Read Acts Chapter 12.
Who is Rhoda? I don't know about you, but that name did not ring a bell in my scriptural repertoire. Only after reading the reference in the story from Sweet, I was then able to realize the faith and the "littleness" of Rhoda, and the impact her faith had on others.
What a powerful quote from Sweet, "It took a child to point out to them the reality of answered prayer." Have you ever been righted or the truth revealed by a child? What was the circumstance and what did you learn? Did it make it more real to you?
Sweet encourages us to find a "Rhoda", someone like a child who has a childlike faith that trusts God as the One in charge - not necessarily understanding, but loving or honoring Him.
Sweet acknowledges the power of stories in this chapter, and many other chapters. He emphasizes that we all need stories to function and live. Children especially need stories to help give their lives stability and reason. Remembering stories is one way that we can reconnect ourselves to our childhood, reconnect ourselves to our own internal Rhoda. When was the last time you enjoyed reading a story? When is the last time you got caught up in a story? How did it make you feel?
A Few Attributes of Rhodas - Rhoda Disciplines:
(1) Rhodas Keep You Snug - they unite our daydreams and our night dreams into one, helping us realize that God is at work in our lives - listen to your heart and dream dreams. When was the last time you lived a dream?
(2) Rhodas Keep You Scared - they help you master your fears, but also acknowledge them at the same time - it is not all a Thomas Kinkade picture!
(3) Rhodas Keep You Small - they help us realize that meaning and significance are in the small things, not just the large; they also emphasize that we can live large loving little - they also challenge us to ask questions. When was the last time that you asked a question, not assuming you knew the answer?
(4) Rhodas Keep You Light - they remind us of novelty and surprise. "Gravity is an adult disease that leads to the grave." What do you think about this quote? Are you a realist or an idealist?
(5) Rhodas Keep You Alive - they help us realize that everything around us is alive - we need to live more in the present, not just the past or future.
A Few Questions to Help us Understand and Find Our Rhoda...
Is anyone ever too old to hold a stranger in his or her arms or heart?
What were some of the make believe games you played as a child? Can you identify some of the life skills you were learning while you were making believe?
Does play always need to be "productive play"? Or is "sheer pleasure" a life skill that we need to learn?
Are you willing to do little? Is the little beneath you? Are you too big to do small? Children help us see the mustard-seed meaning of life. What does this mean to you?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Withness 8: Who's Your Zacchaeus? You Need a Reject
We live in a world of differences. Despite what society attempts to do us as it seeks to mold and "cookie cutter" us into the ideal person, we are all created differently - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. These differences make us unique, but often times when these differences are extreme, "others" begin to look at us in a different way. Maybe we try to get their attention by the things we say or the things we do. Maybe we try to avoid the attention by trying to hide. Whatever the case, we are who we are - no matter what we do.
That is the world that Zacchaeus lived in. Like Sweet, I grew up learning the song about Zacchaeus being a "wee little man" and how he climbed up in the sycamore tree to try to see Jesus. But I often think we fail to realize what drove Zacchaeus there in the first place - he was a reject of society. Why? Zacchaeus wasn't a reject because of his height (however I am sure he probably was a sight since he is described as a "wee little man" for centuries later), but because of who he was and what he had become. The lowest of the low in the eye of the people - not just tax collector, but the chief tax collection. Not just the chief tax collector, but the cheating chief tax collector.
So why do we need a Zacchaeus in our lives?
Unlike any other of the 11 relationships that Sweet identifies, your Zacchaeus first requires something from you (not someone having something to give).
So who is a Zacchaeus? Sweet identifies five characteristics that help us ask questions of ourselves:
(1) Zaccheaus is someone up a tree. Do you know someone who is trully messed up, an outsider? How have you developed a relationship with this person?
(2) Zacchaeus is a one-of-a-kind, an iconoclast. Do you know someone who challenges you to think outside the box about who you are, what you do, or what you believe? Does this person challenge your faith - is it authentic or copy cat?
(3) Zacchaeus is "out there". Usually these people are not found in church, because they know they can't "fit in" to church culture. Do you know someone who is very spiritual but does not attend church? How does this person challenge your faith?
(4) Zacchaeus is Trouble. Do you know someone who is always getting in trouble, or rubbing people the wrong way? Does this person rub you the wrong way? How does this challenge you?
(5) Zacchaeus is inefficient. Boy this really got to me! Sweet argues that sometime we need to be inefficient in our lives, and our Zacchaeus will challenge us or keep us up to it. Do you have someone in your life who makes you get out of your set ways? How does this challenge your faith?
Put them all together and you have your Zacchaeus.
Sweet makes some very challenging statements about the church - one that should cause us to think and question.
"The Christian church is too "in here" and not enough "out there". What do you think Sweet meant by this statement? How does this apply to your church setting?
"Jesus had a ready eye to eat and spend the night with the village fools and outcasts wherever they were found...For Jesus it wasn't a sacrifice to do this - it was a passion. Even a pleasure." When was the last time you as a Christian spent some time with a social outcast? Does your church do better at identifiying the outcasts, or creating relationships with the outcasts?
"I have written elsewhere of authentic Christianity as GOOD religioun where GOOD is an acroynym for Get-Out-Of-Doors. How BAD (Behind-A-Door) is your church? How might you make it GOOD again?"
"How early should we encourage our kids to include Zacchaeuses in their network of friends? How would you encourage your kids to find their inner Zacchaeus?"
That is the world that Zacchaeus lived in. Like Sweet, I grew up learning the song about Zacchaeus being a "wee little man" and how he climbed up in the sycamore tree to try to see Jesus. But I often think we fail to realize what drove Zacchaeus there in the first place - he was a reject of society. Why? Zacchaeus wasn't a reject because of his height (however I am sure he probably was a sight since he is described as a "wee little man" for centuries later), but because of who he was and what he had become. The lowest of the low in the eye of the people - not just tax collector, but the chief tax collection. Not just the chief tax collector, but the cheating chief tax collector.
So why do we need a Zacchaeus in our lives?
Unlike any other of the 11 relationships that Sweet identifies, your Zacchaeus first requires something from you (not someone having something to give).
So who is a Zacchaeus? Sweet identifies five characteristics that help us ask questions of ourselves:
(1) Zaccheaus is someone up a tree. Do you know someone who is trully messed up, an outsider? How have you developed a relationship with this person?
(2) Zacchaeus is a one-of-a-kind, an iconoclast. Do you know someone who challenges you to think outside the box about who you are, what you do, or what you believe? Does this person challenge your faith - is it authentic or copy cat?
(3) Zacchaeus is "out there". Usually these people are not found in church, because they know they can't "fit in" to church culture. Do you know someone who is very spiritual but does not attend church? How does this person challenge your faith?
(4) Zacchaeus is Trouble. Do you know someone who is always getting in trouble, or rubbing people the wrong way? Does this person rub you the wrong way? How does this challenge you?
(5) Zacchaeus is inefficient. Boy this really got to me! Sweet argues that sometime we need to be inefficient in our lives, and our Zacchaeus will challenge us or keep us up to it. Do you have someone in your life who makes you get out of your set ways? How does this challenge your faith?
Put them all together and you have your Zacchaeus.
Sweet makes some very challenging statements about the church - one that should cause us to think and question.
"The Christian church is too "in here" and not enough "out there". What do you think Sweet meant by this statement? How does this apply to your church setting?
"Jesus had a ready eye to eat and spend the night with the village fools and outcasts wherever they were found...For Jesus it wasn't a sacrifice to do this - it was a passion. Even a pleasure." When was the last time you as a Christian spent some time with a social outcast? Does your church do better at identifiying the outcasts, or creating relationships with the outcasts?
"I have written elsewhere of authentic Christianity as GOOD religioun where GOOD is an acroynym for Get-Out-Of-Doors. How BAD (Behind-A-Door) is your church? How might you make it GOOD again?"
"How early should we encourage our kids to include Zacchaeuses in their network of friends? How would you encourage your kids to find their inner Zacchaeus?"
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Withness 7: Who's Your Deborah? You Need a Back-Coverer
Read Judges 4-5.
I've never been a big fan of horror movies. I just am not someone who enjoys sitting down for 2 hours for no other purpose than to get scared half to death. However, the few I have seen have left me with this impression: people in horror movies are stupid. There's some homicidal maniac on the loose, so why don't I walk down this dark hallway all by myself? It's like they expect the enemy to just come walking straight toward them, visible from a mile away.
Don't they know that the enemy tends to always surprise us from our blind spot?
When Deborah, the Israelite judge, tells Barak that God is commanding him to lead the Israelites into battle against the Cannaanites, Barak says, "If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." Plain and simple: I don't want to walk this dark hallway by myself; I will feel much safer if you are with me.
Barak knew what the people in these horror movies don't ever seem to know: it is not good for us to be alone (didn't God say something about that?), we need people who we can trust to watch our backs. We need Deborahs.
In this chapter, Sweet seems to take a pretty critical stance on Christians and the church. He writes, "In the Bible, Deborah covered Barak's back so he could fight against the armies of the Canaanites; unfortunately, Deborahs today often cover your back so you can fend off the armies of the churches. This should not be so." What is your response to Sweet's observation? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What role does a Deborah play when we are dealing with attacks from fellow Christians?
