If for no other reason, Thanksgiving is a great holiday because (at least) once a year we remember to be thankful for what we have, what we’ve had, and even for what we don’t have.
While we give thanks to God for blessings we have gotten this past year in our prayers and in our hearts, let us not forget that part of being thankful too, is giving.
What better way to give thanks our Creator for what we have than to share our blessings with those who don’t.
And what’s better, it doesn’t take much: a hand, a dollar, a smile, a can of food, a prayer, a poem, a picture, a letter, a word of encouragement,_________,_________,__________...(fill in the blank)
Don’t forget, either, to enjoy what God has given you. We don’t need to feel guilty, we don’t need to feel undeserving.
Those feelings do not help anyone.
If we share, play fair, take our turn, participate and not be part of the problem, we’ll find those feelings vanish.
Blessings, really, truly are what we give to others – pass one on.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Unvarnished Gospels...finished.
I got through the Unvarnished Gospels.
I didn’t discover anything really revealing…nothing that blew my mind, anyway.
The glossary was interesting, though. As they had the Greek words and their actual (literal) meanings and how they might be interpreted in the Gospels.
When I get a moment, I’ll provide some examples. Otherwise, it was at least and interesting read, and perhaps later I’ll do a side-by-side study…
I didn’t discover anything really revealing…nothing that blew my mind, anyway.
The glossary was interesting, though. As they had the Greek words and their actual (literal) meanings and how they might be interpreted in the Gospels.
When I get a moment, I’ll provide some examples. Otherwise, it was at least and interesting read, and perhaps later I’ll do a side-by-side study…
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Have mug, will drink...coffee
Just got done with Coffee Fest (20th annual!)
It was a blast.
We took the morning shift, and I'm glad we did as we got to work through the morning rush. Within a half hour almost 300+ people came through!
The folks at Second Harvest were great. It was a fun, friendly atmosphere, and people were happy to get at all the free coffee and goodies.
After our shift, we were able to walk around and partake of a few samples...there were plenty to chose from!
I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next year, as it was such a great, fun experience.
We also got t-shirts and mugs out of the deal too!
(NO mugs were harmed during our shift)
FYI - Channel 5 was there getting footage of the event.
It was a blast.
We took the morning shift, and I'm glad we did as we got to work through the morning rush. Within a half hour almost 300+ people came through!
The folks at Second Harvest were great. It was a fun, friendly atmosphere, and people were happy to get at all the free coffee and goodies.
After our shift, we were able to walk around and partake of a few samples...there were plenty to chose from!
I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next year, as it was such a great, fun experience.
We also got t-shirts and mugs out of the deal too!
(NO mugs were harmed during our shift)
FYI - Channel 5 was there getting footage of the event.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Unvarnished Gospels...
I have been reading “The Unvarnished Gospels” – which is a “non-Christian” translation or the four Gospels.
I say, “non-Christian” because (as it’s pointed out in the book) these men who wrote the Gospels (M,M,L,J) were not “Christian” or did not consider themselves “Christian” but rather Jews. They viewed themselves as Jews with a message (Gospel) to other Jews, and gentiles as well.
So the translation I’m reading of the four Gospels is one that tries it’s best to convey the original Greek they were written in, rather than highlighting the Christian viewpoint – which is what other translations do.
Are there big changes? Shocking differences?
No..at least I haven’t found any. Then again, I have not done a side by side comparison – yet.
Even so, I don’t believe there would be any major differences…it’s just another way of looking at the Gospels, to try and get a better understanding, a different viewpoint.
I say, “non-Christian” because (as it’s pointed out in the book) these men who wrote the Gospels (M,M,L,J) were not “Christian” or did not consider themselves “Christian” but rather Jews. They viewed themselves as Jews with a message (Gospel) to other Jews, and gentiles as well.
So the translation I’m reading of the four Gospels is one that tries it’s best to convey the original Greek they were written in, rather than highlighting the Christian viewpoint – which is what other translations do.
Are there big changes? Shocking differences?
