The Crux, Chapter 2: Too smart for our own good?

     This week we'll be discussing chapter 2 in The Crux.  The chapter talks about how we got "here" and where things seem to be headed, along with a look at the diversity that's developing in our society as a whole, and our church in particular.  The first part of the chapter talks about the evolution from pre-modern to modern philosophy.  The point is made that in the "dark-ages," knowledge and religion and therefore power was really centralized in the elite.  This included nobility and the clergy, making up mostly the educated, governing bodies in society.  The nobility owned the land and the clergy owned God's word.  This is illustrated by the fact that most Catholic masses were performed entirely in latin, a language not understood by the lay people.  This elitism was not limited to the Catholic tradition and parishioners of most churches believed that only the clergy were capable of interpreting God's word.  However, over many centuries as scientific knowledge grew and the world became more understandable, so too did the word of God.  Inspired by a shift in culture, church members began to believe that they could have a personal relationship with God and began searching the scriptures themselves.  No longer did the clergy hold the keys but each individual need only open his or her Bible to find God's truths.  As the modern era issued in a new level of understanding of our natural world through science, Christians, especially in our tradition, began to be convinced that the Bible too could be proven through the scientific process.  The modern mindset was responsible in no small part for taking out the mystery and providing the Everyman with a means of understanding and accessing his God.  This is a tremendous blessing for every follower of faith, but is there a flip side?  As we begin to believe that we can explain everything, that we can figure it all out, that the scientific method is the method by which truth is found... is there a danger?  

The Crux, Chapter 1

This week we looked at the first chapter in the Crux.  The main focus of this chapter was to introduce some of the "where we've been and where we might be going" in the Church of Christ.  Most faith traditions today are facing difficulties in identity and dealing with an ever-growing diversity within the body.  Our tradition is no different.  The authors also introduced a couple of paths that members might be inclined to take and that seem to be occurring around the country: 1) members leaving to find another congregation or another tradition that meets their needs; 2) others are becoming entrenched, exclusive even, and rejecting any new views or ideas as apostasy.  However, the authors suggest we look at a "third way," and this is the set up for the rest of the story.  Take a look at pages 12-15 and see what we're talking about.

The Crux...

This week we started a new class on Sunday morning and it's one I'm really excited about.  For those of you who weren't there, we're reading "The Crux Of The Matter," by  Childers, Foster and Reese.  It's an excellent book put out by ACU press.  The books are just $11 and can be purchased in the office.

Yesterday's lesson was an introduction to the material.  We focused on gaining an understanding of postmodernism and modernism.  In the broadest sense, postmodernism in theology is a mindset that rejects the absolute, puts greater emphasis on relationships and spirituality, and is more likely to "judge" a person's faith by their actions than their words.  Modernism puts a greater emphasis on "the truth," approaching theology in a more scientific way, with a desire to discern absolute understanding and less concern for emotional spirituality.  [These are MAJOR generalities and as I write them I already see their weaknesses.  See pages 26-37]  Although often associated with age, these mindsets can be found in people of all ages, and they are not just a construct of faith, but a world view.

After a brief discussion of the terms, we turned to a fictional scenario provided by the authors and had discussions in smaller groups.  The fictional church was facing problems relating to a clash of these mindsets in their preferences for sermon style and outreach.  We looked at some of the challenges facing congregations today as we wrestle with these ideas and world views, and also looked for ways in which our diversity can be our strength.  Many groups discussed the need to put Christ before our own preferences, to work with each other in love and humility, and to strive for unity.  It was a great kick off to what is likely to be one of the better classes we've had.

I encourage you all to get your books and make sure you show up for class next week.  There are reading schedules that you can also get in the office.  Even if you can't make class, be sure to grab a book and read along.

Thanks and Thanksgiving

Wow, what a great time we had at the Pratt's last weekend.  For all of you who were unable to attend you missed a really wonderful time, and a really HOT fire.  Many thanks to LeAnne, Mark, and the whole Pratt gang for a really nice time.

Remember that the toy drive is going on now at church.  A lot of retailers are starting their Black Friday deals early this year so be sure to get out to Target or Walmart or wherever and pick up a toy or two for the toy drive.  There are baskets in the foyer where Ms Peggy will be collecting your gifts.  Take this opportunity to show your thankfulness by sharing with a less fortunate child.

