Here are some interesting thoughts from Brad Braxton about understanding our needs:
With the appropriate emphasis on God, responsible preaching [and teaching] seeks to address the needs and questions of listeners. But a degree of theological sophistication is required. Some pastors occasionally poll their congregants, inquiring about sermon topics that might interest and assist their congregants. This approach is enterly appropriate and demonstrates respect for the congregation. Nevertheless, the gospel reminds us that we often miscalculate our needs. Recognizing our tendency for miscalculation, Thomas Frank insists, 'I don't really understand what most of my "needs" are anyway--that's part of why I continue to listen to Jesus.'
Thus the assessment of individual and congregational needs must be in conversation with the gospel. Paul Scott Wilson thinks that such a conversation will distinguish the "expressed need" from the "actual need." The expressed need is 'the need the congregation identifies for itself, in its own words.' The actual need is 'the need of the congregation as discerned scripturally and theologically.' When making such distinctions preachers [and teachers] should avoid a patronizing attitude. Often parishioners are excellent spiritual diagnosticians, and their expressed need reflects their actual need.
Brad R. Braxton, Preaching Paul (Nashville: Abingdon, 2004): 40.
14 May, 2006
12 May, 2006
Two kinds of people
The latest edition of Group Magazine has a relevant article by Steve Merritt. I'd like to quote from sections of it:
Reducing our complex, intricate, and ever-changing world into a couple of categories is a blatant oversimplification. Recently I heard Philip Yancey do the same--but when he said it, the only thing blatant about it was its naked truth. Yancey said, "There are two kinds of people in the world: those who admit they are needy and those who don't." . . .
1. Good leaders admit their need. There are many levels of admitting need. The kind of admission I think Yancey was talking about is one that takes place at a person's core. Sometimes a youth [leader] is fortunate enough to be in a fellowship where it's okay to struggle. . . . Good youth [leaders] aren't needy, but they're able to admit their need.
2. Good youth leaders foster an environment where young people can be real. Modeling a genuine walk with Christ is the first step in developing an atmosphere where others feel free to share their own needs and personal battlefields. It's important to note that openness and vulnerability aren't the central goals. Our focus must be to lead others into a dependent relationship with Christ, not to celebrate how real we're being.
Steve Merritt, "Two Kinds of People," Group Magazine 32 4 (May/June 2006): 46.
Reducing our complex, intricate, and ever-changing world into a couple of categories is a blatant oversimplification. Recently I heard Philip Yancey do the same--but when he said it, the only thing blatant about it was its naked truth. Yancey said, "There are two kinds of people in the world: those who admit they are needy and those who don't." . . .
1. Good leaders admit their need. There are many levels of admitting need. The kind of admission I think Yancey was talking about is one that takes place at a person's core. Sometimes a youth [leader] is fortunate enough to be in a fellowship where it's okay to struggle. . . . Good youth [leaders] aren't needy, but they're able to admit their need.
2. Good youth leaders foster an environment where young people can be real. Modeling a genuine walk with Christ is the first step in developing an atmosphere where others feel free to share their own needs and personal battlefields. It's important to note that openness and vulnerability aren't the central goals. Our focus must be to lead others into a dependent relationship with Christ, not to celebrate how real we're being.
Steve Merritt, "Two Kinds of People," Group Magazine 32 4 (May/June 2006): 46.
10 May, 2006
Sunday and Acts 1
Sunday
Quiet Time - Gifts
Evening Assembly - Gifts, Acts 1
Flagpole - Needs
------------------------
Isn't it interesting that God gifts his people according to what is needed. The charge in Acts one, is that the followers of Jesus will be his witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. To accomplish such a mission they would need help, they would need something beyond sheer will power and luck, they would need Divine Assistance. Does that not happen in the promise in the continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit? Sure, Jesus had ascended into heaven, but He didn't leave his disciples to merely guess how to go about spreading his message, he empowers them for the task.
2000 years later, God operates in the same manner. He gifts according to His need. The same Spirit that indwelt Peter and the others, is the same Spirit who resides in our hearts seeking our submission to the kingdom reign of Christ in our lives. Christ still empowers His people for his mission. Tom Cruise may call it, Mission Impossible, but our God views it as Mission Possible.