No..at least I haven’t found any. Then again, I have not done a side by side comparison – yet.
Even so, I don’t believe there would be any major differences…it’s just another way of looking at the Gospels, to try and get a better understanding, a different viewpoint.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Coffee Fest
The Better half and I will be volunteering at Coffee Fest this weekend.
I love coffee so this was a no brainer to me!
Check it out here: http://www.calhouncoffeefest.com/
I love coffee so this was a no brainer to me!
Check it out here: http://www.calhouncoffeefest.com/
Thanks and Giving at the Mall of America!
What the heck happened?
Thanksgiving is just a week away! How the time flies.
Well, the Better Half and I are doing something different this year. These past couple years we have really become more aware of how blessed we are – even on the days we don’t feel it. We have good health, great friends and family, a roof over our heads and jobs.
So, to pass on our blessings, to give a bit more, we have decided that we are going to participate in The Walk To End Hunger at the MOA.
This is another event that is Co-Sponsored/Run by Second Harvest.
Like the NAMI walk, it’s only a 5k so even I can do it! Though it is bright and early starting at 7:30am! Oh, well, we live right on the LRT and will most likely take that to the event.
As we have registered and paid our fee, donations are always welcomed! So, if you have a few extra bucks, could you throw them here: Just one
Not a guilt trip, but just a reminder, that while we all will be blessed to be “stuffed” on Turkey Day, others will be lucky to find a scrap.
Thank you in advance and have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is just a week away! How the time flies.
Well, the Better Half and I are doing something different this year. These past couple years we have really become more aware of how blessed we are – even on the days we don’t feel it. We have good health, great friends and family, a roof over our heads and jobs.
So, to pass on our blessings, to give a bit more, we have decided that we are going to participate in The Walk To End Hunger at the MOA.
This is another event that is Co-Sponsored/Run by Second Harvest.
Like the NAMI walk, it’s only a 5k so even I can do it! Though it is bright and early starting at 7:30am! Oh, well, we live right on the LRT and will most likely take that to the event.
As we have registered and paid our fee, donations are always welcomed! So, if you have a few extra bucks, could you throw them here: Just one
Not a guilt trip, but just a reminder, that while we all will be blessed to be “stuffed” on Turkey Day, others will be lucky to find a scrap.
Thank you in advance and have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Church Uleashed read through...
Okay, the first read through is done with “Unleashing The Church.”
Inspired – is the first word that comes to mind. A whole new way of looking at how a church CAN operate and in such a way that those involved are because they are vested in the church and (more importantly) WANT to – not because they feel obligated to.
The second word that comes to mind, though, is – Daunted. How does one even start? Where does one even look?
Guess that’s what we take to God. Hope and pray he shows the path, opens the doors, reveals the plan…
And, if you are wondering if Bear Valley – the church described in the book is even still around.
Yes it is: http://www.bvchurch.org/
So, second time through here we go.
Inspired – is the first word that comes to mind. A whole new way of looking at how a church CAN operate and in such a way that those involved are because they are vested in the church and (more importantly) WANT to – not because they feel obligated to.
The second word that comes to mind, though, is – Daunted. How does one even start? Where does one even look?
Guess that’s what we take to God. Hope and pray he shows the path, opens the doors, reveals the plan…
And, if you are wondering if Bear Valley – the church described in the book is even still around.
Yes it is: http://www.bvchurch.org/
So, second time through here we go.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Unleashing the Church Methodology...
Well, it just so happens that I got the section of the book (The Church Unleashed) where the author goes into the “methodology” of unleashing a church.
The sections I was reading before were the “strategies” or theories, if you will, about the unleashed church.
And, well, the author in a way refuses to put down a single “method.” In other words, he advises that ministries should grow out of a “want-to” mentality. That resources and such will come out of strategy sessions (NOT committee meetings) and that ministries may come and go as the want – not need – get filled or not.
In an example he wrote: will we have a vacation Bible school next year? Only if someone wants to lead it.
Sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it?
