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“The greatest threat to human welfare is not suffering, it is ignorance or, perhaps, apathy–the failure to know and live deeply. Central to that ignorance is a denial of our innately human vulnerability. The opposite of vitality is not suffering, it is numbness, a desolation of the soul in which we are completely isolated, self-centered, and thoroughly deceived by a false sense of self-sufficiency. If we are to lead complete human lives, it is vital that we respect suffering, and recognize its potential to unlock deeper and more interconnected understanding.”
— Richard B. Gunderman, MD, PhD
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Loading ...What if…we have it all wrong? What if there is…
Posted on January 8th, 2010 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Book Reviews, Healing, Love, Spiritual Growth, Vital Signs of Healing, doctrine, marriage.
What if….we have it all wrong? What if there is a God that loves and adores YOU? What if there are angels? What if there is a heaven? What if there is a celebration filled with dancing, rejoicing, singing in heaven? What if there is a celebration right NOW over YOU?
Sally Beth Roe, a character in Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti, becomes a Christian, but Peretti provides us with a glimpse of what is occurring in heaven during the very moment that Sally Roe becomes a Christian. It is a remarkable moment of angels celebrating and the lamb of God embracing her. We have NO idea.
“Above, as if another sun had just risen, the darkness opened, and pure, white rays broke through the treetops, flooding Sally Beth Roe with a heavenly light, shining through to her heart, her innermost spirit, obscuring her form with a blinding fire of holiness. Slowly, without sensation, without sound, she settled forward, her face to the ground, her spirit awash with the presence of God…All around her, like spokes of a wondrous wheel, like beams of light emanating from a sun, angelic blades lay flat upon the ground, their tips turned toward her, their handles extending outward, held in the strong fists of hundreds of noble warriors who knelt in perfect, concentric circles of glory, light, and worship, their heads to the ground, their wings stretching skyward like a flourishing, animated garden of flames. They were silent, their hearts filled with holy dread…As in countless times past, in countless places, with marvelous, inscrutable wonder, the Lamb of God stood among them, the Word of God, and more: the final Word, the end of all discussion and challenge, the Creator and the Truth that holds all creation together–most wondrous of all, and most inscrutable of all, the Savior, a title the angels would always behold and marvel about, but which only mankind could know and understand. He had come to be the Savior of this woman. He knew her by name; and speaking her name, He touched her. And her sins were gone…”-pg 321, Piercing the Darkness by Peretti
Edwin Abbot in his book Flatland shares with us, through parable, mathematics, and physics, the very real possibility of dimensions and realities so very close to us, but we remain unaware of them. What if string theory is true? What if there are dimensions just beyond our reach? What if God and the heavenly realm is all around us, surrounding us, embracing us?
What would it be like to get a glimpse into heaven uninhibited, over joyed, overwhelmed in celebration? Here is a brief video of a wedding that brought laughter and joy to my heart as I imagined….dancing and rejoicing in heaven over US!
Wailing God: God’s Judgment & God’s Love
Posted on October 7th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Evil and Suffering, Sermons, doctrine.
In this Greg Boyd sermon, he explores God’s judgment & God’s love as well as touching on his controversial concept of God’s knowledge vs. our free will. Listen and let us know what you think.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Spiritual Gifts Part 2: 1 Corinthians 14
Posted on October 2nd, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
Mike Erre at Rockharbor discusses in this 2 part series the spiritual gifts and their use and importance in the church (he also addresses the challenging verses within 1 Corinthians 14 concerning women in the church).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Spiritual Gifts Part 1: 1 Corinthians 14
Posted on October 1st, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
Mike Erre’s 1st of 2 sermons on 1 Corinthians 14 that discusses spiritual gifts: uses, are they still ‘open’, etc.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
First Importance Part 2: 1 Corinthians 15
Posted on September 14th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
This is the 2nd of Mike Erre’s sermons on 1 Corinthians 15–a pivotal section of scripture regarding the first importance of the resurrection.
The last part of 1 Corinthians 15 is confusing to our modern reading because we miss the cultural context, and we lack back 1st century knowledge of the Old Testament. Mike does a great job of walking us through the what Paul is saying.
We have to remember that Paul was a famous preacher/communicator so when he said these words to a crowd of 1st century people, they must of understood it as clearly as we understand the newspaper.