Sweet goes on say, "The ultimate betrayal is when the back-guard becomes the back-stabber. Look around you at your circle of friends. You can be certain of one thing: One of them will betray you. You say, 'No, certainly not! Not my friends.' I say, 'Are you better than Jesus?'" What does it feel like to have someone you see as a Deborah become a Judas?
Jesus was prepared for Judas to betray him. In fact, he was ready to be betrayed by all of his disciples. Mark 14:27-28 says, "And Jesus said to them, 'You will all become deserters; ... But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." What do you learn from Jesus about how to deal with betrayal?
What qualities do you think are important for someone who is a Deborah, a back-protector?
Sweet writes, "Some people have a holy spirit, and the presence of that holy spirit in your life is enough to be your Deborah." Have you ever known anyone with this kind of spirit? Tell their story and their impact in your life as a Deborah.
Who are the people that God needs you to be a Deborah for? I think there are a lot of folks who feel like they are walking down a dark hallway all alone, dreading when that big monster is going to jump out and consume them. They don't know from what direction the hurt or pain is coming, they just know it is coming and they don't think they have anyone helping them. Maybe it is time for you and I to start blanketing that person with prayer and doing what we can to watch their back.
I've never been a big fan of horror movies. I just am not someone who enjoys sitting down for 2 hours for no other purpose than to get scared half to death. However, the few I have seen have left me with this impression: people in horror movies are stupid. There's some homicidal maniac on the loose, so why don't I walk down this dark hallway all by myself? It's like they expect the enemy to just come walking straight toward them, visible from a mile away.
Don't they know that the enemy tends to always surprise us from our blind spot?
When Deborah, the Israelite judge, tells Barak that God is commanding him to lead the Israelites into battle against the Cannaanites, Barak says, "If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." Plain and simple: I don't want to walk this dark hallway by myself; I will feel much safer if you are with me.
Barak knew what the people in these horror movies don't ever seem to know: it is not good for us to be alone (didn't God say something about that?), we need people who we can trust to watch our backs. We need Deborahs.
In this chapter, Sweet seems to take a pretty critical stance on Christians and the church. He writes, "In the Bible, Deborah covered Barak's back so he could fight against the armies of the Canaanites; unfortunately, Deborahs today often cover your back so you can fend off the armies of the churches. This should not be so." What is your response to Sweet's observation? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What role does a Deborah play when we are dealing with attacks from fellow Christians?
Sweet goes on say, "The ultimate betrayal is when the back-guard becomes the back-stabber. Look around you at your circle of friends. You can be certain of one thing: One of them will betray you. You say, 'No, certainly not! Not my friends.' I say, 'Are you better than Jesus?'" What does it feel like to have someone you see as a Deborah become a Judas?
Jesus was prepared for Judas to betray him. In fact, he was ready to be betrayed by all of his disciples. Mark 14:27-28 says, "And Jesus said to them, 'You will all become deserters; ... But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." What do you learn from Jesus about how to deal with betrayal?
What qualities do you think are important for someone who is a Deborah, a back-protector?
Sweet writes, "Some people have a holy spirit, and the presence of that holy spirit in your life is enough to be your Deborah." Have you ever known anyone with this kind of spirit? Tell their story and their impact in your life as a Deborah.
Who are the people that God needs you to be a Deborah for? I think there are a lot of folks who feel like they are walking down a dark hallway all alone, dreading when that big monster is going to jump out and consume them. They don't know from what direction the hurt or pain is coming, they just know it is coming and they don't think they have anyone helping them. Maybe it is time for you and I to start blanketing that person with prayer and doing what we can to watch their back.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Withness 6 - Who's Your Peter/Paul? - You Need a Yoda
Read John 13:1-11; John 18:15-18, 25-27; John 21:15-19; Acts 4:5-13.
Read Acts 7:54-8:3; Acts 9:1-31; Acts 13:1-3.
Peter struggled to understand Jesus' teaching and would go on to deny knowing him. Paul led a severe persecution of the early Christians. So begins the stories of two men who would go on to become the two prominent leaders of the early church.
Remember watching the original Star Wars movies? Obi Wan Kenobi was the wise old Jedi who guides Luke Skywalker in learning the ways of the force. He seems the perfect mentor. Then the new Star Wars movies came out, and we see that Obi Wan was not always the wise mentor, but he was also the impetuous student who made mistakes. He was not born a great mentor and teacher, he had to learn.
Sweet in his book says, "There is always someone wiser than you .... Sometimes Peter and Paul need to sit at the feet of Timothy."
How do Peter & Paul's stories reflect the truth of this observation? Does being a mentor to someone mean that you have "perfect knowledge"? Why is it important to, in Sweet's words, "... learn apprenticeship before we can offer mentorship"?
Sweet offers some points to consider in choosing a Yoda, a mentor, in your life:
1) Watch how they treat their spouse.
2) Are the walls of their study permeable to their kids?
3) Do they spend time reading and reviewing, blurbing and blogging other people's books and manuscripts, or do they consider themselves too famous for that?
4) Humility - sees themself as always a student and will not allow the student to withhold wisdom from the teacher.
5) Honesty - willing to share their secrets, but willing to tell you the truth, even rebuke you
6) Honor - someone who has earned praise
What do you think of this list? Are there other things you might add?
How do Peter and/or Paul meet the qualifications of this list or the qualifications that you added?
All teachers make mistakes. In the questions at the end of the chapter, Sweet shares examples of teachers and experts who made mistakes, and then asks if you can come up with your own examples. Can you? How does a good mentor respond to their mistakes?
Read Acts 7:54-8:3; Acts 9:1-31; Acts 13:1-3.
Peter struggled to understand Jesus' teaching and would go on to deny knowing him. Paul led a severe persecution of the early Christians. So begins the stories of two men who would go on to become the two prominent leaders of the early church.
Remember watching the original Star Wars movies? Obi Wan Kenobi was the wise old Jedi who guides Luke Skywalker in learning the ways of the force. He seems the perfect mentor. Then the new Star Wars movies came out, and we see that Obi Wan was not always the wise mentor, but he was also the impetuous student who made mistakes. He was not born a great mentor and teacher, he had to learn.
Sweet in his book says, "There is always someone wiser than you .... Sometimes Peter and Paul need to sit at the feet of Timothy."
How do Peter & Paul's stories reflect the truth of this observation? Does being a mentor to someone mean that you have "perfect knowledge"? Why is it important to, in Sweet's words, "... learn apprenticeship before we can offer mentorship"?
Sweet offers some points to consider in choosing a Yoda, a mentor, in your life:
1) Watch how they treat their spouse.
2) Are the walls of their study permeable to their kids?
3) Do they spend time reading and reviewing, blurbing and blogging other people's books and manuscripts, or do they consider themselves too famous for that?
4) Humility - sees themself as always a student and will not allow the student to withhold wisdom from the teacher.
5) Honesty - willing to share their secrets, but willing to tell you the truth, even rebuke you
6) Honor - someone who has earned praise
What do you think of this list? Are there other things you might add?
How do Peter and/or Paul meet the qualifications of this list or the qualifications that you added?
All teachers make mistakes. In the questions at the end of the chapter, Sweet shares examples of teachers and experts who made mistakes, and then asks if you can come up with your own examples. Can you? How does a good mentor respond to their mistakes?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Withness 5: Who's Your Barnabas - You Need an Encourager
There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means 'son of encouragement'). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:36-37
Why would Barnabas' act be an act of encouragement?
Read Acts 9:26-27 and Acts 11:22-26
What forms of encouragement are described in these verses?
Why do you think Barnabas' ministry of encouragement was so important for the early church? For Paul?
Why is the ministry of encouragement still important today for you as a believer? For the church?
Read Acts 15:36-41. This no doubt represented a very painful time in Paul & Barnabas' ministry. Yet we still see the "son of encouragement" doing his thing, taking John Mark, who had disappointed in the past, and giving him another opportunity to move into the mission field.
Does it surprise you that Paul & Barnabas parted ways over a disagreement? What are the possible negative implications of what happened? Read Acts 16. What positive comes out of their disagreement?
Leonard Sweet points out that the word encouragement comes from the French word for "heart". Encouragement means to put "heart" into someone. Sweet asks, "What can we fill our hearts with that will allow them to stretch toward God's beauty and blessings?"
Why would Barnabas' act be an act of encouragement?
Read Acts 9:26-27 and Acts 11:22-26
What forms of encouragement are described in these verses?
Why do you think Barnabas' ministry of encouragement was so important for the early church? For Paul?
Why is the ministry of encouragement still important today for you as a believer? For the church?
Read Acts 15:36-41. This no doubt represented a very painful time in Paul & Barnabas' ministry. Yet we still see the "son of encouragement" doing his thing, taking John Mark, who had disappointed in the past, and giving him another opportunity to move into the mission field.
Does it surprise you that Paul & Barnabas parted ways over a disagreement? What are the possible negative implications of what happened? Read Acts 16. What positive comes out of their disagreement?
Leonard Sweet points out that the word encouragement comes from the French word for "heart". Encouragement means to put "heart" into someone. Sweet asks, "What can we fill our hearts with that will allow them to stretch toward God's beauty and blessings?"
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Withness 4: Who's Your Timothy? You Need a Protege
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8.