BUT…it also stands to reason. If someone wants to have VBS that bad, they will make it happen and that will most likely result in a better VBS than one where someone takes it over because the church “should” have one.
The author points out that church should not (is not) a one size fits all for everyone – every church is different. While you may get an idea for a ministry from one, you most likely wouldn’t be able to run it the same way. It’s a different church, with different people.
I just started this section, bear with me…
The sections I was reading before were the “strategies” or theories, if you will, about the unleashed church.
And, well, the author in a way refuses to put down a single “method.” In other words, he advises that ministries should grow out of a “want-to” mentality. That resources and such will come out of strategy sessions (NOT committee meetings) and that ministries may come and go as the want – not need – get filled or not.
In an example he wrote: will we have a vacation Bible school next year? Only if someone wants to lead it.
Sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it?
BUT…it also stands to reason. If someone wants to have VBS that bad, they will make it happen and that will most likely result in a better VBS than one where someone takes it over because the church “should” have one.
The author points out that church should not (is not) a one size fits all for everyone – every church is different. While you may get an idea for a ministry from one, you most likely wouldn’t be able to run it the same way. It’s a different church, with different people.
I just started this section, bear with me…
Adding Cubits...
Okay, took a few days off – went up north to Duluth. Had a great time!
Been meditating as of late. For more than a few reason, but one really stick out – the NOW.
It’s a message Jesus preached about, but we don’t talk about it much.
Jesus tells us not to worry for tomorrow (it will worry for itself) and not to dwell on the past.
After all, worrying WILL NOT change anything except steal away the moment, the right now.
Boy how we steal NOW away from ourselves. We busy ourselves with this, that and the other thing. I bet anyone of us could list at least ten things we do that keeps us from the moment.
Stopping and smelling the roses doesn’t just mean appreciate every little thing (that’s good, too!) but to appreciate the moment. To take it all in. To experience it.
Perhaps by doing so, we won’t jump to conclusions so much (guilty) we won’t judge (guilty) we will take what we see, hear, etc. for what they are.
Today coming into work my mind wanted to jump ahead to the rest of the week and worry about all the things I have to do, and squeeze in, and what problems may come up…what good is that? I can’t do much of my work in the car, thus worrying doesn’t help, and it just makes me nervous and steals from that moment.
We can never BE if we are worrying about what’s next. Then, to take away the worry we find (usually unhealthy in some form) ways to cope, or to pamper, or to feel better, or dull the pain of worry…
Easier said then done…
How odd we have to PRACTICE to not worry.
Been meditating as of late. For more than a few reason, but one really stick out – the NOW.
It’s a message Jesus preached about, but we don’t talk about it much.
Jesus tells us not to worry for tomorrow (it will worry for itself) and not to dwell on the past.
After all, worrying WILL NOT change anything except steal away the moment, the right now.
Boy how we steal NOW away from ourselves. We busy ourselves with this, that and the other thing. I bet anyone of us could list at least ten things we do that keeps us from the moment.
Stopping and smelling the roses doesn’t just mean appreciate every little thing (that’s good, too!) but to appreciate the moment. To take it all in. To experience it.
Perhaps by doing so, we won’t jump to conclusions so much (guilty) we won’t judge (guilty) we will take what we see, hear, etc. for what they are.
Today coming into work my mind wanted to jump ahead to the rest of the week and worry about all the things I have to do, and squeeze in, and what problems may come up…what good is that? I can’t do much of my work in the car, thus worrying doesn’t help, and it just makes me nervous and steals from that moment.
We can never BE if we are worrying about what’s next. Then, to take away the worry we find (usually unhealthy in some form) ways to cope, or to pamper, or to feel better, or dull the pain of worry…
Easier said then done…
How odd we have to PRACTICE to not worry.
Friday, November 13, 2009
More "Unleashing" of a church...
It doesn't stop amazing me, this book.
I just finished a chapter on “Major Ministries” with modest facilities and how much more of a benefit it is.
