Anyone have info

Hey all,

As many of you know I have been away for awhile helping out with my mother in laws bout Cancer, I really have missed everyone. Anyway, Todd told me that two weeks ago we were visited by a couple of missionaries from Germany, and that the husband was a DJ there. I really REALLY want to contact him, if anyone has any info I would greatly appreciate it...


Love ya all,
Stevie

A Life Consumed by Fear

A life consumed by Fear:
• Subtracts God from the future
• Faces uncertainties with no faith
• Tallies up the challenges of the day without entering God into the equation
• Creates a form of spiritual amnesia
• Corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness
• Releases the tyrant within you

changes

I would suggest dropping the blog archive because our topics are generally not in a chronological order or related to sermons that were preached around the same time. Also, unless someone wants to come up with some broad categories and reorganize the entire blog I would drop the topics.

Gadgets I suggest...

feed (lists titles from another blog on the side)
For feeds I would do any possible blogs from external ministries connected with us.

This would be blogs like... South Africa, Victor, Vikki and Melissa

blog list
anyone who attends Redeemer can have a link to their blog... or just post on here

link list
Redeemer's Facebook group

subscribe to
this is a good gadget that helps people subscribe to the blog using their preferred feed reader

Apologetics: because the unexamined life is not worth living.

Apologetics: because the unexamined life is not worth living.

Posted using ShareThis

P.S. I am going to post more articles as they are written. Please check them out and comment on them regarding your thoughts and any constructive criticism on how to improve my style. That would be greatly appreciated :) If you like what you see, you can subscribe to receive e-mail notifications of future articles.

Turlock City Council in struggle between free expression and establishment of religion
Moral realism and our rights and liberties, part 1
Personal testimony series: The reason for hope -- get your story told
Moral realism and our rights and liberties, part 2
The reason for hope: One woman's bravely told story of forgiveness
Moral realism and our rights and liberties, part 3
Mail bag: What is 'moral' truth, and what is 'immoral' truth?

Meditation

"... as I could not make reflection with my understanding I contrived to picture Christ within me." - St. Teresa of Avila

"To believe that God can sanctify and utilize the imagination is simply to take seriously the Christian idea of incarnation. God so accommodates, so enfleshes himself into our world that he uses the images we know and understand to teach us about the unseen world of which we know so little and which we find so difficult to understand" - Celebration of Discipline chapter 2 Meditation

Tim Keller Redeemer Renew Campaign

Tim Keller's church is launching a 10 year campaign for expansion.  He has a 20 minute video on the website where he gives the campaign overview.

http://renew.redeemer.com/

Celebration of Discipline

Something really cool happened today.  I just realized that something I was expressing a while back on the blog is an issue that is being addressed in a CG.  The CG is...

Group: Men's group

Host: Jim Applegate

Day & Time: Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 am  (Group starts 9/30)

Location:  Redeemer Campus

A men's study through the book "Celebration of Discipline"

The study is addressing many of the aspects involved in Spiritual Growth.  At first I was totally not interested in the group because it looked like another men's group that met entirely too early in the morning to discuss how we should be more disciplined.  I was sure that the title was an attempt to make discipline look exciting by putting celebration in front of it but that is like putting celebration in front of visiting the dentist's office... it just doesn't work.  However, since I am unable to meet with my regular CG this week because of work I wanted to check it out.  I know I will definitely miss an amazing meal at Paul's group and some great discussion which is a bummer but I still need to meet with someone during the week.

So after taking the book home to see what it was about I was surprised when I saw that one of the disciplines was celebration.  I was then reminded of the post I had made about needs that we have as Christians.  The verse in Romans also came to mind "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2).  It makes me think of how we live our lives and whether we really allow time for things that are important for our spiritual growth/health/life/needs or if we are just caught up in/influenced by our American or Religious culture.

I'm still a little put off by the word discipline because I think there should be a much more exciting word attached.  Perhaps spiritual privilege or exciting journey.  To me it is like saying that when your swimming coming up for oxygen is a discipline.  When it is actually something that you not only need but really really want... not something that you have to force yourself to do... like eating vegetables.  Anyway, I am excited about checking out the group and the discussion and totally plan on being there if I wake up on time (see... now... waking up that early would be a discipline).

Oh... and one more thing.  This should be a great sign of how completely oblivious I can be.  If you ever do something that is a response to something I've done or something I would be interested in please make sure you tell me directly... it may even be a good idea to draw pictures or diagrams to help clue me in.