As a minister, I find myself on many occasions walking with friends and church members through the painful valley of death when a loved one passes away. I am always amazed at how much an individual and family has to deal with at a time like this. Not only is there the pure pain of the loss, there is the mountain of decisions that need to be made and paper work to be filled out to insure that the questions of what is to happen to the person's estate are answered. We usually group these issues under the general heading of "getting their affairs in order". I think it is truly a blessing when an individual has had the foresight to make as many preparations as possible so that their family is not swamped by these issues or, worse, left to battle it out in a guessing game of what the deceased's wishes truly were. Unfortunately, a lot of folks are not comfortable thinking ahead to their own demise, and so they leave these issues unsettled.
I think that is why I find this chapter in Sweet's book an exciting and challenging chapter all at the same time. Sweet proposes that we need a protege, someone who is our apprentice, someone who will be an heir not to our possessions but to our life and soul. Having been a Timothy several times over, it is exciting to think that God might use me to mentor another Timothy. However, at the same time, to accept that reality is to accept the reality that I will not always be. My time is limited. I think part of finding a Timothy means learning to say and think like Paul: "I am already being poured out as a libation and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Sweet speaks of the importance of Shunammitism: "the cultivation of leadership by the old in the young through the hospitality of teaching, mentoring, and deploying." Do you think this happens in our culture today? In our church? What benefits come from these types of relationships? What are the challenges to these types of relationships?
Sweet says: "It is not just that you can get a lot more done if you have heirs, but that sometimes you can't even do what God is calling you to do without heirs." Do you agree? Why or why not?
Sweet points out that two keys to a mentoring relationship are abiding in the presence of the mentor and listening to the mentor. These seem to be two rare commodities in society today: presence and listening. What challenge does this bring to the church? How can the church respond?
Sweet says: "... most Timothys want to be clones, not heirs." What is the difference?
In Matthew 5:47, Jesus asks of his disciples, "And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?" Sweet poses this question to each of us. "What more are we doing?" This question raises the issue of what do we mean by more. Is more "better" or is more "different"? How do you hear Jesus' question? Why is this an important issue as we think about the Timothys in our lives?
Some questions from the end of Sweet's chapter that I thought were noteworthy:
Saint Benedict, in his Rules, says a couple of times that 'the young should respect their elders, and the elders should love their juniors.' Which group do you think has the harder task?
Do you think Timothys need rites of intiation? How much of youth's experimentation with high-risk behaviors is an attempt at self-initiation? What are some of those high-risk behaviors?
As a minister, I find myself on many occasions walking with friends and church members through the painful valley of death when a loved one passes away. I am always amazed at how much an individual and family has to deal with at a time like this. Not only is there the pure pain of the loss, there is the mountain of decisions that need to be made and paper work to be filled out to insure that the questions of what is to happen to the person's estate are answered. We usually group these issues under the general heading of "getting their affairs in order". I think it is truly a blessing when an individual has had the foresight to make as many preparations as possible so that their family is not swamped by these issues or, worse, left to battle it out in a guessing game of what the deceased's wishes truly were. Unfortunately, a lot of folks are not comfortable thinking ahead to their own demise, and so they leave these issues unsettled.
I think that is why I find this chapter in Sweet's book an exciting and challenging chapter all at the same time. Sweet proposes that we need a protege, someone who is our apprentice, someone who will be an heir not to our possessions but to our life and soul. Having been a Timothy several times over, it is exciting to think that God might use me to mentor another Timothy. However, at the same time, to accept that reality is to accept the reality that I will not always be. My time is limited. I think part of finding a Timothy means learning to say and think like Paul: "I am already being poured out as a libation and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Sweet speaks of the importance of Shunammitism: "the cultivation of leadership by the old in the young through the hospitality of teaching, mentoring, and deploying." Do you think this happens in our culture today? In our church? What benefits come from these types of relationships? What are the challenges to these types of relationships?
Sweet says: "It is not just that you can get a lot more done if you have heirs, but that sometimes you can't even do what God is calling you to do without heirs." Do you agree? Why or why not?
Sweet points out that two keys to a mentoring relationship are abiding in the presence of the mentor and listening to the mentor. These seem to be two rare commodities in society today: presence and listening. What challenge does this bring to the church? How can the church respond?
Sweet says: "... most Timothys want to be clones, not heirs." What is the difference?
In Matthew 5:47, Jesus asks of his disciples, "And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?" Sweet poses this question to each of us. "What more are we doing?" This question raises the issue of what do we mean by more. Is more "better" or is more "different"? How do you hear Jesus' question? Why is this an important issue as we think about the Timothys in our lives?
Some questions from the end of Sweet's chapter that I thought were noteworthy:
Saint Benedict, in his Rules, says a couple of times that 'the young should respect their elders, and the elders should love their juniors.' Which group do you think has the harder task?
Do you think Timothys need rites of intiation? How much of youth's experimentation with high-risk behaviors is an attempt at self-initiation? What are some of those high-risk behaviors?
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Withness 3: Who's Your Jethro? You Need a Butt-Kicker
Read Exodus 4:18 and Exodus 18.
There are times where you just want to stay in bed. The covers feel good, you are nice and cozy. Sure, there may be things that need to be done that day. Important things even. But is just so much easier, so much more comfortable to stay right where you are.
Of course, there are other times and places besides the morning "get out of bed" drill that we can feel that way. There are times in our lives when it is just easier to keep on the way we are. In those moments, we need someone to be our Jethro. Sweet says of him, "Jethro kicked Moses' butt out of the tent and into the mission God had given him."
When Jethro sends Moses back to Egypt, most translations translate Jethro's words as "Go in peace." However, Sweet argues that the more literal translation of the Hebrew is "go to peace." Sweet distinguishes between "going in peace" (resting in wholeness, as in death) and "going to peace" (making the best use of whatever life remains). How would you explain the difference between "going to peace" and "going in peace"?
Dante said, "In His will is our peace". Looking at the stories from Exodus about Jethro, how does Jethro help Moses fulfill God's will? What peace comes from this?
Jethro was not himself an Israelite, yet he fulfills an important role in Moses' answer of God's call. One of the reasons I went to Duke for seminary rather than a clearly Baptist school was because I wanted to be exposed to other forms of Christianity so that I could better understand why I thought and practiced the way I did. Do you think that God can use other faiths and cultures to help our understanding of our own faith? Why or why not?
Sweet writes, " If life matters, you have to give your life to mattering." Share your responses to this statement.
What have been some of the spiritual turning points of your life? Who were the people who were part of that experience? Can you see any of them as a Jethro?
The important thing I see about Jethro is that he is not a taskmaster. Some "butt-kickers" take an attitude of driving people against their will. God's whole purpose was to deliver Moses and Israel from taskmasters. Moses didn't need a taskmaster to force him down the path. He needed a Jethro to help him see the way God was opening to him.
There are times where you just want to stay in bed. The covers feel good, you are nice and cozy. Sure, there may be things that need to be done that day. Important things even. But is just so much easier, so much more comfortable to stay right where you are.
Of course, there are other times and places besides the morning "get out of bed" drill that we can feel that way. There are times in our lives when it is just easier to keep on the way we are. In those moments, we need someone to be our Jethro. Sweet says of him, "Jethro kicked Moses' butt out of the tent and into the mission God had given him."
When Jethro sends Moses back to Egypt, most translations translate Jethro's words as "Go in peace." However, Sweet argues that the more literal translation of the Hebrew is "go to peace." Sweet distinguishes between "going in peace" (resting in wholeness, as in death) and "going to peace" (making the best use of whatever life remains). How would you explain the difference between "going to peace" and "going in peace"?
Dante said, "In His will is our peace". Looking at the stories from Exodus about Jethro, how does Jethro help Moses fulfill God's will? What peace comes from this?
Jethro was not himself an Israelite, yet he fulfills an important role in Moses' answer of God's call. One of the reasons I went to Duke for seminary rather than a clearly Baptist school was because I wanted to be exposed to other forms of Christianity so that I could better understand why I thought and practiced the way I did. Do you think that God can use other faiths and cultures to help our understanding of our own faith? Why or why not?
Sweet writes, " If life matters, you have to give your life to mattering." Share your responses to this statement.
What have been some of the spiritual turning points of your life? Who were the people who were part of that experience? Can you see any of them as a Jethro?
The important thing I see about Jethro is that he is not a taskmaster. Some "butt-kickers" take an attitude of driving people against their will. God's whole purpose was to deliver Moses and Israel from taskmasters. Moses didn't need a taskmaster to force him down the path. He needed a Jethro to help him see the way God was opening to him.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Withness 2: Who's Your Jonathan? You Need a True Friend
When Jesus was asked "What is the greatest commandment?", he responded, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." Let's focus on the second part of Jesus' answer for a moment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." I think we could safely say that Jesus was commanding us to be a Jonathan.
In 1 Samuel 18:1, Scripture says,
When [David] had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Later, in 1 Samuel 20:17, we are told again that Jonathan loved David "as he loved his own soul." As we seek to fulfill Christ's commands, and this command to love our neighbor as ourself, it would seem Jonathan is someone we should pay close attention to.
Read 1 Samuel 20. Based on this chapter, how would you describe Jonathan & David's friendship?
Jonathan chooses to side with David in the dispute against his father, even though this essentially costs Jonathan a chance to sit on the throne himself. In this way Jonathan embodies the attitude of John the Baptist: "I must decrease, so that He [Christ] might increase." Later, Christ himself says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
How would you apply these observations to explaining Sweet's distinction between a "best friend" and a "true friend"? Do you think such a distinction exists?