How increase space, and land, and assets (needlessly) just create more liabilities. Also, how even with an expanding congregation, a church can still be modest in size while “connecting” people and providing genuine, productive ministries – it just take imagination and motivation.
Truly this church had the idea of not only unleashing the church, but its people…THAT is a church I could support and would love to see.
A church truly for and by people.
I can’t wait to finish this book so I can reread it again right away…
I just finished a chapter on “Major Ministries” with modest facilities and how much more of a benefit it is.
How increase space, and land, and assets (needlessly) just create more liabilities. Also, how even with an expanding congregation, a church can still be modest in size while “connecting” people and providing genuine, productive ministries – it just take imagination and motivation.
Truly this church had the idea of not only unleashing the church, but its people…THAT is a church I could support and would love to see.
A church truly for and by people.
I can’t wait to finish this book so I can reread it again right away…
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Church Unleashed...more thoughts.
This book has been inspiring in more ways than I originally thought. Funny how their thoughts and ideas are so simple, yet you don’t see churches DOING it.
In fact, the author writes about how churches don’t seem to “trust” the laity for ministries and if the “laity” become or start a ministry, they are usually bogged down in committees and “controlled” in such ways.
What is sad, though, is how far church HASN’T come in over twenty years.
In fact, the author writes about how churches don’t seem to “trust” the laity for ministries and if the “laity” become or start a ministry, they are usually bogged down in committees and “controlled” in such ways.
What is sad, though, is how far church HASN’T come in over twenty years.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ask and you shall receive...Book 2!
Here's a quote from the second book I got...
"...many churches are introverted, concerned about attracting larger and larger congregations to their pulpit-centered services, increasing their budgets, improving and expanding their facilities while their members remain afflicted with arthritic spectatoritis."
Talk about timely and relevant! I tell you, this speaks to what I have experienced lately...
Oh, wait, this book was published in 1982!
It's call "The Church Unleashed: Getting God's People Out Where the Needs Are."
And I believe it has hit close to what I believe this ministry is about: "[A] Focus on Getting God's people out where there are sin and pain and need."
I have only just began this book as well (now five I am reading, in total) but it still speaks volumes, even (if not more so) today!
In short, so far as I can gather, the book challenges churches to "get out" with various ministries, rather than just focusing on bigger, flashier, and newer churches.
To quote:
"Forget about bringing people in...forget about institutional success...forget about binding members to an organization with ties of loyalty, cords of convivial programming, and busy intramural involvement. Focus on unshackling members, motivating them to give time and energy beyond any ecclesiastical ghetto. Forget about growth as an end in itself. And, paradoxically, growth will take place as the by-product of a ministry that refuses to be self-centered and self-serving."
To that, all I can say is, Amen.
"...many churches are introverted, concerned about attracting larger and larger congregations to their pulpit-centered services, increasing their budgets, improving and expanding their facilities while their members remain afflicted with arthritic spectatoritis."
Talk about timely and relevant! I tell you, this speaks to what I have experienced lately...
Oh, wait, this book was published in 1982!
It's call "The Church Unleashed: Getting God's People Out Where the Needs Are."
And I believe it has hit close to what I believe this ministry is about: "[A] Focus on Getting God's people out where there are sin and pain and need."
I have only just began this book as well (now five I am reading, in total) but it still speaks volumes, even (if not more so) today!
In short, so far as I can gather, the book challenges churches to "get out" with various ministries, rather than just focusing on bigger, flashier, and newer churches.
To quote:
"Forget about bringing people in...forget about institutional success...forget about binding members to an organization with ties of loyalty, cords of convivial programming, and busy intramural involvement. Focus on unshackling members, motivating them to give time and energy beyond any ecclesiastical ghetto. Forget about growth as an end in itself. And, paradoxically, growth will take place as the by-product of a ministry that refuses to be self-centered and self-serving."
To that, all I can say is, Amen.
Ask and you shall receive...Book 1
So, I've been praying for some "direction" here. Some guidance,if you will, and well if God doesn't find a way.
This time, he has through two books found at savers - both for .99!