Mike ends with a magical time of helping us to picture the grandeur and excitement of heaven. Enjoy!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Bridge Illustration
Posted on September 9th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Sermon Notes, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
I taught the classic Bridge Illustration at Church a few weeks ago. Here are the powerpoint slides that walk you through the process:
The GREAT Adventure, Part 3: Your Story
Posted on September 9th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
What is your story? Join us in this 3rd part of 4 sermons on God’s love and grace.
There is a great website that walks you through the process of creating your story to share: www.5clicks.com
THE UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE
Taking everyday risks to extend the grace of God
THE HOPE THAT IS WITHIN US
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect-1Peter 3:15
WE ALL HAVE A STORY TO SHARE
-Our friends are interested
-Our friends can relate
-It is hard to argue with
PAUL’S GRACE STORY-ACTS 26
9“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth…On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12“On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15“Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ” ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
_________-vv. 9-11
_________-vv. 12-18
_________-vv. 19-23
STORY TIPS
Theme
-The central issue in our lives that shows the_______ in our spiritual outlook before and after knowing Christ.
Middle Handle
-we need to keep it simple, clear, and __________
Conclusion
-End with a question that requires a ____________
Scripture
-Think of one key verse that relates to your story.
Language
-avoid religious clichés and insider language
Length
-Be_________ and to the point
Put others first
-keep focus on your friend
-Emphasize those aspects of your story that will relate
PRAY FOR AN OPEN DOOR
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.-col. 4:3
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The GREAT Adventure, Part 4: The Bridges
Posted on September 9th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
This is the 4th and final part of our sermon series on grace, love, and God.
THE UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE
Taking everyday risks to extend the grace of God
HELPING SPIRITUAL EXPLORES FIND THE GRACE OF GOD
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” -2 Cor. 5:20
REMEMBER THIS IS A ___________ AND NOT AN EVENT
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field-1Corinthians 3:5-9
-Process oriented
-Team based
-Spirit driven
BRIDGE ONE: __________ RELATIONSHIPS
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. -1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
-Genuine
-Grace filled
-Authentic
BRIDGE TWO-THE ______________
1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you…… 3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,-1Cor. 15:1-3
The bridge illustration
THE UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE
3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.-Col. 4:3-6
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
First Importance Part 1: The Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15
Posted on September 5th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
Mike Erre at Rockharbor Church has been doing a series on 1 Corinthians. I have attatched for your listening interest the 1st of his sermons concerning 1 Corinthians 15 which is a pivotal section of Scripture describing the importance of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Mike points out:
- without the resurrection our faith is worthless
- the word used in this passage and throughout the New Testament means trust in something that you know to be true
- 1 Corinthians 15 is a creedal statement dated to approx 36 A.D. (only 3 years after Christ’s death)
- there is substantial historical and testimonial evidence for the resurrection: crucifixion=death, empty tomb=skeptics need to ’show me the body’, appearances=many and so convincing that cowards became martyrs, tranformed lives=Saul to Paul, doubting Thomas, and James the younger brother of Jesus…cumulative evidence–what event best explains all of this? A: The resurrection
- gospel accounts: women first to see Him (only way women would be first witnesses would be that it really happened this way); non embelished, simple accounts (not enough time for legend & very real, down to earth accounts), etc…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The GREAT Adventure, Part 2: God’s Story
Posted on August 25th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
This is the 2nd of 4 parts to a sermon series about grace, adventure, and God’s love. Enjoy!
The Gospel Message
The Unexpected Adventure
Pastor Bucky Dennis
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Romans 1:16-18
- _________________________
- God is _________
“…God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in god, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16b
- God is _________ (absolutely pure)
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:16
- God is _________ (a good judge)
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.” 2 Thessalonians 1:16
- _________________________
- We were created good, but became _________.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
- We deserve _________ (physical & spiritual)
“For the wages of sin is death…”Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:22
- We are spiritually _________ (“morally bankrupt”)
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9
The Gospel Message
The Unexpected Adventure
Pastor Bucky Dennis
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” Romans 1:16-18
- _________________________
- God is _________
“…God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in god, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16b
- God is _________ (absolutely pure)
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:16
- God is _________ (a good judge)
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.” 2 Thessalonians 1:16
- _________________________
- We were created good, but became _________.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
- We deserve _________ (physical & spiritual)
“For the wages of sin is death…”Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:22
- We are spiritually _________ (“morally bankrupt”)
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9
- _________________________
-
- Christ is _________, who also became man.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14; John 8:24
-
- Christ died as our _________.