Quiet Time - Gifts
Evening Assembly - Gifts, Acts 1
Flagpole - Needs
------------------------
Isn't it interesting that God gifts his people according to what is needed. The charge in Acts one, is that the followers of Jesus will be his witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. To accomplish such a mission they would need help, they would need something beyond sheer will power and luck, they would need Divine Assistance. Does that not happen in the promise in the continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit? Sure, Jesus had ascended into heaven, but He didn't leave his disciples to merely guess how to go about spreading his message, he empowers them for the task.
2000 years later, God operates in the same manner. He gifts according to His need. The same Spirit that indwelt Peter and the others, is the same Spirit who resides in our hearts seeking our submission to the kingdom reign of Christ in our lives. Christ still empowers His people for his mission. Tom Cruise may call it, Mission Impossible, but our God views it as Mission Possible.
25 April, 2006
Friday
Quiet Time - Abundant Life
Morning Flagpole - Lottery Winner
Class - Paul, Felix, Festus, Agrippa; Acts 21-28
Morning Assembly - Luke the Servant
Let's Talk - The Rest of Life
Evening Assembly - Life Abundant
Evening Flagpole - Fulfillment
Morning Flagpole - Lottery Winner
Class - Paul, Felix, Festus, Agrippa; Acts 21-28
Morning Assembly - Luke the Servant
Let's Talk - The Rest of Life
Evening Assembly - Life Abundant
Evening Flagpole - Fulfillment
Thursday
Quiet Time - Resources
Morning Flagpole - Surplus City; The Warehouse
Class - Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas; Acts 9; 13-20
Morning Assembly - Luke the Observer
Let's Talk - Priceless Stuff
Evening Assembly - Resources
Evening Flagpole - Means
Morning Flagpole - Surplus City; The Warehouse
Class - Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas; Acts 9; 13-20
Morning Assembly - Luke the Observer
Let's Talk - Priceless Stuff
Evening Assembly - Resources
Evening Flagpole - Means
Wednesday
Quiet Time - Little or Much
Morning Flagpole - Feast or Famine
Class - Philip, the Ethopian, Stephen, Acts 6-8
Morning Assembly - Luke the Doctor
Let's Talk - So What?
Evening Assembly - Abundance or Scarcity
Evening Flagpole - Purpose
Morning Flagpole - Feast or Famine
Class - Philip, the Ethopian, Stephen, Acts 6-8
Morning Assembly - Luke the Doctor
Let's Talk - So What?
Evening Assembly - Abundance or Scarcity
Evening Flagpole - Purpose
Tuesday
Quiet Time - Giving
Morning Flagpole - Contribution
Class - Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4-6
Morning Assembly - Luke the Apostle
Let's Talk - What About Them?
Evening Assembly - Giving
Evening Flagpole - Dreams
Morning Flagpole - Contribution
Class - Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4-6
Morning Assembly - Luke the Apostle
Let's Talk - What About Them?
Evening Assembly - Giving
Evening Flagpole - Dreams
Monday
Quiet Time - Receiving
Morning Flagpole - Christmas in June
Class - Peter, Acts 2-4; Cornelius, Acts 10-12
Morning Assembly - Luke the Author
Let's Talk - What About Me?
Evening Assembly - Receiving
Evening Flagpole - Wants
Morning Flagpole - Christmas in June
Class - Peter, Acts 2-4; Cornelius, Acts 10-12
Morning Assembly - Luke the Author
Let's Talk - What About Me?
Evening Assembly - Receiving
Evening Flagpole - Wants
Gifts in Acts
This is not an exhaustive list of gifts found in the book of Acts, but these 12 items jumped out me through a recent re-reading of Acts:
1. The continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1:5)
2. The continuing of the redemptive narrative seen in the preaching of the book of Acts -- they often begin with the OT and how Jesus fulfills OT hopes.
3. A brand new start -- Acts 2:14-41 (Belief, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Spirit). This will model will be demonstrated over and over again through the narrative of Acts is replayed daily in the Church today.
4. Fellowship (aTS 2:42-46). The earliest belivers were together not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and shared not only their lives but their possessions.
5. Suffering and boldness (Acts 4:29). Peter and John marveled that were considered worthy to receive a beating because of their association and preaching of Jesus. After the early persecution begins, the church prays for boldness to fearlessly preach Jesus.
6. The spread of the Gospel -- We know the story already, how the gospel begins in Jerusalem, and then on to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
7. Paul -- He is just one example of the many lives we read about that were drastically made over because of Jesus. Paul, especially demonstrates the effect that Christ has on even the hardest of hearts.