One is called "The Unvarnished Gospels."
This one is very interesting in that it's the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. BUT it's translated from the original Greek to reflect more EXACT how the Gospels were actually written.
Or, as the back cover states, "Let the original Greek speak for itself."
How is that different from the Bible? Isn't the New Testament in my Bible a translation from the Greek?
Well, yes, but as George Witterchein points out in the introduction, our Bibles are "accepted" translations of the Greek. Which arose AFTER the Gospels were written. In short, the Bibles we read are "Christianized" versions of the Greek. AFTER input from Luther, Rahner, St. Augustine. etc.
So, I have started reading it, as I was starting the New Testament over again...I figured I'd give this one a shot.
This time, he has through two books found at savers - both for .99!
One is called "The Unvarnished Gospels."
This one is very interesting in that it's the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. BUT it's translated from the original Greek to reflect more EXACT how the Gospels were actually written.
Or, as the back cover states, "Let the original Greek speak for itself."
How is that different from the Bible? Isn't the New Testament in my Bible a translation from the Greek?
Well, yes, but as George Witterchein points out in the introduction, our Bibles are "accepted" translations of the Greek. Which arose AFTER the Gospels were written. In short, the Bibles we read are "Christianized" versions of the Greek. AFTER input from Luther, Rahner, St. Augustine. etc.
So, I have started reading it, as I was starting the New Testament over again...I figured I'd give this one a shot.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Food and Fund Drive Finals Numbers!
Here are the final numbers for the Food and Fund Drive sponsored by Second Harvest.
Financial Donations: $166.00
Food Donations: 133lbs!
I would say a success!
“Thank you!” to everyone who helped out:
Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Jenn and Marty, Meghan, Noah and Addy!
Sharon,
Shaun, and Mike, the anonymous donors
And Garage Logic!
Financial Donations: $166.00
Food Donations: 133lbs!
I would say a success!
“Thank you!” to everyone who helped out:
Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Jenn and Marty, Meghan, Noah and Addy!
Sharon,
Shaun, and Mike, the anonymous donors
And Garage Logic!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
My humble case for a Creator...
Not that I feel that I need to argue this point...but it was something that I have thought about. Especially during times of doubt.
We pretty much take it that Leonardo Da Vinci painted this painting...we would even say we KNOW he did.
Do we?
How do we really know that he painted this? Truth is, we don't. We, in a way, take it on faith.
Oh, there's A LOT of circumstantial evidence pointing to the fact he did...there is no 100% proof!
In fact, there is no proof that ANYONE painted this painting.
Sure, it would be hard to believe that the painting JUST HAPPENED...yet, that is what we tend to believe about life.
Because, why, science says so?
What does science say about life?
Almost everything, but how it started, how life was CREATED.
Funny...all that science CAN PROVE...
...it CAN'T PROVE Da Vinci painted "The Last Supper."
Sure, science can tell us what paints were used, what the paints were made of, the canvass, the brushes used, the period of time it was painted, etc...
But science can't tell us WHO painted it.
Now, I may not be able to paint a picture like "The Last Supper"...but I KNOW I can't create life...not with all the practice in the world.
Couldn't the painting just have happened? By accident?
After all it is just a bunch of paint on a canvass that appears to LOOK like the last supper...The Virgin Mary has "appeared" in a grilled cheese sandwich hasn't she?
No...I believe the painting was created. I believe that Da Vinci DID created it too! (Even if because books written by "man" told me so - AND I also LOVE science by the way - and Science Fiction!)
It's when I see paintings, or hear music, or a drawing, or a books...it's THEN that I regain my faith.
If we can create something so simple...something, someone HAD to have created us.
Redecorating...
Well, with this being a "ministry" with a domain name and all: justoneministry.org I think it's time to organize a bit...
Not to fear, this wont get "too" serious!
Hang in there with us as we change and morph.
Thanks!
Not to fear, this wont get "too" serious!
Hang in there with us as we change and morph.