Celebration of Discipline

Inward Disciplines

Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study

Outward Disciplines

Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service

Corporate Disciplines

Confession, Worship, Guidance, Celebration

Community Group Facebook Template

I put together a Community Group template. It can benefit a community group if they are interested in using a group on Facebook. You can see it at...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148171053170

Another good way to use Facebook for communication in your CG is to set up a group message within the inbox with everyones name in it and keep that as a running message for the group. You can also go to the Home page and "create a new list" with members of your CG.

If you have any thoughts on how a Facebook group or Facebook can benefit a CG please leave a comment on the group page or in a response to this message.

Eutykus

Eutychus Raised from the Dead

“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.” (Acts 20:7-12)

I first became interested in Eutychus around 2004 simply because I thought it was a really odd story. Over the years of thinking about it I have come up with a couple of reasons why I like the story.

I want to hear the gospel message

Sometimes pastors joke about the story of Eutychus being a good lesson for those who fall asleep in church. I think that is contextualizing the passage which is applying our modern day context to a biblical story. This was a time when the early church was spreading and there was much excitement about the gospel message. Eutychus was not dragged out of bed early on a Sunday morning, after irresponsibly partying all night Saturday, by his mom to go to church and hear a boring sermon. He had a full day and was tired but instead of going home to sleep he wanted to be where he could hear about the good news.

It is my ambition that I will never get enough of the beautiful gospel message.

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” (1 Peter 1:10-12)

I want to stay alert

I draw a parallel between physically falling asleep and intellectually falling asleep. God gave us a commandment to love him with all of our mind. Not only is it important to learn from others but it is also important to think with the mind that God has given us with the help of the Holy Spirit.

It is my hope that while finding my foundation and rest in God that I will never stop using the mind God has given me to think about my beliefs, in community and with the help of the holy spirit, both theologically and practically.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37)


I want to live the life God has for me boldly

Even when Eutychus had all the best intentions with wanting to hear Paul he still fell asleep and then to his death. However, it was God that had a plan for Eutychus' life and brought him back from the dead.

Some may wonder what Eutychus went on to do with the life God had given him... did he become an amazing preacher leading millions to christ at revivals? did he become one of the greatest theologians of that time? or acheive something else that was even more amazing? ... I like to believe he lived whatever life God had for him but more importantly he learned from the experience that he could live it boldly because he knew that there was nothing that was out of God's ability to love, protect and provide for Eutychus.

It is my desire that I will always live the life that God has for me boldly. Being confident not in my ability but in God’s ability.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Myths about Baptism and Tongues: Busted?

Sunday, September 20, 2009
"Myths about Baptism and Tongues: Busted?"
Acts 18:18-19:20
by Jim Applegate
Listen: http://my.ekklesia360.com/Clients/sermonaudioplayer.php?CMSCODE=EKK&siteid=694&sermonid=82341&useSkin=skin_plain.xml

The two myths discussed Sunday were:
Myth 1: Apollos was not a believer before he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Myth 2: Speaking in tongues and prophesying are the true evidence of salvation.

1. Are these two statements really myths? Are they busted? Where would you go to scripture to defend/contend with the myths?
2. How would you graciously deal with believers who have a different perspective than you?
3. What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How would you know if you had it? How do you get it? Do you want it?
4. What are the true evidences of salvation? How do you know if you are truly 'saved'?

A big ol’ bowl of Stew

Ok I’ve been thinking about this a little bit and decided to communicate it through an analogy…. Because that’s how I roll…. Ya know it… fur sheezeee!!

Think of a discussion as a big stew. Everyone comes together and brings something to put into the stew. Everyone takes the time to hear what each person has to contribute because they want it to be in there as best as it can possibly be. Once everything is in the stew then the Holy Spirit takes bowls and serves it up to everyone. In each bowl is exactly what the Holy Spirit wants each person to have. It is a variety of good stuff. Some of the good stuff is great the way it is and some of the other good stuff needs a little work but it is exactly what makes you realize what you need to bring to the stew the next time. We never have to worry about what another person is eating because it is the Holy Spirit that serves up the bowls.

The Holy Spirit also has the amazing ability to directly contribute!

Cooking with love honors God.

Mixing up who contributes can result in some really interesting bowls.

OK… I probably have food on my mind because of the amazing meal I had at CG yesterday but there ya have it.

feel free to toss in whatever you have!

Laughing With - Regina Spektor

If you right click on the video you can view the entire screen on youtube.

http://www.joshharris.com/2009/07/regina_spektor_no_one_laughs_a.php
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858775560/

Whatever your take on it is I think it is something to consider especially since it is in pop culture and is a reflection of/something that’s influencing what people think about God.