“He himself bore our signs in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and life for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21
-
- Christ offers us salvation as a _________.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23
- _________________________
-
- You and I must _________.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
-
- We must trust Christ to be our _________
and _________.
“…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
-
- The result is a spiritual _________ by the Holy Spirit.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- _________________________
-
- Christ is _________, who also became man.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1, 14; John 8:24
-
- Christ died as our _________.
“He himself bore our signs in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and life for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21
-
- Christ offers His forgiveness as a _________.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23
- _________________________
-
- You and I must _________.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
-
- We must trust Christ to be our _________
and _________.
“…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
-
- The result is a spiritual _________ by the Holy Spirit.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Man in the Hole: Are all religions the same?
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, doctrine, you tube clips.
The Mercy of God in the Old Testament
Posted on August 12th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Bible Study, Evil and Suffering, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
I continue to search for brief articles pointing out the true God of the O.T. A friend and fellow physician who has an AMAZING website has a GREAT article summarizing key points: 1. God of O.T. is merciful; 2. God of O.T. NEVER killed innocent people 3. God of O.T. ALWAYS asked/pleaded with people to repent.
I have also cut and pasted it for you here:
The Mercy of God as Found in the Old Testament
by Rich Deem
Introduction
Jonah and God’s Mercy
Most Christians know Jonah as the reluctant prophet who was swallowed by a whale in order for God to convince him to go to Nineveh. Atheists often get caught up in the whale part of the story, not realizing that the story reveals that the ancients believed that God was merciful, although, at time, they often wished He hadn’t been.
Rich Deem
According to Richard Dawkins, Yahweh, the God of the Bible, is “jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.”1 Absent from any of Dawkins’ description of God is His mercy. People tend to think of the God of the Old Testament as cruel and unforgiving, whereas the God of the New Testament is seen as the God of mercy, who sent Jesus to atone for the sins of the world. The Old Testament prophets were always warning the people about the wrath of God should they stray from the path of righteousness. However, what is usually ignored by atheists is God’s mercy for those who did repent of doing evil. Yes, God judged many people groups, but not before warning them.
Jonah and God’s mercy?
For those of you who only remember the whale part of Jonah’s story, here is a brief synopsis to get you a better background about Jonah. God called Jonah to travel to the city of Nineveh to warn them about their impending judgment, because of their wickedness.2 Jonah had different ideas, and attempted to flee from God by paying for passage on a foreign ship.3 However, God was not amused and sent a violent storm.4 The sailors were terrified and eventually figured out that Jonah was the cause of their endangerment, which he eventually admitted to them.5 Jonah was thrown overboard and God directed a great fish (or whale – the Hebrew is not that specific) to swallow Jonah and take him to the shore.6 Once expelled from the whale, Jonah decided to do what God had originally requested and travelled to Nineveh to preach repentance from their evil.7
A number of Christians assume Jonah was reluctant to go to Nineveh because they were known for their cruelty, and he feared for his life. However, the account gives a different reason why Jonah did not want to go. Jonah actually wanted God to judge the city of Nineveh and kill all their inhabitants. He was disappointed that the king and the people repented of their evil and were spared from God’s judgment.8 In fact, Jonah was so angry with God that he asked God to kill him.9 After that conversation, Jonah left the city and sat outside of it hoping that God would still destroy the city.10 God caused a plant to grow overnight to give Jonah shade during his watch, but then caused the death of the plant the next day. Jonah was furious about the plant.11 God pointed out that Jonah’s priorities were completely messed up, since he was more concerned about a plant that gave him shade than the fate of 120,000 souls in Nineveh:
Then the LORD said, “You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight. Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?” (Jonah 4:10-11)
So, it was clear to Jonah that God was merciful and He would reconsider His judgment of evil if the people repented.12 Since Jonah wanted no part in God’s mercy, he tried to avoid following God’s instructions to warn the people.
Did God warn others?