Thanks!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Our purpose; our mission; God's mission...
While we are getting our feet wet here and will, hopefully, grow into something God can use, I view our mission (at it's core, the foundation) is best described in Matthew 22: 37-40 "The Greatest Commandment."
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
We can only, truly love God with all our hearts and souls when we love our neighbors as ourselves.
Jesus was telling us that if we concentrate, worry about, pray upon, meditate on, act upon, etc. These two laws (the Greater Laws) than the others become a moot point.
Such a simple, yet powerful message.
37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
We can only, truly love God with all our hearts and souls when we love our neighbors as ourselves.
Jesus was telling us that if we concentrate, worry about, pray upon, meditate on, act upon, etc. These two laws (the Greater Laws) than the others become a moot point.
Such a simple, yet powerful message.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Just One Ministries....
This has been something that I have prayed over for some time...waiting...stalling you might even say.
For one because something like this, I didn't want to take lightly.
Two, I didn't want this to be something about ME. I wanted it something that God wanted to happen, something that could be used by God for something good.
I told God that I would do it as long as I got a definite "yes." One that even I - as a foot dragger - couldn't mistake.
That came today after a talk with my parents.
So, unceremoniously, we begin Just One Ministries.
For one because something like this, I didn't want to take lightly.
Two, I didn't want this to be something about ME. I wanted it something that God wanted to happen, something that could be used by God for something good.
I told God that I would do it as long as I got a definite "yes." One that even I - as a foot dragger - couldn't mistake.
That came today after a talk with my parents.
So, unceremoniously, we begin Just One Ministries.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
101 Ways to Get your Prayers Answered!
Naw, just kidding...
I’ve never been good with prayers…by that I mean, I’m not sure that I exactly know what I’m doing when I pray.
Sure, I used to ask for stuff: health, safety, etc. for myself and for friends and family.
But that started to feel…I don’t know, silly in a way.
More less, sure I don’t want friends and family to suffer, but I’m also asking for their health and safety for selfish reason as well.
I still do on occasion, but I’ve turned toward a few things with my prayers (such as they are.)
1) Being thankful what I have and have been given. Blessing of all sorts, from health, safety, financial, and of course friends and family!
2) How I can help others, or to use my blessings to bless others.
3) Guidance in various areas that I feel need help.
Then the issue becomes…HOW does one pray.
Kneel?
Close the eyes?
Raise hands in the air?
The best way that I feel I pray is writing it down. Like a letter to God. All other ways don’t give me the same feeling…though I figure God already knows.
Sometimes I just talk to him too…
Then there are times when no prayer seems right, so I pray The Lord’s Prayer, sometimes a few times in a row…
But I think that the problems is: I think it should be harder, more complicated, than it is…no sacrifice is required, no priest, no action, no nothing…God knows my heart, God knows what’s on my mind, what I am seeking, I just need to relax and be…and talk…pray…or write…
I’ve never been good with prayers…by that I mean, I’m not sure that I exactly know what I’m doing when I pray.
Sure, I used to ask for stuff: health, safety, etc. for myself and for friends and family.
But that started to feel…I don’t know, silly in a way.
More less, sure I don’t want friends and family to suffer, but I’m also asking for their health and safety for selfish reason as well.
I still do on occasion, but I’ve turned toward a few things with my prayers (such as they are.)
1) Being thankful what I have and have been given. Blessing of all sorts, from health, safety, financial, and of course friends and family!
2) How I can help others, or to use my blessings to bless others.
3) Guidance in various areas that I feel need help.
Then the issue becomes…HOW does one pray.
Kneel?
Close the eyes?
Raise hands in the air?
The best way that I feel I pray is writing it down. Like a letter to God. All other ways don’t give me the same feeling…though I figure God already knows.
Sometimes I just talk to him too…
Then there are times when no prayer seems right, so I pray The Lord’s Prayer, sometimes a few times in a row…
But I think that the problems is: I think it should be harder, more complicated, than it is…no sacrifice is required, no priest, no action, no nothing…God knows my heart, God knows what’s on my mind, what I am seeking, I just need to relax and be…and talk…pray…or write…
Monday, November 2, 2009
Awaiting an answer...