8. The mystery revealed (cf. Ephesians) -- that is the acceptance of the Gentiles into the fold. They are the sheep of the other pen.
9. The travels of Paul and his companions and his letters -- we see the diffusion of the Gospel, and the creation of many new churches and learn a great deal about Paul.
10. Christ-centered preaching urging Christ-centered living.
11. The unchanging gospel in changing culture (Acts 17). Paul doesn't change the gospel when dealing with a different culture, and neither should we. I believe that Acts 17 provides a great model in how to contextualize the gospel for a different culture.
12. The abrupt ending of the book of Acts -- the point being the work of Christ is not finished. We are to live the mission began by the aposltes, we are a part of the continuing story of Christ. Because we are a part of this redemptive narrative, we are the 29th chapter of the book of Acts.
1. The continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1:5)
2. The continuing of the redemptive narrative seen in the preaching of the book of Acts -- they often begin with the OT and how Jesus fulfills OT hopes.
3. A brand new start -- Acts 2:14-41 (Belief, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Spirit). This will model will be demonstrated over and over again through the narrative of Acts is replayed daily in the Church today.
4. Fellowship (aTS 2:42-46). The earliest belivers were together not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and shared not only their lives but their possessions.
5. Suffering and boldness (Acts 4:29). Peter and John marveled that were considered worthy to receive a beating because of their association and preaching of Jesus. After the early persecution begins, the church prays for boldness to fearlessly preach Jesus.
6. The spread of the Gospel -- We know the story already, how the gospel begins in Jerusalem, and then on to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
7. Paul -- He is just one example of the many lives we read about that were drastically made over because of Jesus. Paul, especially demonstrates the effect that Christ has on even the hardest of hearts.
8. The mystery revealed (cf. Ephesians) -- that is the acceptance of the Gentiles into the fold. They are the sheep of the other pen.
9. The travels of Paul and his companions and his letters -- we see the diffusion of the Gospel, and the creation of many new churches and learn a great deal about Paul.
10. Christ-centered preaching urging Christ-centered living.
11. The unchanging gospel in changing culture (Acts 17). Paul doesn't change the gospel when dealing with a different culture, and neither should we. I believe that Acts 17 provides a great model in how to contextualize the gospel for a different culture.
12. The abrupt ending of the book of Acts -- the point being the work of Christ is not finished. We are to live the mission began by the aposltes, we are a part of the continuing story of Christ. Because we are a part of this redemptive narrative, we are the 29th chapter of the book of Acts.
24 April, 2006
An introduction to gifting
“I want to give you something.” Those words make your eyes open and your ears perk up. We love gifts. The anticipation of receiving something especially for me is exhilarating. I may be expecting a certain something or it may be a total surprise, but it is still intriguing. The idea of giving and receiving is what I call “Gifting”. This process is much more than the exchange of items, it envelopes the entire concept of benevolence from a givers view and acceptance and utilization from the receivers view. It involves anything that can be transferred from one individual or group of individuals to another individual or group. The receiving and use of a special talent or skill is also part of the “gifting” process. Resources, regardless of how unique, are special, particularly to those involved in the process of receiving and giving, “Gifting”. We therefore, desire to learn and instill the lifestyle of giving, receiving, resources (great or small), “Gifting”, in our campers through a study of “Gifting” in Acts.
We will first explore what “gifts” are and as many aspects of gifts as we can. As we have just stated, a gift is anything that can be transferred from one individual or group to another. There is more surrounding any particular gift that makes the gift special. The expectation of gifts is a key element as in the fulfillment of a birthday or Christmas gift or it may be unexpected as in the surprise announcements of life ie, “The new car, baby, etc.….” As a result, gifts can be fulfilling or disappointing. What we expected to receive was either less than what the actually gift was and we were fulfilled or expectations were more than the actual gift and we were disappointed. The excitement, therefore, surrounding any gift, is dependent upon the expectation as much as the actually gift.
Next, the receiving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is important. We have an option, we can either accept of reject the gift. Not many of us, if any, have rejected a gift at first sight. We are probably gracious, to some extent, when being a presented a gift and accept it. We then have a choice to either find personal value in the gift or not. Acceptance may be more immediate and then the gift looses value in our eyes resulting in ultimate rejection, or acceptance may be delayed, but when it occurs, may last. It is possible that the gift is found valueless in the short term or the long term and discarded, rejected. The ultimate outcome of receiving a gift is a choice that we alone can truly make based on our value system.
