we make this a private members-only study, or should we use this as an outreach and allow guests around our community and world to join in the conversation? Would you like other groups on the site set up, like a parenting group (what to say when kids ask tough questions, where to find various resources, or even good places to go on the weekend for fun) or some other topic?
The toughest part of a project like this is getting the ball rolling. Once people get involved in the conversation, the project generally keeps pretty good momentum, but people tend to be afraid of being the first to comment, so I’d appreciate, if we begin this project, a few bold people being bold about commenting. Note that comments don’t need to be insightful or brilliant–this is all about relationships, not impressing people.
Again, this is not a replacement for seeing each other face-to-face. When someone is hurting, they will likely appreciate a personal visit from more than just the pastor. We still have phones to call each other and check in. We still need to work together to meet the needs of the community. And we still need to join our voices as we worship “with…all the company of heaven.”
I look forward to your feedback and covet your ideas.
A Monkey’s Uncle at the Cleveland Museum?
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Right here in our own backyard, another discovery has potentially turned the proposed thread of human evolution from apes on its head, or at least on its pelvis. It was reported today that Cleveland researcher Yohannes Haile-Selassie has discovered fossils that conclude that modern apes cannot be our ancestors, but rather that we both share a common ancestor further back in time, which they call Ardipithecus ramidus. If this is true, then it’s time to rewrite the science books yet again. Yet in the same article, many other (Darwinist) scientists are calling the bluff, saying that the bones could be interpreted that way, but not necessarily.
Meanwhile, we have the book of Genesis, written 3500 years ago, and we haven’t revised it once. God has given us His own eyewitness account, yet somehow, we consider His inerrant account less valuable than the interpretations of an observer thousands of years after the fact. If the Darwinist scientific community can’t even agree that the evidence is conclusive, why should this shake our faith? The simple answer: it shouldn’t. God has given us His truth, that we did not slowly branch off from another kind of creature (Genesis 1:21,24,25), but that we were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). And because we were created in the image of God, we have infinite value, such great value that God was willing to sacrifice no less than His own Son to pay for our sin.
One day, just as the truth has been revealed to us now in the Bible, the truth will be revealed to all at Jesus’ coming. On that day, what we have known to be truth will be proven once and for all, and the scoffing that will undoubtedly follow in the wake of this will cease. Pray that God reveal His truth in the lives of those who choose man’s wisdom over the wisdom of God.
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