Atheists would like you to believe that the God of the Old Testament just randomly killed people for no good reason and without warning. It turns out that atheists often don’t present the entire stories about God’s judgment. For example, in the greatest story of judgment, God sent a flood to kill all humanity except Noah and his family. However, Noah preached to the people of the coming judgment during the 100 years he was building the ark.13 In another famous example, God destroyed the cites of Sodom and Gomorrah, because of their evil. In fact, all the men of Sodom (including both young and old) attempted to rape the two angels who came to warn Lot of the impending judgment.14 Although warned,15 the men attempted to harm Lot, but were prevented when the angels caused them all to become blind.16 In many lesser known stories, God warned the people prior to executing judgment. Some of these warnings were heeded17 and others not,18 with the expected consequences. God’s own people were often recipients of God’s judgment, when they refused to heed His warnings.19 Here is a short list from the writings of the prophets:
| Prophet | Warning to | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah | Judah | Judgment |
| Jeremiah | Judah | Judgment |
| Lamentations | Jerusalem | Judgment |
| Ezekiel | Jerusalem, Tyre, Egypt | Captivity in Babylon |
| Hosea | Israel | Judgment |
| Joel | Tyre, Sidon, Philistia | Judgment |
| Amos | Israel | Judgment |
| Obadiah | Edom | Judgment |
| Jonah | Nineveh | Repentance |
| Micah | Israel | Judgment |
| Nahum | Nineveh | Judgment |
| Habakkuk | Judah | Judgment |
| Zephaniah | Judah | Judgment |
| Zechariah | Tyre, and other cities | Judgment |
It is a well known principle that God regularly warned people of impending judgment and He personally indicated that He would relent if they changed their ways.12 So, the atheists’ idea that God killed people without warning is false.
Does God kill the innocent?
Did God kill any innocent people along with the evil ones? In the two most famous examples of God’s judgment discussed above, the text clearly says that all the people God killed were evil.20 When God was about to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham asked God if He would destroy the cities if there were 50 righteous people in them.21 God said no. Then Abraham asked the same question if there were 45 righteous people. Every time he dropped the number and got the same answer. The fact is that God would not have destroyed those cities if there were any righteous people in them. The few righteous who were in those cities He warned ahead of time to get out.22 In another example, Abimelech, king of Gerar, took Abraham’s wife because he lied saying that she was his sister.23 However, God prevented Abimelech from sleeping with her and warned him in a dream. Abimelech heeded God’s warning and was spared from death.23 Eliphaz the Temanite, in his discussions with Job, acknowledged that God did not judge the innocent with the guilty, but that those who act sinfully will incur God’s judgment.24 So, God does not destroy the righteous along with the evil.
Conclusion 
In numerous instances, atheists cite the Old Testament for examples of where God killed “innocent” people. However, the texts show that the innocent are not judged, but only the guilty. In addition, virtually always, the guilty individuals were warned ahead of time about their sin. Jonah is often known as the reluctant prophet, although the reason for his hesitation was not due to the cruelty of Nineveh, but because he feared its people might repent and God might spare them. Jonah wanted God to kill all the people of Nineveh, but feared His mercy. So, Christians are not the only people who often seem to want to see God judge people for their evil, rather than praying for their reconciliation with God. Jonah reveals that God was known for His mercy even in Old Testament times. Even though God is merciful, His mercy extends only to those who heed His words of warning. There is no toleration for evil in God’s kingdom, so those who insist on testing God’s resolve toward sin will find themselves judged, and incarcerated in God’s jail.
Jesus Versus Jehovah: Understanding the Violent God of the Old Testament in Light of the God of the Cross
Posted on July 29th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Bible Study, Evil and Suffering, doctrine.
I have had several posts regarding God of OT vs. God of NT issues (post #1, post #2, Post #3). Here is a recent post from Greg Boyd’s blog on this issue (it sounds like he is going to write a book on the topic).
Do Miracles Really Happen?
Posted on July 13th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Bible Study, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
A guest speaker at Rockharbor shares his thoughts on the book of Acts, the early church, and it’s emphasis on the miraculous.
I am continually challenged to wake up and open my eyes to the reality of the miraculous. What are your thoughts?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Imagine: Using our Minds and Imaginations to Grow Closer to God Part 2
Posted on June 24th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Book Reviews, Evil and Suffering, Healing, Prayer List, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, Vital Signs of Healing, doctrine.