So, I put something before God…asking for a “Yes” or a “No.”
Of course, the toughest part of this is the waiting…and the waiting…and the waiting…and then hoping that I didn’t miss the answer!
I don’t think I’ve missed it…yet.
We’ll see.
Of course, the toughest part of this is the waiting…and the waiting…and the waiting…and then hoping that I didn’t miss the answer!
I don’t think I’ve missed it…yet.
We’ll see.
Way of the Master: book review...
Way of the Master – book review
Quickly, if you don’t know Way of the Master (Now known as Wretched Radio) it’s the deal that Kirk Cameron made famous by signing onto it – though the brainchild behind it is Ray Comfort. (He kind of lucked out with the name, didn’t he?)
Truly, I thought that I would be…angry and upset at what they were “preaching” but I wasn’t.
Oh, I didn’t agree with everything in the book, I did agree with more than I thought I would.
For one, they too are a concerned about the “health and wealth” preaching that has been going on…at the time this book was published (my copy) was the beginning of Osteen and others rise…though they are never mentioned by name.
They too, believe that to truly understand Christ’s death on the cross, we must understand the Law…I agree there – but from there we separate, as they are part of the “you suck” camp.
By “You suck” I mean that they teach that we are all filthy, rotten, wretched people…in essence “we suck.” Even more, they believe THAT is how God sees us as well.
So, they teach the Law, in how suck we are and then the Grace given to us.
I used to disagree with their methodology, but then as the Better Half pointed out, perhaps some people need to hear THAT message…so, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense…some people need to hear that THEY SUCK…that is what is going to resonate with them.
I have other issues with them, but that might be for another time…one thing that did stick out to me, and I notice this about A LOT of books, was the lack of reference to Satan.
Yeah, I know, one feels weird even saying the name…I do, I like “the enemy” better. Satan sounds soooo…childish.
Oh, they talked about Satan trying to “sabotage” some of their efforts to preach, but not once did they talk about Satan and his trying to sabotage us into sinning (just like he did in the garden.) Sadly, that message escapes the pulpit too.
Anyway, not completely a tough book to read…certainly a thinker. I wouldn’t pay full price for it.
Quickly, if you don’t know Way of the Master (Now known as Wretched Radio) it’s the deal that Kirk Cameron made famous by signing onto it – though the brainchild behind it is Ray Comfort. (He kind of lucked out with the name, didn’t he?)
Truly, I thought that I would be…angry and upset at what they were “preaching” but I wasn’t.
Oh, I didn’t agree with everything in the book, I did agree with more than I thought I would.
For one, they too are a concerned about the “health and wealth” preaching that has been going on…at the time this book was published (my copy) was the beginning of Osteen and others rise…though they are never mentioned by name.
They too, believe that to truly understand Christ’s death on the cross, we must understand the Law…I agree there – but from there we separate, as they are part of the “you suck” camp.
By “You suck” I mean that they teach that we are all filthy, rotten, wretched people…in essence “we suck.” Even more, they believe THAT is how God sees us as well.
So, they teach the Law, in how suck we are and then the Grace given to us.
I used to disagree with their methodology, but then as the Better Half pointed out, perhaps some people need to hear THAT message…so, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense…some people need to hear that THEY SUCK…that is what is going to resonate with them.
I have other issues with them, but that might be for another time…one thing that did stick out to me, and I notice this about A LOT of books, was the lack of reference to Satan.
Yeah, I know, one feels weird even saying the name…I do, I like “the enemy” better. Satan sounds soooo…childish.
Oh, they talked about Satan trying to “sabotage” some of their efforts to preach, but not once did they talk about Satan and his trying to sabotage us into sinning (just like he did in the garden.) Sadly, that message escapes the pulpit too.
Anyway, not completely a tough book to read…certainly a thinker. I wouldn’t pay full price for it.
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