On that note, this Sunday is Thanksgiving Sunday, so be sure to invite your friends and family for a wonderful time of celebration, song, and supper!  There will be no classes this week and service will start at 10am.

Well, that's about it for this week, but stay tuned for some exciting new changes to this blog.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, please email or call me.  See you all Sunday!

Yippee!!!

Hey all, sorry I missed you Sunday but I really appreciate everyone who turned in a comment or suggestion. I just wanted to take a brief minute to remind everybody about the Hayride and BBQ that's happening this Saturday at LeAnne and Mark Pratt's.  We'll be getting together about 4pm, with a BBQ and Hayride to follow.  See the map below (basically north on 63 or Ben Maddox, RIGHT on Ave 328, Right on 144:  32603 Rd 144).  If your last name is A-M, bring a side dish and drinks; N-Z, bring dessert and drinks.  If you have any problems or get lost, just phone me: 802-0108.  Don't forget to dress warm and bring some lawn chairs!  Hope to see you all there.

Good without God...????

So the books out there, and the website is out there and now I'm going to put the question out there...is there good without God?  More appropriately, do we need God for morality or can people just decide to be good without God's involvement?  Check out this website and see what others had to say.  Now let me know what you think?


...p.s.  I will be gone this Sunday, but Mark Pratt will be taking over for me.  We're going to have a time of fellowship and Mark will share a few comments that I've asked him to make.  It's an important class, so be there or be... well, square, like me!

"Casey Vilhauer....come on down!"

So you go into church on Sunday morning and  think to yourself, "wow, there's a lot of new people here today."  In fact, there's so many new faces that you have to do a mental check to make sure it's not Christmas, or Easter.  And then, just as the service comes to a close you suddenly realize why all these people are here.  The minister gets on the mic, reaches his hand deep into a bag, and bingo, the family next to you just won $500 for coming to church.  Sound odd?  Maybe a little too gimmicky?  Well Rev. Willis of Chicago will agree, but he'll also tell you how attendance has jumped and giving has nearly doubled.  (see- It pays to go to church)  So here's a church that's stepping out into something totally different, going to extremes to get people in the pews, and it seems to be not only working, but working very well.  In tough times, people are coming to the church and getting tangible help.  In return, the church is reaching more people and receiving more support.  Can you argue with this formula?

Was it all just a Wild Falcon Chase?

You've all seen it by now, heard the discussions and read the comments.  If not, look here... Balloon Boy Video  Unfortunately I had the "luck" of seeing this family on one of the few episodes of Wipe Swap I ever watched and my honest opinion is, in short, Richard Heene is nuts.  That said, I couldn't help but think about this family and what types  of parents these people are and whether or not they deserve to keep their kids now that we have seen a little more into their lifestyle.  It also got me to thinking, what responsibilities to we have to our children?  If this was all just a hoax and this child was coached into doing this so his parents could get some attention, what should the authorities do?  Even if it wasn't just a hoax, is this a safe environment for kids?  Is there a standard that parents should be held to?  As parents, do we have the right to raise our children any way we want as long as it's within the bounds of the law?  Are children the property of their parents?  I want to know your thoughts.... and if you have trouble posting a comment, just email me and I'll post if for you... baylaw@me.com

I pledge allegiance...

to the what?  Flag?  State?  Church?  What if I said that all of these are wrong.  Could you agree with that?  What about, "I pledge allegiance to my friends, my family, my country?"  How do you feel about that?  Where should our allegiance lie... and before you answer, think about where your allegiances lie today?  Sports?  Shopping?  Television?  Politics?  Vices?   What are the implications of our allegiances?  This week I want to review a bit about what we're trying to do through this class and what changes we are (or try) making.  Consider your allegiances and decide if what you say is exemplified in how you live.  If not, why?

Service or Service?

Which, if you had to decide, is the most important: church Service or Service to others?  That's it, that's the question for Sunday, now give me your answer.

Wonder why we Wander?

This is NOT, I repeat NOT, the thought of the day for our Sunday class.  No, in fact it is a plug for tonight's small group class that meets at the building, at 7pm upstairs in the library.  Be there or be square...

So anyway, we're ready The Story and this week's chapter is about the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years.  Have you ever felt like that, like you're just wandering?  Sometimes it feels like we're neither moving forward or falling backward, but stuck, in a rut, wandering.  Why does God allow that to happen?  What was it about His desire for the Israelites and for us that makes wandering a good idea?  Let me hear your thoughts!