Think about your life situation right now. What aspects of your life promote finding a true friend and being a true friend? What aspects of your life challenge the formation of true friendships?
Sweet identifies 3 "syndromes" that cause Jonathans to be rare occurrences:
In 1 Samuel 18:1, Scripture says,
When [David] had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
Later, in 1 Samuel 20:17, we are told again that Jonathan loved David "as he loved his own soul." As we seek to fulfill Christ's commands, and this command to love our neighbor as ourself, it would seem Jonathan is someone we should pay close attention to.
Read 1 Samuel 20. Based on this chapter, how would you describe Jonathan & David's friendship?
Jonathan chooses to side with David in the dispute against his father, even though this essentially costs Jonathan a chance to sit on the throne himself. In this way Jonathan embodies the attitude of John the Baptist: "I must decrease, so that He [Christ] might increase." Later, Christ himself says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
How would you apply these observations to explaining Sweet's distinction between a "best friend" and a "true friend"? Do you think such a distinction exists?
Think about your life situation right now. What aspects of your life promote finding a true friend and being a true friend? What aspects of your life challenge the formation of true friendships?
Sweet identifies 3 "syndromes" that cause Jonathans to be rare occurrences:
- "What's In It for Me?" - a Jonathan asks, "What's in it for you?"
- "No Down Elevator" - Jonathans are people we can come clean with, both the bad and the good. Many people are uncomfortable with this level of deep intimacy.
- "What, Me Sacrifice?" - Jonathans are willing to pay the price of being a friend, especially in the area of time.
Do you see the lack of these syndromes in Jonathan? Are there other "syndromes" that you think cause true friends to be difficult to find?
Sweet poses a couple of interesting questions at the end of this chapter that I think especially merit discussion:
- "Some recent research suggests that women will sacrifice achievement for the sake of a relationship, but men will more likely sacrifice a relationship for the sake of an achievement. Does this ring true with your own experience? Do you agree with those who argue for gender differences in terms of relational skills? If true, what are its implications if strong relationships hold both families and societies together?"
- "In some cultures, one's spouse is most often one's Jonathan. In other cultures, one's spouse is most often not one's Jonathan (e.g., 'An ideal husband is one who is always well and never home,' according to an old Japanese proverb). What are the advantages of having a spouse as one's Jonathan? The disadvantages?"
I am always struck that Jesus elevates so highly the command to love neighbor as we love ourselves. It is second only to loving God with everything we have. I think the command of Jesus reminds us that our first concern should be to be a Jonathan to others rather than waiting to identify our own Jonathans. Perhaps in seeking to be a true friend we find our true friends as well.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Withness 1: Who's Your Nathan? You Need an Editor
You may want to read 2 Samuel 7 and 2 Samuel 11-12:15 before going on.
In recent years there has been a big push within parts of the Christian church for men to have "accountability partners". These are people who you trust that are aware of your personal struggles with sin and temptation. These people check with you regularly to see how you are doing and to insure that you are not giving in to temptations and making poor choices. Your accountability partner is someone who you can be, in fact have to be, completely honest with. The idea behind this approach was to encourage men to help each other remain faithful disciples in a day and age where temptations, especially in the areas of lust, can be as close as a click of the computer mouse.
I have always thought that this kind of relationship can be very helpful. I still do. However, I think Sweet makes a very interesting observation on p. 34 of "11" when he says, "Accountability is designed to prevent you from doing bad. Editability is designed to help you do good." Certainly we need to resist temptation, and that requires a lot of help. However, are we as Christians as quick to help someone else do good? The call of discipleship is not just to run away from sin, but to "go into all the world and preach the gospel." Sweet points out that we need people who help us find our voice to preach with. That is an editor's job: not just to point out mistakes for the purpose of finger-pointing, but to point out errors to help an author's voice be clearer and more powerful. The editor may tell the author what to think about, but not what to think.
Sweet uses the example of Nathan the prophet. When David decides he wants to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant, God uses Nathan to correct David's thinking and to lead David to a place of worship and awe of who God is and what God has done and will do. When David finds himself involved in adultery, God uses Nathan to point out David's sin and bring him to confession and repentance. Why? Well, could Scripture consider David "a man after God's own heart" if Nathan had not brought David to an understanding of his sin? Nathan was David's editor.
Read the passages from 2 Samuel about Nathan. What characteristics do you see in Nathan that are important for someone who is going to help you find your voice to preach the gospel?
What do you learn about God from how he calls and uses Nathan in David's life?
Can someone who is an accountability partner also be an editor for your life?
We live in a culture that sometimes espouses an attitude of "Don't tell me what I can or can't do." How do you think a Nathan fits into a world or relationship where this kind of attitude exists? How does Nathan's dealing with David in the Bathsheba incident perhaps give guidance for how to be a Nathan when someone does not want to be told they are wrong?
Is it enough to just point out what someone is doing wrong, or does a Nathan need to also provide answers?
Perhaps the reason why we all most need a Nathan in our lives is because Nathans remind us that we all have limitations which can impede our service to God and one another. What are your limitations? Do we prosper by those very limitations under which we live? Why or why not?
Feel free to share your thoughts on these or any other issues raised by chapter 1 of Sweet's book. Simply click on the comments button below this article.
- Mark
In recent years there has been a big push within parts of the Christian church for men to have "accountability partners". These are people who you trust that are aware of your personal struggles with sin and temptation. These people check with you regularly to see how you are doing and to insure that you are not giving in to temptations and making poor choices. Your accountability partner is someone who you can be, in fact have to be, completely honest with. The idea behind this approach was to encourage men to help each other remain faithful disciples in a day and age where temptations, especially in the areas of lust, can be as close as a click of the computer mouse.
I have always thought that this kind of relationship can be very helpful. I still do. However, I think Sweet makes a very interesting observation on p. 34 of "11" when he says, "Accountability is designed to prevent you from doing bad. Editability is designed to help you do good." Certainly we need to resist temptation, and that requires a lot of help. However, are we as Christians as quick to help someone else do good? The call of discipleship is not just to run away from sin, but to "go into all the world and preach the gospel." Sweet points out that we need people who help us find our voice to preach with. That is an editor's job: not just to point out mistakes for the purpose of finger-pointing, but to point out errors to help an author's voice be clearer and more powerful. The editor may tell the author what to think about, but not what to think.
Sweet uses the example of Nathan the prophet. When David decides he wants to build a permanent home for the ark of the covenant, God uses Nathan to correct David's thinking and to lead David to a place of worship and awe of who God is and what God has done and will do. When David finds himself involved in adultery, God uses Nathan to point out David's sin and bring him to confession and repentance. Why? Well, could Scripture consider David "a man after God's own heart" if Nathan had not brought David to an understanding of his sin? Nathan was David's editor.
Read the passages from 2 Samuel about Nathan. What characteristics do you see in Nathan that are important for someone who is going to help you find your voice to preach the gospel?
What do you learn about God from how he calls and uses Nathan in David's life?
Can someone who is an accountability partner also be an editor for your life?
We live in a culture that sometimes espouses an attitude of "Don't tell me what I can or can't do." How do you think a Nathan fits into a world or relationship where this kind of attitude exists? How does Nathan's dealing with David in the Bathsheba incident perhaps give guidance for how to be a Nathan when someone does not want to be told they are wrong?
Is it enough to just point out what someone is doing wrong, or does a Nathan need to also provide answers?
Perhaps the reason why we all most need a Nathan in our lives is because Nathans remind us that we all have limitations which can impede our service to God and one another. What are your limitations? Do we prosper by those very limitations under which we live? Why or why not?
Feel free to share your thoughts on these or any other issues raised by chapter 1 of Sweet's book. Simply click on the comments button below this article.
- Mark
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Introduction to Leonard Sweet's 11
Who is in your circle?
It seems like every cell phone carrier right now has some variation of a plan where you identify a certain group of people that you are connected with. Your cell phone conversations with these people are then free of charge. Almost all of their advertising campaigns about these plans talk about the importance of staying connected with the people who mean the most to you.
I wonder if these cell phone companies have tapped into a need, perhaps even a desire, that most of us have: connection, relationship, intimacy. Leonard Sweet argues in his new book, 11 Indispensible Relationships You Can't Be Without, that such relationships not only make us feel good about ourselves but are necessary to fulfilling the purposes with which God created us.
Before I go any further, I want to recommend finding a copy of this book. While we are going to try to set up the discussions here so that reading the book is not absolutely required, I think you will get so much out of reading this work.
God has never enjoyed loneliness. God created, and then God looked at Adam and said, "It is not good for man to be alone." God called people to enter into relationship with Him, they didn't first call Him. You can't talk about a Christian understanding of God without talking about relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sweet points out that Christian discipleship is based first on relationship: "Before the apostles could be 'witnesses to [Christ], they first had simply to 'be with him', to be 'Withnesses'." (page 20). Good relationships become liberating forces to fulfilling God's purposes for our lives and His plans for His creation.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverence the race that is set before us" - Hebrews 12:1
Based on these principles, Sweet introduces 11 relationships that each of us needs to have to find fulfillment in life. He argues that each of these relationships has a corresponding Biblical model. Over the course of the following weeks, we will discuss each of these relationships, 1 per week. However, there are some issues worth discussing to lay a foundation for future discussions. (By the way, at the end of each chapter, Sweet provides several discussion questions. We will specifically reference some in our blog posts, but feel free to also share your thoughts on questions Sweet asks that we don't specifically mention here.)