The giving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is a test for a maturing individual. Anyone can and, most likely will accept a gift. How ready and willing are we to give gifts? Our first nature as babies is to receive and what we give results in a lot of sleepless nights, dirty diapers and work for the receiver. However, even in this dismal scenario, we are perceived as giving by bringing immense joy by our very existence. Without knowing or realizing, we are giving, because the receiver perceives what we are as joy and therefore, a gift. Therefore, our gifts are only gifts because of the value system of the receiver, not an overt attitude on the part of the giver. As we “grow up”, hopefully, we mature emotionally, socially and spiritually as well, and our intent of giving changes from ignorance to benevolence. The purpose of our giving in the purest sense should be to benefit the receiver regardless of the reception, expected, perceived or actual. When we can give in this manner without regard to self, but with total regard for the receiver, we can begin to experience the joy of our presence in the eyes of the receiver, just as we did as babies. We will have come full circle in a sense. The common factor is ignorance. In our beginning, it is ignorance of regard for others, in the latter, it is ignorance of regard for self. Another element to consider in giving is the attitude of the receiver. As we mature, regard for others should increase and regard for self should decrease and the response or expected response of the receiver should not affect the giving of the gift, at all. To become Christ-like necessitates us giving of our life and life’s gifts regardless of the short term or long term reception. The more mature we become the more we realize that giving in the gifting process is a gift in itself.
The recognition of the abundance of gifts over the world’s hording nature based in a Scarcity mentality is a reality of the maturing Christian individual. We live in a world culture that bases its economic systems on the finite nature of goods available for consumption. The limited supply of any goods or services, scarcity, necessitates an increase in the value according to the economic systems. This view necessarily carries over into our relationships when we limit our goodwill gestures, gifts, toward each other and use the scarcity mentality to create envy, jealousy, hatred and other less than Godly emotions that ultimately result in antisocial and ungodly actions. The converse of a scarcity mentality is an abundance mentality. This attitude bases itself in the notion that plenty is the rule rather than the exception and the provider of plenty will continue with His provide-ance at just the right time. Two necessary components of the abundance mentality are trust, a total reliance on the provider, and generous giving of whatever is entrusted to the “abundant” receiver. This is not a prevalent or popular attitude in our world culture and has, to my knowledge, never been attempted as a pure economic system. It is, however, a way of life based on a true abundance mentality to be sought after for the maturing Christ-one.
The realization that our gifts are actually resources to be utilized in the pursuit of the fulfillment of God’s purposes is the next step in the “Gifting” process. Gifts are only resources if they are used for their intended purpose. Used for any other purpose they are not resources and subsequently abused gifts. Once a gift is given and received, the continuing value must be ascertained. One of the important considerations when determining value is the Resource value of the gift. A resource is something which is a source of giving over and over until the source is depleted--a re-source. Given this definition implies that a gift can only be a resource if it is used to ''gift" again either partially or wholly. Therefore, a gift received and held, not used to its potential, becomes useless surplus in the life of the receiver. We sometimes call these "White Elephant" or "Gag" Gifts. The appreciation of these gifts at most is as an item in a garage sale and at least, occupying space in a land fill. A true resource, however, has an infinitely more beneficial purpose. Usefulness is the key. A resource possesses unlimited potential if valued for its unique purpose(s). One of the interesting features of this concept of gifting, resource, is that when given it is possible that it takes on a new purpose according to the needs, desires and attitudes of the receiver. This can be good or bad. The cycle begins again and all of the previous attributes of “gifting” come into play all over again. The receiver has to decide whether this gift is a resource or garbage.
The abundant life is the result of properly using the gifts of life in the “Gifting” process. We have explored the various decisions and results of those decisions surrounding this process. The result of making the God-centered decisions is life abundant here and hereafter. This is exemplified in the ultimate life of Jesus Christ and is made possible by His “gifting”. Other examples of this favored life are chronicled in the Book of Acts and in many other biblical references. The key is to accept the lifestyle of the gifted and become a giver through trust in the provide-ance of the ultimate provider.