Real Church... Does it Exist? Can I find it?

I've been a fan of Larry Crabb since I read "The Safest Place on Earth". This is his latest book.

"Larry Crabb's Real Church burns with passionate clarity for what the people of Jesus Christ on earth could be - must be. Beyond deadening practices and snappy projects, he leads us into the raw interface between love and honesty, where we can dwell with one another under Trinitarian presence. It is the fearsome place of holiness and power. Dare we go there? Dare we not?" - Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy)

Real Church includes table of contents and different sections.

Interview: Larry Crabb on why he doesn't like Church

Larry Crabb

Some more thoughts on CGs

I’m excited about the emphasis we have on community groups!Showing up to one is definitely a good start but there are still issues that have to be addressed. Values are important to learn and communicate within a group. I’m glad that the leadership is taking time to train CGs. I think an important thing to keep in mind is that we are in this together and that a problem with a CG is usually a result of a misunderstood value and not grounds to leave a CG (not to say that there aren’t times that God will move a person on to other things).

A few value questions I can think of are….

What does it really mean to be “alone”? (masks)

How to have disagreements and glorify God?

How to have a safe environment?

What about boundaries? (OK this last one was just to plug the book Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend)

There was a really good point made Sunday that reminded me of a quote from the book Boundaries in Dating. It was about having God meet your "God needs", people meet your "people needs" and then dating meeting "romantic needs". I quoted this directly in a comment so that it will make more sense.

I know that I’ve enjoyed the CG I’ve been a part of and the friendships that have developed there. God has used those people to help me grow in many ways and I really enjoy the different ways that they help me to see how amazing God is.

Cloud and Townsend, from the boundaries series, has some stuff on small groups.

In this video Larry Crabb has some pretty cool stuff to say about spiritual formation and spiritual direction.

On a side note: I am very embarrassed by Zondervan’s publication of the boundaries series. They decided to have a lot of pink on the book covers and the boundaries in dating book has lipstick on the cover. Do you have any idea how challenging it is to read that at work while trying to keep the cover of the book hidden?? Do you think a woman is going to be impressed with my excessive masculinity while I’m reading a pink lipstick book??!! NO!! … Zondervan is EVIL!!!

… so there is no confusion from anything that I have said before I am a big fan of books!! I have a good collection and I enjoy sources that recommend good books. I especially like great books for only $6! I’m just not a big fan of pink books.

Community Group Guide

Can we have a ranking system and reviews for our different Community Groups?

They can be ranked on...
Comfortable Accomodations.
Food.
Worship Music.
Entertaining Host.
Frequency of Social Events (BBQ, Pool Party, etc.)
Available Amenities (Bed and Breakfast, Vallet parking etc.)

Something to think about

I had a great time at the Colton/Flora CG last night. One of the points that was brought up was how we respond to Door Mat Missionaries (I actually just came up with that title). You know… the people who come to your door step and try to convert you. A thought that I had would be to have a card at the door (possibly posted on the wall) with a couple questions to ask. If you don’t even want to have a full conversation with them you can begin by stating…

“I don’t want to have a full conversation but can I ask you a couple of questions?”

We may not convert them right then but if Christians asked questions instead of politely or rudely dismissing them it may at least give them something to think about.

(you don't have to use the full list just pick a couple of questions that you like)

1 Jehova’s Witnesses

Questions
More Resources

2 Mormons

Questions

More Resources

3 Girl Scouts

just kidding..... buy cookies... they are yummy!

Potential for Worship Music

Down sizing has been pretty common recently.

Will it have any impact on the worship team?

Just in case I thought I would make a suggestion...

...this might also be a good way to incorporate tithing.

mya mya mya mya

Street Preaching

I spent some time last night talking to the guy that is at about 2:28 on the second video in down town Modesto. Street preachers like everyone else are diverse so anything I have to say is based on my experience with just him.

I wanted to see what he had to say because street preaching is definitely something that I've been in discussions with other people about. I also find it better to go directly to a source instead of assuming that a generalization I've come to with my like minded friends is the truth about something.

My comments are not meant to give the impression that I completely accept or reject everything that he believes and says.

Some of the interesting points of discussion were..

He made the comment "Not everyone is called to preach but don't be a coward."

In his approach he is pretty assertive but he also says that he looks for conversations with people who stop and listen to him. He also pulled out his bible and shared Jude 1:22 with me which Keller talks about at minute 1.