1. Martin Luther used to encourage people, when they were in trouble, to "remember your baptism". What do you think he meant by that? What would it mean for you to 'remember your baptism' in your life today?
2. Movies, books, music and television love to share romance stories where one person tells another, "You are everything that I need." Can one person really be that for someone else?
3. Taken from Sweet, pages 29-30: "Here's a fun pop quiz (fun because there are no right or wrong answers) I sometimes give my students. I ask them to take out a sheet of paper and map the genealogy of relatives whom they have met in person since the previous Christmas. It's always amazing how many have not run across a close relative, much less a brother or sister, in months." Try this exercise yourself. "Is there a decline of active kinship ties in your life? If so, what are the implications for the need for relational networks?"
4. Sweet mentions that identifying 11 indispensible relationships for your life is not only about identifying who these people are for you but also how you perhaps fill these roles for other people. How can our search to walk with others in their needs bring fulfillment in our own lives? Do we sometimes miss potential relationship opportunities by simply seeking to do for others rather than walking with others?
You are invited to share your comments on any of the questions or thoughts shared above or on any of the comments that people post. Who knows, perhaps you may find one of your 11 in the discussion, or you may become part of someone else's 11!
It seems like every cell phone carrier right now has some variation of a plan where you identify a certain group of people that you are connected with. Your cell phone conversations with these people are then free of charge. Almost all of their advertising campaigns about these plans talk about the importance of staying connected with the people who mean the most to you.
I wonder if these cell phone companies have tapped into a need, perhaps even a desire, that most of us have: connection, relationship, intimacy. Leonard Sweet argues in his new book, 11 Indispensible Relationships You Can't Be Without, that such relationships not only make us feel good about ourselves but are necessary to fulfilling the purposes with which God created us.
Before I go any further, I want to recommend finding a copy of this book. While we are going to try to set up the discussions here so that reading the book is not absolutely required, I think you will get so much out of reading this work.
God has never enjoyed loneliness. God created, and then God looked at Adam and said, "It is not good for man to be alone." God called people to enter into relationship with Him, they didn't first call Him. You can't talk about a Christian understanding of God without talking about relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sweet points out that Christian discipleship is based first on relationship: "Before the apostles could be 'witnesses to [Christ], they first had simply to 'be with him', to be 'Withnesses'." (page 20). Good relationships become liberating forces to fulfilling God's purposes for our lives and His plans for His creation.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverence the race that is set before us" - Hebrews 12:1
Based on these principles, Sweet introduces 11 relationships that each of us needs to have to find fulfillment in life. He argues that each of these relationships has a corresponding Biblical model. Over the course of the following weeks, we will discuss each of these relationships, 1 per week. However, there are some issues worth discussing to lay a foundation for future discussions. (By the way, at the end of each chapter, Sweet provides several discussion questions. We will specifically reference some in our blog posts, but feel free to also share your thoughts on questions Sweet asks that we don't specifically mention here.)
1. Martin Luther used to encourage people, when they were in trouble, to "remember your baptism". What do you think he meant by that? What would it mean for you to 'remember your baptism' in your life today?
2. Movies, books, music and television love to share romance stories where one person tells another, "You are everything that I need." Can one person really be that for someone else?
3. Taken from Sweet, pages 29-30: "Here's a fun pop quiz (fun because there are no right or wrong answers) I sometimes give my students. I ask them to take out a sheet of paper and map the genealogy of relatives whom they have met in person since the previous Christmas. It's always amazing how many have not run across a close relative, much less a brother or sister, in months." Try this exercise yourself. "Is there a decline of active kinship ties in your life? If so, what are the implications for the need for relational networks?"
4. Sweet mentions that identifying 11 indispensible relationships for your life is not only about identifying who these people are for you but also how you perhaps fill these roles for other people. How can our search to walk with others in their needs bring fulfillment in our own lives? Do we sometimes miss potential relationship opportunities by simply seeking to do for others rather than walking with others?
You are invited to share your comments on any of the questions or thoughts shared above or on any of the comments that people post. Who knows, perhaps you may find one of your 11 in the discussion, or you may become part of someone else's 11!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Chapter 20: Jesus - The Lines on His Face
Mark here. Well, here we are at the final chapter of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. I know I have found this an interesting and stretching read, and the comments and discussions that have taken place on this blog and in other places have truly been a blessing. I am really looking forward to starting into Leonard Sweet's 11 next week. The discussion is truly wide open to anybody who wants to participate. In fact, folks new to the discussion are welcome to go back and read over previous posts on Blue Like Jazz and comment on those posts as well to keep those conversations going.
After reading this chapter, I found myself thinking about the story of Jesus and his disciples in Mark 8:27-29:
Jesus went on with his disciples to the village of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that I am?' And they answered him, 'John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.' He asked them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, 'You are the Christ.'"
After reading this chapter, the whole book for that matter, I wonder, if Jesus asked you that question today, what would your answer be? Peter answered based on what he had experienced. Miller's answer was based on his experiences. What experiences would shape your answer?
Miller observes after reading through the Gospels: "... Jesus didn't just love me out of principle; He didn't just love me because it was the right thing to do. Rather, there was something inside me that caused Him to love me." What is that something? Is it something within us all or is it unique to each one of us?
Miller: "I think Christian spirituality is like jazz music. I think loving Jesus is something you feel. I think it is something very difficult to get on paper. But it is no less real, no less meaningful, no less beautiful." How do you find yourself most truly expressing love to Jesus?
I hope that you will know that you are a beloved child of God, created in His image, recreated in Christ. I hope that this week will not only provide an opportunity for you to experience Christ's love for you, but for you to express your love for Him in a clear and meaningful way. God bless you!
After reading this chapter, I found myself thinking about the story of Jesus and his disciples in Mark 8:27-29:
Jesus went on with his disciples to the village of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that I am?' And they answered him, 'John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.' He asked them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, 'You are the Christ.'"
After reading this chapter, the whole book for that matter, I wonder, if Jesus asked you that question today, what would your answer be? Peter answered based on what he had experienced. Miller's answer was based on his experiences. What experiences would shape your answer?
Miller observes after reading through the Gospels: "... Jesus didn't just love me out of principle; He didn't just love me because it was the right thing to do. Rather, there was something inside me that caused Him to love me." What is that something? Is it something within us all or is it unique to each one of us?
Miller: "I think Christian spirituality is like jazz music. I think loving Jesus is something you feel. I think it is something very difficult to get on paper. But it is no less real, no less meaningful, no less beautiful." How do you find yourself most truly expressing love to Jesus?
I hope that you will know that you are a beloved child of God, created in His image, recreated in Christ. I hope that this week will not only provide an opportunity for you to experience Christ's love for you, but for you to express your love for Him in a clear and meaningful way. God bless you!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Chapter 19: Love - How to Really Love Yourself
Mark here. With David teaching the Great Light Seminar right now, I will facilitate the rest of the discussions on "Blue Like Jazz". With only 1 chapter left to go, some may wonder, "What next?" Well, let me tell you! We will next move into a discussion centered around Leonard Sweet's new book 11. In this book, Sweet uses Biblical figures to identify 11 relationships we need to have in our life in order to be who God intends us to be. This book should provide a wonderful opportunity for Biblical principles to intersect daily life. It will hopefully also generate a lot of discussion.
In starting with 11, David and I have decided to cast a wider net. We have always said that the discussion on this blog was open to anyone. We are going to be much more intentional about promoting that over the course of the next few weeks.
If you are in the Young Adult Sunday School class at First Baptist Elon, David and I will be getting books to you shortly. Otherwise, anyone can pick up a copy of the book at any Family Christian bookstore. As always, we will try to facilitate the discussion in a way that anyone can participate, even if they do not have the book.
Now, on to a discussion based around chapter 19 of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz.
Miller tells a story about Nathan, a genius who talks like Elmer Fudd. Miller fears that if Nathan was to come to his church, people would label Nathan and make fun of him because of the way he talks and never learn that he was a genius. Have you ever labeled someone and then learned something about them that totally blew up your label? Why do you think we sometimes make judgments about someone without really knowing them?
Miller writes, "I pray often that God would give me the strength and dignity to receive [my friends'] love. My friend Julie from Seattle says the key to everything rests in the ability to receive love ...". Why does it take strength to receive love? Why does it take dignity to receive love? Why is the ability to receive love so important?
There are 2 passages of Scripture that Miller either directly quotes or, I believe, lie underneath his writings in this chapter.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
"One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, 'Which commandment is the first of all?' Jesus answered, 'The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.'" - Mark 12:28-31
It occurs to me that one of the first songs the church teaches children is "Jesus Loves Me". Most children learns that God loves them before they learn that they are to love God. Is it possible to love God without first coming to the realization that God loves us?
If we are struggling with the fact that God loves us, how does this affect our faith and our relationship to God?
Are our relationships to others affected by our understanding that God loves us? How?
In starting with 11, David and I have decided to cast a wider net. We have always said that the discussion on this blog was open to anyone. We are going to be much more intentional about promoting that over the course of the next few weeks.