The final step in the “Gifting” process is to serve and ultimately be served. This is the classic give and receive situation. When we give in the spirit of the ultimate Giver we are more than just benevolent, we are servers. We don’t just place the gift; we decorate and embellish the gift through the selfless act of elegant service. Also in the classical reception, we don’t just get a gift; we are treated to the service reserved for the saints, the Christ-ones who are compelled by the love of God to do nothing less than serve others as they would serve God. When we serve we are the ones that are ultimately served. To paraphrase a popular scripture, it is definitely easier to serve than to be served. Those that are true servants are difficult to serve. They enjoy the serving, giving, infinitely more than being served, receiving. While we have difficulty “gifting” them, God does and will be sure to serve them.
The result of a “Gifted” lifestyle, then, is the realization that the true Christian life is the most selfish lifestyle when one understands the eternal values of the Christ-one’s.
Steve
We will first explore what “gifts” are and as many aspects of gifts as we can. As we have just stated, a gift is anything that can be transferred from one individual or group to another. There is more surrounding any particular gift that makes the gift special. The expectation of gifts is a key element as in the fulfillment of a birthday or Christmas gift or it may be unexpected as in the surprise announcements of life ie, “The new car, baby, etc.….” As a result, gifts can be fulfilling or disappointing. What we expected to receive was either less than what the actually gift was and we were fulfilled or expectations were more than the actual gift and we were disappointed. The excitement, therefore, surrounding any gift, is dependent upon the expectation as much as the actually gift.
Next, the receiving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is important. We have an option, we can either accept of reject the gift. Not many of us, if any, have rejected a gift at first sight. We are probably gracious, to some extent, when being a presented a gift and accept it. We then have a choice to either find personal value in the gift or not. Acceptance may be more immediate and then the gift looses value in our eyes resulting in ultimate rejection, or acceptance may be delayed, but when it occurs, may last. It is possible that the gift is found valueless in the short term or the long term and discarded, rejected. The ultimate outcome of receiving a gift is a choice that we alone can truly make based on our value system.
The giving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is a test for a maturing individual. Anyone can and, most likely will accept a gift. How ready and willing are we to give gifts? Our first nature as babies is to receive and what we give results in a lot of sleepless nights, dirty diapers and work for the receiver. However, even in this dismal scenario, we are perceived as giving by bringing immense joy by our very existence. Without knowing or realizing, we are giving, because the receiver perceives what we are as joy and therefore, a gift. Therefore, our gifts are only gifts because of the value system of the receiver, not an overt attitude on the part of the giver. As we “grow up”, hopefully, we mature emotionally, socially and spiritually as well, and our intent of giving changes from ignorance to benevolence. The purpose of our giving in the purest sense should be to benefit the receiver regardless of the reception, expected, perceived or actual. When we can give in this manner without regard to self, but with total regard for the receiver, we can begin to experience the joy of our presence in the eyes of the receiver, just as we did as babies. We will have come full circle in a sense. The common factor is ignorance. In our beginning, it is ignorance of regard for others, in the latter, it is ignorance of regard for self. Another element to consider in giving is the attitude of the receiver. As we mature, regard for others should increase and regard for self should decrease and the response or expected response of the receiver should not affect the giving of the gift, at all. To become Christ-like necessitates us giving of our life and life’s gifts regardless of the short term or long term reception. The more mature we become the more we realize that giving in the gifting process is a gift in itself.
The recognition of the abundance of gifts over the world’s hording nature based in a Scarcity mentality is a reality of the maturing Christian individual. We live in a world culture that bases its economic systems on the finite nature of goods available for consumption. The limited supply of any goods or services, scarcity, necessitates an increase in the value according to the economic systems. This view necessarily carries over into our relationships when we limit our goodwill gestures, gifts, toward each other and use the scarcity mentality to create envy, jealousy, hatred and other less than Godly emotions that ultimately result in antisocial and ungodly actions. The converse of a scarcity mentality is an abundance mentality. This attitude bases itself in the notion that plenty is the rule rather than the exception and the provider of plenty will continue with His provide-ance at just the right time. Two necessary components of the abundance mentality are trust, a total reliance on the provider, and generous giving of whatever is entrusted to the “abundant” receiver. This is not a prevalent or popular attitude in our world culture and has, to my knowledge, never been attempted as a pure economic system. It is, however, a way of life based on a true abundance mentality to be sought after for the maturing Christ-one.