Only for the devoted...

Ok so for all of you who actually come to class, here's a post to see who actually checks in to the blog.  In preparing for this weeks lesson, I've come across a concept that I think is interesting and meaningful.  I'm calling it the Mind Body Mind Body effect or the MBMB.  Any ideas what this might mean or how it applies?

A Living Sacrifice?

Our "foundational" verse for this class is Romans 12:1-2.  In the first verse, Paul challenges us to be a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God."  I think most of us have an idea about the implications of sacrificing ourselves for God; giving up our own desires for God's will, seeking His kingdom first, working for his glory.  But what are the implications of BEING a sacrifice?  What I'm asking is, what was the importance of a sacrifice to people in biblical times?  What were the characteristics of a sacrifice?  Is there a connection between this idea and the idea expressed in I Corinthians 6:19-20?  I'd like to see your comments and try to kick off this weeks lesson as we ponder this idea.  What are these verses requiring of us?

Congratulations...

I'm sure most of you have heard, but I just wanted to take a quick second to congratulate Calvin Feehan on his recent baptism.  Calvin has been a longtime servant of the Lord and has impacted the Faith of many along the way.  I've really appreciated getting to know Calvin and feel blessed to call him a friend.  Calvin and Kelli are a wonderful couple and an integral part of our congregation and its future.  Congratulations Calvin, its awesome to see someone walking out their Faith with so much heart and integrity.  You are an inspiration to all of us!
May the Lord always shine His face upon you!

WDJS...

As many of you know, we won't be having class this Sunday because quite a few of us will be at the Men's Retreat.  But rather than skip a weekly post, I thought I'd share something with you anyway.  We've been talking about and reading about "The Story" on Sundays and in our small groups.  For those of you who don't know, The Story is a narrative version of the bible, told as one story from beginning to end.  Even though we're just getting started, I know many if not all of you know who is at the center of The Story: Christ.  Our tradition recognizes 66 books in the bible, 27 in the New Testament and 39 in the Old Testament.  However, Christ's life and teachings are covered in depth in only four books, the Gospels (I realize he's mentioned in others, but stick with me here).  So given that the essence of The Story, the main event, the lead character really only gets His day in four books, shouldn't we put a greater emphasis on those books?  In fact, without dismissing their value to the story, do we really even need to know the other 62 books in any depth?  Finally, what if I decided that from now on I was going to base my entire faith on only the teachings of Christ as expressed in the four Gospels?  When confronted with questions about life or theology I'm only going to refer to the Gospels for guidance and ask, "What Did Jesus Say?"  Who's with me?

Love and Respect....

Most of us change the oil in our automobiles every 3-6,000 miles.  We mow the lawn each week and make sure to pick up around the house.  The dishes may sit in the sink a day, but we don't like it and we get them into the washer right away.  We go to work, attend training sessions, and try to perform as well as we can.  Some of us even go back to school, working to expand our career opportunities and provide a better life for our families.  We hope and pray our kids get into the best schools and send them to camps and retreats to strengthen their moral and intellectual character.  We sign them up for dance or soccer or football or baseball, run them to every practice, game and tournament.   We do all these things because we believe they are important.  But how much time, effort or education do we put into the most important relationship we have on this earth, our marriages?  Is it about 3/4's as much?  Or maybe 1/2?  Or is it more like 1/5 or 1/10?  Do you cringe when you hear marriage workshop or marriage counseling?  Why is that?  Why in the world are we willing to put more time and effort into every other inferior relationship we have in this life?  Take a look at this website (http://loveandrespect.com), we'll talk about it Sunday.

One last thought before class tomorrow...

I want to throw this out and get your thoughts and I want to just stick to these verses here in Matthew 25:14-30.  I believe this verse is saying, quite simply, that when Christ comes back, he's expecting a return.  He's expecting that we've done more than just "no harm."  Now that's the easy part.  The part that I want your feedback on is this.... What if there had been a fourth servant who had gone out, invested the talents in what seemed like a sure-fire winner, and completely unexpectedly and without any fault on his/her part, lost it all.... what would the master have said to him or her?

Abundance?