If you are in the Young Adult Sunday School class at First Baptist Elon, David and I will be getting books to you shortly. Otherwise, anyone can pick up a copy of the book at any Family Christian bookstore. As always, we will try to facilitate the discussion in a way that anyone can participate, even if they do not have the book.
Now, on to a discussion based around chapter 19 of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz.
Miller tells a story about Nathan, a genius who talks like Elmer Fudd. Miller fears that if Nathan was to come to his church, people would label Nathan and make fun of him because of the way he talks and never learn that he was a genius. Have you ever labeled someone and then learned something about them that totally blew up your label? Why do you think we sometimes make judgments about someone without really knowing them?
Miller writes, "I pray often that God would give me the strength and dignity to receive [my friends'] love. My friend Julie from Seattle says the key to everything rests in the ability to receive love ...". Why does it take strength to receive love? Why does it take dignity to receive love? Why is the ability to receive love so important?
There are 2 passages of Scripture that Miller either directly quotes or, I believe, lie underneath his writings in this chapter.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
"One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, 'Which commandment is the first of all?' Jesus answered, 'The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.'" - Mark 12:28-31
It occurs to me that one of the first songs the church teaches children is "Jesus Loves Me". Most children learns that God loves them before they learn that they are to love God. Is it possible to love God without first coming to the realization that God loves us?
If we are struggling with the fact that God loves us, how does this affect our faith and our relationship to God?
Are our relationships to others affected by our understanding that God loves us? How?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Chapter 18: Love - How to Really Love Other People
Mark here. Thought I would start this discussion of Miller's thoughts on loving other people with the passage from 1 Corinthians 13 that Miller talks about at the end of chapter 18. I am going to share from The Message, a contemporary restating of the Bible.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumpts, but I don't have love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
After reading this chapter of Miller's book, my attention was grabbed by that last stament - "I'm bankrupt without love." Miller talks about the realization that Christian culture often thinks of love as a commodity, withholding it from those who do not agree with us but lavishing it on those who do. Do you agree with his assessment? How have you experienced this, or is there an occasion where you yourself have used love in this fashion?
Jesus calls us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). Miller describes this as pouring love lavishly on those who we see as adversaries rather than withholding love until they change. By doing this, he says that love pulls people "... from the mire and toward healing." Can you do this? How "practical" does this seem to you or to our culture? What in our mindset do we need to change to be able to love our enemies?
Miller talked about being more able to be himself around "the hippies" than around Christians. Can you relate to this struggle? What role does love play in this struggle?
Miller struggled with how to love those who he felt were betraying God without encouraging to live apart from God. His peace came with this realization: "I loved the fact that it wasn't my responsibility to change somebody, that it was God's, that my part was just to communicate love and approval." Is this what we mean by "sharing God's love"? Should this be what we mean?
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumpts, but I don't have love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
After reading this chapter of Miller's book, my attention was grabbed by that last stament - "I'm bankrupt without love." Miller talks about the realization that Christian culture often thinks of love as a commodity, withholding it from those who do not agree with us but lavishing it on those who do. Do you agree with his assessment? How have you experienced this, or is there an occasion where you yourself have used love in this fashion?
Jesus calls us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). Miller describes this as pouring love lavishly on those who we see as adversaries rather than withholding love until they change. By doing this, he says that love pulls people "... from the mire and toward healing." Can you do this? How "practical" does this seem to you or to our culture? What in our mindset do we need to change to be able to love our enemies?
Miller talked about being more able to be himself around "the hippies" than around Christians. Can you relate to this struggle? What role does love play in this struggle?
Miller struggled with how to love those who he felt were betraying God without encouraging to live apart from God. His peace came with this realization: "I loved the fact that it wasn't my responsibility to change somebody, that it was God's, that my part was just to communicate love and approval." Is this what we mean by "sharing God's love"? Should this be what we mean?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Chapter 17: Worship - The Mystical Wonder
David here. We are winding down our discussion of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. Miller begins to wrap up his discussion and exploration of his spiritual nature by focusing on Worship in Chapter 17. Miller begins examining Christianity "outside the box" - focusing on the things that we can't understand, yet have faith in. This is how he comes to the heart of worship. Here are a few questions to get your mind started...
(1) Miller begins the chapter by quoting Mother Teresa and her response to a question about how she loves so many people, saying "She said she loved people because they are Jesus, each one of them is Jesus, and this is true because it says so in the Bible." Miller follows up the response by saying this contradicts reality. What do you think about Christian elements that contradict reality? Do you struggle with them? Do you accept them?
(2) I was amazed at Miller's approach to worship and his understanding of God. He said, "When we worship God, we worship a Being our life experience does not give us the tools with which to understand. If we could, God would not inspire us." What do you think about this quote?
(3) Miller later talks about how we have to climb outside of ourselves to draw closer to God, and this is where true worship is. We are "invigorated" by this new view. When is the last time you were "invigorated" by God? Describe the time and circumstance.
(4) Human nature drives us to be able to control everything, even God. We want to direct Him, guide Him, use Him, in a sense so we can undertand Him and have him at our whim. Miller states we are too proud to feel awe and to fear Him. Do you fear God? How? Why? Is it healthy fear or unhealthy fear?
(5) "I don't feel there is any better worship than wonder." Expand this though in your own words...
"Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven and above. With wonder, power, and love, our God is an awesome God."
(1) Miller begins the chapter by quoting Mother Teresa and her response to a question about how she loves so many people, saying "She said she loved people because they are Jesus, each one of them is Jesus, and this is true because it says so in the Bible." Miller follows up the response by saying this contradicts reality. What do you think about Christian elements that contradict reality? Do you struggle with them? Do you accept them?
(2) I was amazed at Miller's approach to worship and his understanding of God. He said, "When we worship God, we worship a Being our life experience does not give us the tools with which to understand. If we could, God would not inspire us." What do you think about this quote?
(3) Miller later talks about how we have to climb outside of ourselves to draw closer to God, and this is where true worship is. We are "invigorated" by this new view. When is the last time you were "invigorated" by God? Describe the time and circumstance.
(4) Human nature drives us to be able to control everything, even God. We want to direct Him, guide Him, use Him, in a sense so we can undertand Him and have him at our whim. Miller states we are too proud to feel awe and to fear Him. Do you fear God? How? Why? Is it healthy fear or unhealthy fear?
(5) "I don't feel there is any better worship than wonder." Expand this though in your own words...
"Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven and above. With wonder, power, and love, our God is an awesome God."
Monday, May 5, 2008
Chapter 16: Money - Thoughts on Paying Rent
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." - Matthew 6:19-24
Mark here. Sorry the posts is a couple of days late. Anyway, the topic this week is money, so I thought these words from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount might be a good way to enter into the topic.
1. "We are worth the money we make. Maybe this is a man thing; maybe women don't think about this ...". Do men and women think about money differently? How? How can this affect their view of themselves?
2. "The thing about new things is you feel new when you buy them, you feel as though you are somebody different because you own something different. We are our possessions, you know." What is your response to this statement? Considering Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount, what would Jesus' response be to us regarding this type of mindset?
3. Near the end of the chapter, Miller shares a conversation he had with his pastor about tithing. Miller's pastor, Rick, says that tithing is an act of obedience to God and an act of trusting God. He says that tithing is also a way of being accountable for how much money you have. Share your thoughts on Rick's description of tithing. Is there anything you would add to it?
4. Related to the last question, what is the greatest challenge to developing the habit of tithing? How can we develop a mindset of giving?
Share your thoughts on these questions or any other issues in the chapter. God bless!
Mark here. Sorry the posts is a couple of days late. Anyway, the topic this week is money, so I thought these words from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount might be a good way to enter into the topic.
1. "We are worth the money we make. Maybe this is a man thing; maybe women don't think about this ...". Do men and women think about money differently? How? How can this affect their view of themselves?
2. "The thing about new things is you feel new when you buy them, you feel as though you are somebody different because you own something different. We are our possessions, you know." What is your response to this statement? Considering Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount, what would Jesus' response be to us regarding this type of mindset?
3. Near the end of the chapter, Miller shares a conversation he had with his pastor about tithing. Miller's pastor, Rick, says that tithing is an act of obedience to God and an act of trusting God. He says that tithing is also a way of being accountable for how much money you have. Share your thoughts on Rick's description of tithing. Is there anything you would add to it?
4. Related to the last question, what is the greatest challenge to developing the habit of tithing? How can we develop a mindset of giving?
Share your thoughts on these questions or any other issues in the chapter. God bless!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Chapter 15: Community - Living with Freaks
David here. I hope you have been enjoying reading Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz over the last couple of months. I don't think there has been one chapter that has not spoken to me or to a place that I have been in my spiritual life, and this chapter is no different. In Chapter 15, Miller confronts his introverted, self centered nature and moves in with a few fellow Christians who are members at his church. The struggles he faced as being an alone introvert moving into a house with five or six others were very difficult for him. He brought up many interesting topics during this chapter. Let's see what you think.
(1) Miller begins the chapter with this quote, "I thought the backbone of faith was time alone with God..." How do you view your faith - more of a public thing or a private thing? What seems to nurture your spiritual life better - being in a group, or being alone?
(2) Miller discusses how that when he initially moved into the house with 5 other guys, he was exhausted. Not from the move, but being in the presence of others all the time. A true introvert at heart. Are you an introvert or extravert? How does this factor into your faith walk?