The realization that our gifts are actually resources to be utilized in the pursuit of the fulfillment of God’s purposes is the next step in the “Gifting” process. Gifts are only resources if they are used for their intended purpose. Used for any other purpose they are not resources and subsequently abused gifts. Once a gift is given and received, the continuing value must be ascertained. One of the important considerations when determining value is the Resource value of the gift. A resource is something which is a source of giving over and over until the source is depleted--a re-source. Given this definition implies that a gift can only be a resource if it is used to ''gift" again either partially or wholly. Therefore, a gift received and held, not used to its potential, becomes useless surplus in the life of the receiver. We sometimes call these "White Elephant" or "Gag" Gifts. The appreciation of these gifts at most is as an item in a garage sale and at least, occupying space in a land fill. A true resource, however, has an infinitely more beneficial purpose. Usefulness is the key. A resource possesses unlimited potential if valued for its unique purpose(s). One of the interesting features of this concept of gifting, resource, is that when given it is possible that it takes on a new purpose according to the needs, desires and attitudes of the receiver. This can be good or bad. The cycle begins again and all of the previous attributes of “gifting” come into play all over again. The receiver has to decide whether this gift is a resource or garbage.
The abundant life is the result of properly using the gifts of life in the “Gifting” process. We have explored the various decisions and results of those decisions surrounding this process. The result of making the God-centered decisions is life abundant here and hereafter. This is exemplified in the ultimate life of Jesus Christ and is made possible by His “gifting”. Other examples of this favored life are chronicled in the Book of Acts and in many other biblical references. The key is to accept the lifestyle of the gifted and become a giver through trust in the provide-ance of the ultimate provider.
The final step in the “Gifting” process is to serve and ultimately be served. This is the classic give and receive situation. When we give in the spirit of the ultimate Giver we are more than just benevolent, we are servers. We don’t just place the gift; we decorate and embellish the gift through the selfless act of elegant service. Also in the classical reception, we don’t just get a gift; we are treated to the service reserved for the saints, the Christ-ones who are compelled by the love of God to do nothing less than serve others as they would serve God. When we serve we are the ones that are ultimately served. To paraphrase a popular scripture, it is definitely easier to serve than to be served. Those that are true servants are difficult to serve. They enjoy the serving, giving, infinitely more than being served, receiving. While we have difficulty “gifting” them, God does and will be sure to serve them.
The result of a “Gifted” lifestyle, then, is the realization that the true Christian life is the most selfish lifestyle when one understands the eternal values of the Christ-one’s.
Steve
23 April, 2006
Starting work for Peak Week 2006
Attention all visual hunters, teachers, cooks, junior staff, and challenge course dudes! Camp is only weeks away, and the man with all of the hats is drafting curriculum.
This year's plan is to work on the book of Acts! We'll particularly be looking at how God gifts his people. So get out your Bibles and get to work on studying one of the most exciting narratives in all of human literature.
Be careful when you read; Luke leaves all sorts of clues in his telling of this great historical drama. Look out for: "the prophet like Moses", the way the early church viewed the use of possessions, the "Godfearers", the "summary statements", the pattern of the Pauline mission, and, yes, you might even want to pay close attention to the sermons!
Are there any similarities between Paul, Peter, Jesus, Elisha, Elijah, and Moses? Luke thinks that there are! Are there any connections between Acts and the gospel of Luke? You might lose count if you try to keep score. Are there any references to the Old Testament in Acts? That's like asking if any scripture gets quoted at Lu-Jo!
Look forward to what is ahead -
Blessings,
Ron
This year's plan is to work on the book of Acts! We'll particularly be looking at how God gifts his people. So get out your Bibles and get to work on studying one of the most exciting narratives in all of human literature.
Be careful when you read; Luke leaves all sorts of clues in his telling of this great historical drama. Look out for: "the prophet like Moses", the way the early church viewed the use of possessions, the "Godfearers", the "summary statements", the pattern of the Pauline mission, and, yes, you might even want to pay close attention to the sermons!
Are there any similarities between Paul, Peter, Jesus, Elisha, Elijah, and Moses? Luke thinks that there are! Are there any connections between Acts and the gospel of Luke? You might lose count if you try to keep score. Are there any references to the Old Testament in Acts? That's like asking if any scripture gets quoted at Lu-Jo!
Look forward to what is ahead -
Blessings,
Ron
30 March, 2006
Camp is around the corner...
I am looking forward to camp, as I am sure ya'll are. I am also looking forward to the discussion we will have here. So, enjoy the early days of Spring, don't forget to set your clock ahead this weekend, and devote yourselves to praying for our week of camp.
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