He stated that other churches consider him to be radical but he doesn't consider what he is doing to be radical. (I just usually find this point to be amusing when people make it. We all have our own blend of crazy. Even those that are very crazy complain that the people who aren't too crazy.. well... just aren't crazy enough).

I asked him about what his follow up is with people who come to know Christ. This was an interesting question to me because in his delivery he would make comments about how churches and religious people are being ineffective in Modesto. This is a point that I have also been in discussions with other people about so can understand to an extent where he is coming from. The only thing I would point out is that as a communicator a person should try to think about the audience they are communicating to and how they are perceiving what is being said (sender, receiver, message, agreed upon language). Just because something could make an interesting point in one conversation it actually may be pretty inappropriate to use in another context. For those that are listening to him they may be hearing that churches basically suck but follow God. When discussing this with him further he said that there are certain churches in Modesto he would recommend that people go to but didn't really know anything about Redeemer. This made me think a little about our interaction with them since we are just down the street (not that I have any conclusive thoughts).

Finally, if it is something that might interest you... go meet one of them even to just be more familiar with what they are doing instead of assuming what they are about. They can seem some what intimidating because of their approach but occasionally slow down to talk with people one on one.

--- added 8/28 ---

Is there a place for street preaching?
Should it be done away with completely or are there points that need to be worked on?

When people are coming out of the clubs down town at the end of the night with some of them realizing their attempt to find fulfillment in getting drunk and partying has only resulted in them feeling sick and unfulfilled yet again... is there a place for a street preacher? Is there a place for a person who will boldly proclaim the gospel with grace in a way that is relevant to those people to get their attention and who will take the time to talk with anyone one on one who wants to speak with them?

Stuff

When I see something like this it usually makes me want to hold on to things a little more loosely and trust God a whole lot more.

List of cognitive biases

---

"What is the difference between an audience and community?  An audience has all of their chairs facing one way." - Chris Brogan

How to find the most popular Christian blog topics

I found a great article on Read Write Web entitled "How to find the weirdest stuff on the internet". The suggestions can be used for any topic including Christian blogs. The article is about finding and filtering the best RSS feeds.

RSS feed in plain English

There are several websites mentioned to create the process that are very interesting in and of themselves. These websites are…

delicious Find popular websites for any subject
Postrank Filter an RSS feed to find the popular topics
Yahoo Pipes Combine RSS feeds and filter them by specific words (ex. Holy Spirit)
Feedburner Great features for the RSS feed you have created
Google Reader A popular RSS feed reader

“This methodology helps you systematically discover the top blogs in any niche and get a feed of just the most popular items published by those top blogs.” (from the article)

If you would like help with any of this let me know and I'll be glad to help out.

To get started I'll list a few good Christian blogs... be sure to check their blog rolls... and if anyone else has suggestions leave them in a comment.

Desiring God
Reformissionary
Resurgence

If you create any RSS feeds let me know as I would definitely like to check them out!

Seth Godin on blogging

I write to put my thoughts down (which I have entirely too many of being INTP). I am interested in communal thinking and what the holy spirit can do in that. Even if I say something that is completely bizarre and the holy spirit uses it within community to come up with something good then that is great! May God be glorified and may I always find my foundation in him and not my intellect or status.

I'll also share something I wrote once that is a part of why I like blogging.

Speak

Speak… Speak louder
I want to hear you yell…. SCREAM
I want to hear your heart your soul
the things that you hide

I want to hear who you are
not what we have made you
Do you believe in what we made you
SCREAM… be free

We keep waiting for someone to take a stand
while we remain silent
Live your whole life and no one comes
Stand up… Speak

Forgotten God

I found this posted on the blog Between Two Worlds and found it to be relevant to our study of Acts.

http://theologica.blogspot.com/

Acts 15

Sunday's sermon will be about conflict resolution. It is entitled "When Division Equals Multiplication." Does God really use conflict in our lives to encourage us and expand his church? Come to Redeemer on Sunday and find out.

Evangelism

I thought Jim's point about how we can have an unecessary fear of other peoples reactions when sharing Christ was really good this Sunday. If we share the gospel with humility and can help clear up some of the misconceptions of gospel/religion I think we just might be ok!

Questions about Redeemer

I'm having an ongoing conversation with a friend who is asking me questions about Redeemer. I thought I would post them here if anyone wanted to share a response to them.

why do you go to redeemer?
why did you choose it?
what do you see in it (pros/cons)?
what keeps you there?
where do you see it leading you?

so i missed the authentic series, could you tell me your take on the churches vision?
how well do you think they've stuck to it?

small groups: what is their purpose? are they being effective at it?