(3) "Living in community made me realize one of my faults: I was addicted to myself. All I thought about was myself. The only thing I really cared about was myself." Have you ever been confronted with one of your own faults? How did it make you feel?
(4) On a trip to a homeless shelter, Miller got in a conversation with the gentleman who ran the shelter, Bill. Bill made this observation to Miller, "If we are not willing to wake up in the morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus." What do you think about this powerful quote?
This chapter brings me back to the story from Acts 2 about the early church. May you use these words as a devotion for today, starting with verse 43:
"Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."
(1) Miller begins the chapter with this quote, "I thought the backbone of faith was time alone with God..." How do you view your faith - more of a public thing or a private thing? What seems to nurture your spiritual life better - being in a group, or being alone?
(2) Miller discusses how that when he initially moved into the house with 5 other guys, he was exhausted. Not from the move, but being in the presence of others all the time. A true introvert at heart. Are you an introvert or extravert? How does this factor into your faith walk?
(3) "Living in community made me realize one of my faults: I was addicted to myself. All I thought about was myself. The only thing I really cared about was myself." Have you ever been confronted with one of your own faults? How did it make you feel?
(4) On a trip to a homeless shelter, Miller got in a conversation with the gentleman who ran the shelter, Bill. Bill made this observation to Miller, "If we are not willing to wake up in the morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus." What do you think about this powerful quote?
This chapter brings me back to the story from Acts 2 about the early church. May you use these words as a devotion for today, starting with verse 43:
"Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Week 14: Alone - Fifty-three Years in Space
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone ...". Genesis 2:18
This week's chapter moves us into a discussion of loneliness. I find myself agreeing with Tony the Beat Poet that the words alone, lonely, and loneliness are three of the most powerful words in the English language. They describe a very personal experience. They also describe a situation many of us perceive as crisis - hence movies like Castaway and I Am Legend.
Miller says that he used to think love was the opposite of loneliness. Now, he says, "I think being in love is an opposite of loneliness, but not the opposite" (I added italics). What would you identify as other opposites of loneliness?
Is there a danger in identifying being in love as the opposite of loneliness? If so, what is it?
Miller describes some of the unhealthiness he saw in his life from living too long on his own. What are some unhealthy characteristics you have experienced from loneliness?
Is there a time when we need to be alone? Is there such a thing as "healthy loneliness"?
Is there someone in your life who you call upon when you find yourself feeling alone? What does that person or people provide that helps you overcome any unhealthy characteristics of loneliness?
The cartoon of Don Astronaut is based on a story from Miller's friend Stacy. The purpose of the story is to describe "... how he imagines hell, a place where a person is completely alone, without others and without God." There are some who think of hell as a fiery pit, others who describe it as a dark loneliness. What do you think about this?
I just wrote a post for CBF's blog this week where I quoted Matthew 18:15-16. In these verses, Jesus gives us guidance on how to handle disagreement among believers. My comment on the passage was that Jesus' prescription for dealing with conflict was to meet with the person face-to-face. It occurs to me that conflict with another person is often, for me, when I experience loneliness. For me, it is a challenge that Jesus lays before me to step out of the loneliness conflict brings and go and sit down with the person I am in conflict with. Just a random thought that you are welcome to respond to.
This week's chapter moves us into a discussion of loneliness. I find myself agreeing with Tony the Beat Poet that the words alone, lonely, and loneliness are three of the most powerful words in the English language. They describe a very personal experience. They also describe a situation many of us perceive as crisis - hence movies like Castaway and I Am Legend.
Miller says that he used to think love was the opposite of loneliness. Now, he says, "I think being in love is an opposite of loneliness, but not the opposite" (I added italics). What would you identify as other opposites of loneliness?
Is there a danger in identifying being in love as the opposite of loneliness? If so, what is it?
Miller describes some of the unhealthiness he saw in his life from living too long on his own. What are some unhealthy characteristics you have experienced from loneliness?
Is there a time when we need to be alone? Is there such a thing as "healthy loneliness"?
Is there someone in your life who you call upon when you find yourself feeling alone? What does that person or people provide that helps you overcome any unhealthy characteristics of loneliness?
The cartoon of Don Astronaut is based on a story from Miller's friend Stacy. The purpose of the story is to describe "... how he imagines hell, a place where a person is completely alone, without others and without God." There are some who think of hell as a fiery pit, others who describe it as a dark loneliness. What do you think about this?
I just wrote a post for CBF's blog this week where I quoted Matthew 18:15-16. In these verses, Jesus gives us guidance on how to handle disagreement among believers. My comment on the passage was that Jesus' prescription for dealing with conflict was to meet with the person face-to-face. It occurs to me that conflict with another person is often, for me, when I experience loneliness. For me, it is a challenge that Jesus lays before me to step out of the loneliness conflict brings and go and sit down with the person I am in conflict with. Just a random thought that you are welcome to respond to.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Chapter 13: Romance - Meeting Girls is Easy
Hey everyone. Sorry we missed the post last week. It was a very busy and emotional week in our church family. We won't try to jump ahead, but just stick with our weekly post.
Miller in Chapter 13 touches on a very thought provoking topic - LOVE - what is it? Is it real? How do we get it? Miller has some very interesting opinions about the subject, based on his personal experience and through his readings. Let's look at a few and allow it to be our jumping off point for discussion.
1. In a discussion with one of Miller's female friends, one he actually had a crush on, he made the comment that he didn't believe in "true love". What do you think - does "true love" exist?
2. One of the fears that Miller talked about with love is that he felt once one person got to know him really well - at a deep level - then she wouldn't like him. Have you ever had that kind of fear with someone or about something?
3. Miller saw marriage as a "loss of freedom". What is your view of marriage? Does it match up with Miller's, or is it different?
4. One of Miller's friends, Paul said, "I mean that to be in a relationship with God is to be loved purely and furiously. And a person who thinks himself unlovable cannot be in a relationship with God because he can't accept who God is; a Being that is love. We learn that we are lovable or adorable from other people. That is why God tells us so many times to love each other." What do you think about Paul's quote?
5. In a play that Miller wrote, he put this line, "God risked Himself on me. I will risk myself on you. And together, we will learn to love, and perhaps then, and only then, understand this gravity that drew Him, unto us." How does this imagery of God's love for us and our love for someone else reflect in your life?
As a follow up reading for this chapter, I want to encourage you to turn to the Song of Songs in the Old Testament. This imagery of God's love for us and our love for another is captured so passionately in this Old Testament writing.
Miller in Chapter 13 touches on a very thought provoking topic - LOVE - what is it? Is it real? How do we get it? Miller has some very interesting opinions about the subject, based on his personal experience and through his readings. Let's look at a few and allow it to be our jumping off point for discussion.
1. In a discussion with one of Miller's female friends, one he actually had a crush on, he made the comment that he didn't believe in "true love". What do you think - does "true love" exist?
2. One of the fears that Miller talked about with love is that he felt once one person got to know him really well - at a deep level - then she wouldn't like him. Have you ever had that kind of fear with someone or about something?
3. Miller saw marriage as a "loss of freedom". What is your view of marriage? Does it match up with Miller's, or is it different?
4. One of Miller's friends, Paul said, "I mean that to be in a relationship with God is to be loved purely and furiously. And a person who thinks himself unlovable cannot be in a relationship with God because he can't accept who God is; a Being that is love. We learn that we are lovable or adorable from other people. That is why God tells us so many times to love each other." What do you think about Paul's quote?
5. In a play that Miller wrote, he put this line, "God risked Himself on me. I will risk myself on you. And together, we will learn to love, and perhaps then, and only then, understand this gravity that drew Him, unto us." How does this imagery of God's love for us and our love for someone else reflect in your life?
As a follow up reading for this chapter, I want to encourage you to turn to the Song of Songs in the Old Testament. This imagery of God's love for us and our love for another is captured so passionately in this Old Testament writing.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Chapter 12: Church - How I Go without Getting Angry
Interesting title of chapter to say the least. I am sure that Mark and I will pay special attention to this week's discussion. And to start off without saying, I think it is next to impossible to never get upset or angry at church. I work at church. I get angry at church. The church is an imperfect institution, because it is created and exists because of imperfect people. What makes church "work" is the power of God and His Spirit that breathes into the institution and empowers it to minister. Enough for my soapbox, let's look at some of Miller's thoughts.
And by the way, since this is a "church" subject and I am asking for your honest impressions, do not hesitate to be honest. Mark and I both learn and grow and help model the church into what the people desire. Be honest, we won't be offended.
(1) Miller lists three things that he does not like about "church". The first, "I felt like people were trying to sell me Jesus." Second, "They seemed to be parrots for the Republican Party." And finally, "The churches I would attend would embrace the war metaphor." What do you think about Miller's list? Do these things bother you? Do you feel the same way as he does? What else would you add to the list?
(2) Miller then goes on to describe the new church he joined, Imago-Dei. He lists the things that he likes about the church. The first, "It is spiritual." (not religious) Second, "Imago Dei supports the arts." (free expression) Third, "Community." (Part of a famiy - loneliness is not good) And finally, "Authenticity." (being yourself) What do you think of Miller's list? Do you agree with these things? Do you see these at FBC Elon? What would you add to the list about FBC Elon?