     In Matthew 25:29, the verse for this week, Christ says that to those who have, more will be given so that he will have "abundance", and to those who have not, even what they have will be taken away.  Is this the same Christ of the beatitudes?  It sounds like a winner-takes-all scenario, which is great if you're the winner, but not so good if.... How does this tie into stewardship?  We so often think about being a good steward as caring for things, protecting things, being frugal, but is that all there is to it?  In fact, if you read the parable leading up to this verse, punishment is dealt hard to the one who did no harm.  He didn't loose anything, in fact he preserved and protected the master's investment, doing no harm and letting no harm come to it.  And what was his reward?  Banishment, loss of all he had protected.   
     John Wesley said when describing the preceding parable: "It is true he had not done good.  But neither is he charged with doing any harm....[yet] He is pronounced a wicked, because he was slothful, an unprofitable servant.  So mere harmlessness, on which many build their hope of salvation, was the cause of his damnation!"
What is Christ saying here?  What is He trying to tell us that our "Master" wants?  Look at Matthew 13:12.  What are we to do?

Defining Unity...

In light of our scripture for this week (Matt. 22:36-40 for those of you who have forgotten), I wanted to get your thoughts on "Unity."  There is a great deal of talk these days in the churches around the world, not just COC's, about the need for unity.  The question that I have is how does it actually play out?  Let's take a fictional congregation called "The Way."   Suppose for generations that "The Church" only sang out of hymn books.  One day, a fire burned down a local sister church "The Light," and all the congregants had to meet together at "The Way."  The problem was, "The Light" church always used overheads and felt that hymn books kept them from really expressing themselves.  Now both of these groups were under the same roof, one having a tradition of hymn books, the other a tradition of overheads.  Although neither side could find a support that "proved" they're belief was scriptural, they both felt very strongly about their tradition.  In light of Matt. 22:36-40, and with unity in mind, how should they worship on Saturday (Saturday Sabbath being a tradition they both shared)?  Don't tell me this isn't really a big deal, because to these people it is... So what should they do?  Does unity mean the hymn bookers win because they were there first, so we don't want to rock the boat?  Or does Matt 22 tell us that the over headers should win because they're the neighbors?   Your thoughts please....

And the tallest is....

Curtis Brunson won in an overwhelming landslide... well, maybe an underwhelming landslide... but regardless it was a victory with 8 votes.  David Berry was in second with 3 and Henry and Mark had a dismal "0" votes each... Sorry guys, but hey, if we learned anything last week from The Story, its that we're all created in God's image... even if some are just a little shorter version of that image ;-)

So what?

I tried to challenge you earlier this week to bring God's word into your daily lives. Have you been able to do that? What is the purpose of it? Do we really need to daily read the word of God? Is there any power or purpose in memorizing scripture. This is what we will be discussing tomorrow, but I'd love to hear some of your thoughts now. Oh yes, and be ready to recite your verses tomorrow.  One final question... does God expect us to study scripture or is just believing in Christ enough?

-Brice

Shema, Mezuzah, Tzitzit and You...

No, those aren't the names the Vilhauers are considering for their baby... although Shema Vilhauer does have a nice ring to it.  As most of you know, our verse for this week is Deut. 11:18-21 (have you memorized it yet?).  If you've read carefully, you see that God is calling upon us to keep his words in our hearts and our souls, in fact He says to fasten them to our bodies and our homes.  But what words?  Well, the Jews believed that those words were the Shema, or to you and I, Deut. 6:4-9; 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41.  As scripture instructs ("when you lie down and when you rise"), these prayers were and are recited each morning and night.  They always begin with Deut. 6:4-5, and I love those verses:

     "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord alone.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and will all your soul and with all your might."

Every morning and every night they are reminded of God's covenant, his supremacy, and their relationship.  Christ reiterated this same language when he was asked what the greatest commandment was in Matt. 22 and Mark 12.  What a great way to focus the mind on things that are pure and excellent as Paul also instructed in Romans.  So that's the Shema, but what about those other two?

     If you have ever been to a Jewish home, you have probably seen a Mezuzah when you walked in the doorway.  Normally placed on the right side of the door frame, about 2/3 of the way up and tilting toward the home, the Mezuzah is a small box containing the Shema.  Again, following the instructions in Deut., the Jews put God's word on their doorposts.  A reminder as they come and go of God's covenant, and a blessing on the home.