Enjoy sermon #6 in the Animate Series by Greg Boyd
Here is an excellent book that helps with prayer life and using imaginitive exercises to grow closer to God:
Animate Sermon Series by Boyd (This is the link to notes on the Series)
Celebration of Disciplines by Foster (This is an AMAZING book on spiritual disciplines. It is filled with GREAT quotes from Christian disciples and with practical ways to grow deeper with Christ. It is a How To on prayer, Bible study, fasting, etc. Below is an excerpt from the book.)
mediation exercise: “The following is a brief exercise to aid you in “re-collection” that is simply called “palms down, palms up.” Begin by placing your palms down as a symbolic indication of your desire to turn over any concerns you may have to God. Inwardly you may pray, “Lord, I give to you my anger toward John. I release my fear of my dentist appointment this morning. I surrender my anxiety over not having enough money to pay the bills this month. I release my frustration over trying to find a baby-sitter for tonight.” Whatever it is that weighs on your mind or is a concern to you, just say, “palms down.” Release it. You may even feel a certain sense of release in your hands. After several moments of surrender, turn your palms up as a symbol of your desire to receive from the Lord. Perhaps you will pray silently: “Lord, I would like to receive your divine love for John, your peace about the dentist appointment, your patience, your joy.” Whatever you need, you say, “palms up.” Having centered down, spend the remaining moments in complete silence. Do not ask for anything. Allow the Lord to commune with you, to love you.”-Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Finally I end with a quote from Francisco whose devotion, passion, and focused imagery inspires and transforms our often lifeless faith. Try starting your day with Jesus WAITING for YOU to take each day as a unique adventure!
“When I wake up every morning, Jesus is waiting for me.”-Francisco
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Imagine: Using our Minds & Imaginations to grow closer to God Part 1
Posted on June 24th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Book Reviews, Evil and Suffering, Healing, Prayer List, Sermon Notes, Spiritual Growth, Vital Signs of Healing, doctrine.
I have placed 1 of the 8 sermon series on this post because it is so important for Christians in the U.S. to come back to the early church practices of prayer, meditation, and using ALL of our sense and especially using our imagination/minds.
As a western physician, my brain is entirely left without a right. The use of imagery in prayer and in our walk with Him could transform our faith if we took the time to practice these exercises.
As a former atheist, I am quick to put distance between myself and God when life is going smoothly and to be filled with doubt when life is going rough. These sermons inspire and challenge all of us to use our minds/imaginations to grow closer to Him.
Animate Sermon Series by Boyd (This is the link to notes on the Series)
As always share with us your thoughts.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Is there really a satan? PART 3
Posted on June 7th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Bible Study, Evil and Suffering, Sermon Notes, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
Is there really a satan? PART 2
Posted on June 5th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Evil and Suffering, Sermon Notes, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
- The reality of the demonic: a podcast from a missionary in the middle east
- The reality of the demonic (part 2) by same missionary
- Here is a brief story of the demonic from the same missionary
I have also come across some stories from my friend Mike Erre. In his book about the Kingdom: Death by Church, he points out that we must shift our understanding of the kingdom, the Bible et al by taking a warfare worldview–the world is truly at war between evil and good.
I know Mike to be very analytical and ‘western’ in his mindset. So when Mike shares his personal experiences with the demonic on pages 104-106 of his book, I know that these stories are true, accurate, and VERY real. I remain a healthy (or unhealthy?) skeptic without my own personal experiences with the demonic although I am thankful, and I have had several unexplainable experiences with the angelic and likely the demonic (without knowing it! which is the problem–it happens all the time, all around us but we have been duped into disbelief).
What are your thoughts on this subject? Please leave comments.
Is there REALLY a satan? PART 1
Posted on June 5th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Bible Study, Evil and Suffering, Sermons, Spiritual Growth, doctrine.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Book Club
Posted on June 4th, 2009 by uberlumen.
Categories: Apologetics, Book Reviews, doctrine.
A few of us took a book club organized by one of my mentors. It was 6 Christian classics each year with audio commentaries. It was AMAZING. For those of you who have asked about the books, here is the list. They are ALL worth reading but I have put my summary opinion. (*=good read; **=must read) Anyone have any other opinions who have read these books please share with us by leaving a comment below:
Year #1
Confessions by Augustine
Of the Imitation of Christ by Kempis**
Here I Stand by Bainton*
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by Bunyan
Purity of Heart by Kierkegaard*
The Screwtape Letters by Lewis*
Year #2
Reading the Scripture with the Church Fathers by Hall*
How the Irish Saved Civilization by Cahill*
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs*
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Burroughs
Holiness by Ryle**
How Should We Then Live? by Schaeffer