for those of you that read this via facebook, go to this site and watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NOZU2iPA8
eveyrone else, enjoy!
big thank you to chris shelrton for bringing this my attention.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Healthy Dose of Doubt
This past weekend, we began a series centered around the Apostles' Creed. I tis firstly important that before anyone begins pointing a decrepit judging finger at us, that a good interpretation of the Creed needs to be researched (i.e. concerning Jesus descending to Hell, the holy catholic church, etc.). We are basically looking at the ancient creed and trying to parallel how this effects our cultural interpretation and experience.
With that framework, I have a thought to share:
I don’t know about you, but when I read certain stories from the bible, I take a step back and sigh. I have developed a habit of questioning and diving into the text. For instance, there is a great story in the New Testament where Peter (one of the guys Jesus personally coached) was encouraged by jesus to come out and walk on water with him. Immediately, my mind goes to what that picture looked like: two poor Jewish men walking on water in this fierce storm. The story reads that Peter sank and Jesus saved him. Jesus asked Peter the question: WHY did you doubt?
At this point, I wonder why Jesus asked that question. I think it obvious why Peter doubted: look at the scene being created here. I think it is cool that Peter didn’t die because of his doubt; he actually was free to doubt. Jesus didn’t yell at him. it wasn’t like Peter caused Jesus any grief with his doubt. In retrospect, the doubting caused Peter to have greater belief: Jesus saved him in the middle of his doubt.
I think about how many doubts I have had. I know this: Jesus is not intimidated or depressed because of my doubt. On the contrary, he is actually working to help save me in the midst of the doubt that I have. My prayer for us in this Credo series is simple: that we would experience the Kingdom of God fully in our community, and that Christ’s salvation would be the dominating factor that actually makes us stronger, and free to doubt. In our doubting, I pray that our belief would actually grow. I think Peter would agree.
If you would like to follow along with the conversation we are having, download the podcasts (video or audio) each week from our site (usually uploaded by tues or wed) and read the devo, A Place for Skeptics by Mitchell and Larson. We are using this devo as a tool in the conversation. If you are going to seriously read the book, contact me and I will get one to you at a discounted price.
Take the risk,
-n
With that framework, I have a thought to share:
I don’t know about you, but when I read certain stories from the bible, I take a step back and sigh. I have developed a habit of questioning and diving into the text. For instance, there is a great story in the New Testament where Peter (one of the guys Jesus personally coached) was encouraged by jesus to come out and walk on water with him. Immediately, my mind goes to what that picture looked like: two poor Jewish men walking on water in this fierce storm. The story reads that Peter sank and Jesus saved him. Jesus asked Peter the question: WHY did you doubt?
At this point, I wonder why Jesus asked that question. I think it obvious why Peter doubted: look at the scene being created here. I think it is cool that Peter didn’t die because of his doubt; he actually was free to doubt. Jesus didn’t yell at him. it wasn’t like Peter caused Jesus any grief with his doubt. In retrospect, the doubting caused Peter to have greater belief: Jesus saved him in the middle of his doubt.
I think about how many doubts I have had. I know this: Jesus is not intimidated or depressed because of my doubt. On the contrary, he is actually working to help save me in the midst of the doubt that I have. My prayer for us in this Credo series is simple: that we would experience the Kingdom of God fully in our community, and that Christ’s salvation would be the dominating factor that actually makes us stronger, and free to doubt. In our doubting, I pray that our belief would actually grow. I think Peter would agree.
If you would like to follow along with the conversation we are having, download the podcasts (video or audio) each week from our site (usually uploaded by tues or wed) and read the devo, A Place for Skeptics by Mitchell and Larson. We are using this devo as a tool in the conversation. If you are going to seriously read the book, contact me and I will get one to you at a discounted price.Take the risk,
-n
Thursday, September 04, 2008
oh God...WOW this kid!
ok, so Kathy (pastor on staff here) sent me this email with a link to a "baby preacher." it is truly on of the funniest things i have viewed in some time. it is reality TV for the ol' holy roller culture that I experienced growing up, and many people (esp in the South) can relate to...
here it is. turn up the volume and enjoy. i would hate to be this little kid's therapist in 10-15 years.
here it is. turn up the volume and enjoy. i would hate to be this little kid's therapist in 10-15 years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)