     Finally the Tzitzit.  In Numbers, God tells Moses to command the Israelites to make fringes on the corners of their garments and to "put a blue cord on the fringe at each corner" so that:

      "when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and not follow the lust of your heart and your own eyes.  So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and you shall be holy to your God."

    God instructed the Israelites do many things to keep His words in the forefront of their minds.  Why?  Is there a benefit to constantly reminding ourselves about the promises, blessings and commands of God?  Are there other ideas, commands or words that battle for that same space, reminding us daily of what we should do, who we are, what we need to be?  Does the word of God have any real power?  Think about these things and lets discuss it.

      So what about "You?"  Where do you fit in?  As I've read these scriptures and the significance of them to the ancestors of our Faith, I've been thinking of ways to bring it into my life.  Erin and I had to work out the specifics, but we've decided that we're going to place God's words on our doorpost.  I think we are going to write them on a ribbon and placing it above the door.  And as much as I like the whole tasseled fringe look of Orthodox Judaism (and to be honest my head could use a yarmulke about now if you know what I mean), I think I'm going to do something a little different, like maybe a simple blue piece of string or leather around my wrist, to remind of God's words ("Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.": "Hear Oh Israel, The Lord is Our God, The Lord Alone.")  How about you?  I'm willing to share my blue bands if you want one... or maybe your a tassel kind of guy or gal....  Oh, one last question... why the blue?  Is that just God's favorite color or is there something more to it... let me know what you think.

May the Lord Shine His Face Upon You- Blessings,

Brice

One more introductory thought....

For those of you who weren't in my class this morning, the title of it is "The Psyche Effect: When less becomes more."  This Sunday I introduced the class and the foundational scripture, which is Romans 12:1-2.  The short of it is this: I'm hoping over the next few months that we can reconnect to God's will in our lives, that we can be "Transformed" by a renewing of our minds.  To do that, each week I'll introduce a new scripture and a new area of life that we can conform not to the world, but to God's word.  The more you meditate on this and apply small changes to your life, the greater your transformation will be.  I'm really excited about it and anyone who would like more information about it can email me.  Each Wednesday I'll be posting a few thoughts on our next class, possibly some challenges, and maybe ideas I have about applying God's word.  The verse for this week is Deuteronomy 11:18-21:

"You shall therefore impress[14][Lit put ] these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals[15][Lit frontlet bands ] on[16][Lit between your eyes ] your forehead.
"You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.
"You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,
so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long[17][Lit the days of the heavens ] as the heavens remain above the earth.

Please feel free to leave comments on this site...I'm hoping it will be a resource for discussion and growth.  

Blessing to you all...

-Brice 

The Psyche Effect

Well, if any of you just happen to be peeking at this site, yes, you've come to the right place. I'm working on my post for this week and I promise to have it here by Wednesday. I want to really thank all of you for showing up today, and I want you to know that I'm praying for you all, that God will touch you and work a renewal in you! I'm really excited about our class and I can't wait to see what God does in our lives. Blessings to you all.

-Brice

p.s..... you'll likely see some old stuff the further down on the blog you read. Much of it was from our time in LA. You can take it or leave it, but I just wanted you to know that it was "old stuff."

You've been duped...

Alexander the Great was talking to Diogenes and Diogenes asked him, essentially, what will you do next? "Conquer all of Greece," Alexander replies. "And then," Diogenes asks. "Conquer all of Asia Minor,"Alexander replies. "And then," Diogenes asks. "Conquer all of the world, " Alexander replies. "And after you've conquered all the world, what will you do then?" Alexander replies, "then I will relax like you." Diogenes responds, "why not save yourself the time and trouble and just relax now."

Does this sound like us? We work our whole lives so that we can "enjoy retirement" when we are no longer young enough to enjoy it. And really, does anyone want to just give up all meaningful activity for their remaining 30 years of life? I'm of the mindset that we should, one, never retire (at least not in the traditional sense), and two, start our retirement now. What is to prevent us from setting ourselves up to enjoy our retirement now, dispersed throughout our life rather than preserved for the end. Unfortunately debt may be what prevents us from being able to enjoy our retirement now, but we can change that. Commit today to living within your means, finding enjoyment in life without having to do it on credit, and work towards beginning your retirement soon.... oh yes, and never retire!