(3) Miller understands that people can get frustrated about church. When you talk about faith and religion, people take it personally. He gives a three step plan to do so you don't get angry at church. First, "Pray that God will show you a church filled with people who share your interests and values." Second, "Go to the church God shows you." Third, "Don't hold grudges against any other churches. God loves those churches almost as much as He loves you." Based on Miller's three step plan, do you think this would work? Based on previous church attending experience, would this have changed which church you attended? Which one of these steps do you think would be the hardest for you?
I look forward to the discussion...
And by the way, since this is a "church" subject and I am asking for your honest impressions, do not hesitate to be honest. Mark and I both learn and grow and help model the church into what the people desire. Be honest, we won't be offended.
(1) Miller lists three things that he does not like about "church". The first, "I felt like people were trying to sell me Jesus." Second, "They seemed to be parrots for the Republican Party." And finally, "The churches I would attend would embrace the war metaphor." What do you think about Miller's list? Do these things bother you? Do you feel the same way as he does? What else would you add to the list?
(2) Miller then goes on to describe the new church he joined, Imago-Dei. He lists the things that he likes about the church. The first, "It is spiritual." (not religious) Second, "Imago Dei supports the arts." (free expression) Third, "Community." (Part of a famiy - loneliness is not good) And finally, "Authenticity." (being yourself) What do you think of Miller's list? Do you agree with these things? Do you see these at FBC Elon? What would you add to the list about FBC Elon?
(3) Miller understands that people can get frustrated about church. When you talk about faith and religion, people take it personally. He gives a three step plan to do so you don't get angry at church. First, "Pray that God will show you a church filled with people who share your interests and values." Second, "Go to the church God shows you." Third, "Don't hold grudges against any other churches. God loves those churches almost as much as He loves you." Based on Miller's three step plan, do you think this would work? Based on previous church attending experience, would this have changed which church you attended? Which one of these steps do you think would be the hardest for you?
I look forward to the discussion...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Chapter 11 - Confession: Coming Out of the Closet
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
Mark here. Wow! This chapter really, really got to me. I found myself thinking about that Crusader's Cross that I talked about a couple of weeks ago in church. There are people walking around our world with open wounds that disciples of Christ have inflicted upon them. Even if we have not been directly involved, we carry that burden. The story of the confessional really blew me away. I found myself wanting to go out and do the same thing. I guess that is the first discussion point I wanted to throw out there. What did you think of the confessional? Would you ever want to do something like that? What do you think would be the value of such an opportunity?
We often talk of confessing our sins to God. Do you think there is a need to confess to another person as well? What are the conditions under which you would confess your sins and struggles to someone else?
In this chapter, Miller talks about Rick, who believed evangelism was reaching a felt need. Miller described evangelism to a radio host as talking about Jesus and his own journey to believing that Jesus exists and that Jesus liked him. What is your definition of evangelism? What is the difference between evangelism and "the network marketing guy trying to build my down line"?
Throughout the book, Miller has talked about embracing Christian spirituality, not Christianity. I don't think we have really asked this question yet: what do you think he means by Christian spirituality? What does that term mean to you? What do you think Miller means when he says that he is embracing Christian spirituality and not Christianity?
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
Mark here. Wow! This chapter really, really got to me. I found myself thinking about that Crusader's Cross that I talked about a couple of weeks ago in church. There are people walking around our world with open wounds that disciples of Christ have inflicted upon them. Even if we have not been directly involved, we carry that burden. The story of the confessional really blew me away. I found myself wanting to go out and do the same thing. I guess that is the first discussion point I wanted to throw out there. What did you think of the confessional? Would you ever want to do something like that? What do you think would be the value of such an opportunity?
We often talk of confessing our sins to God. Do you think there is a need to confess to another person as well? What are the conditions under which you would confess your sins and struggles to someone else?
In this chapter, Miller talks about Rick, who believed evangelism was reaching a felt need. Miller described evangelism to a radio host as talking about Jesus and his own journey to believing that Jesus exists and that Jesus liked him. What is your definition of evangelism? What is the difference between evangelism and "the network marketing guy trying to build my down line"?
Throughout the book, Miller has talked about embracing Christian spirituality, not Christianity. I don't think we have really asked this question yet: what do you think he means by Christian spirituality? What does that term mean to you? What do you think Miller means when he says that he is embracing Christian spirituality and not Christianity?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Belief: The Birth of Cool
David here. I hope everyone has been enjoying reading Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz". I know it has brought many questions up front about my faith, and the tenth chapter titled "Belief" does the same. Miller confronts the idea of why Christianity is not more popular than it is, especially with the claims of faith and salvation that it includes, and what it would take to make Christianity "cool" so more people would be drawn in. I think that is a new approach in church ministry, to make church "cool". Before we get to some specifics on the chapter, what do you think about the change that many churches are taking to make Christianity "cool"?
Here are a few more questions that came to mind through this chapter...
1. Miller was having a conversation with one of his friend's mothers about love and marriage, and she made the comment, "...when a relationship is right, it is no more possible to wake up and want out of the marriage than it is to wake up and stop believing in God. What is, is what it." What do you believe about believing in God - can someone fall out of "belief" in God?
2. A little fun question that Miller asked himself and wanted to see what your response was, "Why is it that we turn pop figures (celebrities) into idols?" Looking forward to this answer...
3. "Satan, who I believe exists as much as I believe Jesus exists, wants us to believe meaningless things for meaningless reasons. Can you imagine if Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from the pit of our own self-addiction?" Imagine that world for a second, where we do not focus on ourselves but focus on others and the needs around us. What would this look like?
4. Miller states that the problem with deep belief is that it costs something. What has your belief in Christ cost you? Or has it?
5. Have you ever followed someone or a cause because they were "passionate" about it? Miller states that people will follow you if you are passionate. What was the situation/person and was it positive or not?
6. "Dying for something is easy because it is associated with glory. Living for something is the hard thing. Living for something extends beyond fashion, glory, or recognition. We live for what we believe." Taking this quote into consideration, what does your life testify? Miller states that his life testified that he was the most important person in the world. What does your life testify?
Take up your cross and follow me...
Here are a few more questions that came to mind through this chapter...
1. Miller was having a conversation with one of his friend's mothers about love and marriage, and she made the comment, "...when a relationship is right, it is no more possible to wake up and want out of the marriage than it is to wake up and stop believing in God. What is, is what it." What do you believe about believing in God - can someone fall out of "belief" in God?
2. A little fun question that Miller asked himself and wanted to see what your response was, "Why is it that we turn pop figures (celebrities) into idols?" Looking forward to this answer...
3. "Satan, who I believe exists as much as I believe Jesus exists, wants us to believe meaningless things for meaningless reasons. Can you imagine if Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from the pit of our own self-addiction?" Imagine that world for a second, where we do not focus on ourselves but focus on others and the needs around us. What would this look like?
4. Miller states that the problem with deep belief is that it costs something. What has your belief in Christ cost you? Or has it?
5. Have you ever followed someone or a cause because they were "passionate" about it? Miller states that people will follow you if you are passionate. What was the situation/person and was it positive or not?
6. "Dying for something is easy because it is associated with glory. Living for something is the hard thing. Living for something extends beyond fashion, glory, or recognition. We live for what we believe." Taking this quote into consideration, what does your life testify? Miller states that his life testified that he was the most important person in the world. What does your life testify?
Take up your cross and follow me...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Chapter 9: Change - New Starts at Ancient Faith
[The word of the LORD] said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind and earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence."
- 1 Kings 19:11-12
I couldn't help but think of Elijah's encounter with God, described above, while I was reading Miller's story of his moment of change at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Nature made the sounds nature always makes, and yet God was found and experienced beyond these occurrences at a level that the senses could not comprehend.
More than that, Elijah was on that mountain because he had a whole lot of questions and doubts about himself even though he seemed to have it all together. What we forget about this story is that Elijah has fled to the mountain after his greatest success, the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the end of the drought in Israel. He seems to be at the top of the mountain in his life, and yet here he is hiding in a cave afraid saying, "O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors" (1 Kings 19:4).
Miller states, "The days and weeks before a true commitment to Jesus can be terrible and lonely." Do you agree? Do you think that these "terrible" times are a product of spiritual change or are they the reason why we allow spiritual change to finally happen in our lives?
In talking to his pastor about why he felt he needed to get away, Miller said, "Something got crossed in the wires, and I became the person I should be and not the person I am. I feel like I should go back and get the person I am and bring him here to the person I should be. Are you following me at all?" Are you? How do you understand what Miller is saying? Have you ever felt like this? What causes this feeling in our lives? .
Miller felt that he had to go to the "green lumpy places" to be able to find the change he needed. Where are the "green lumpy places" in your life? Where are the places you go to reclaim who God is calling you to be?
Under the stars, Miller concluded that it was a great responsibility to be human. What do you understand our human responsibility to be?
- 1 Kings 19:11-12
I couldn't help but think of Elijah's encounter with God, described above, while I was reading Miller's story of his moment of change at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Nature made the sounds nature always makes, and yet God was found and experienced beyond these occurrences at a level that the senses could not comprehend.
More than that, Elijah was on that mountain because he had a whole lot of questions and doubts about himself even though he seemed to have it all together. What we forget about this story is that Elijah has fled to the mountain after his greatest success, the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the end of the drought in Israel. He seems to be at the top of the mountain in his life, and yet here he is hiding in a cave afraid saying, "O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors" (1 Kings 19:4).
Miller states, "The days and weeks before a true commitment to Jesus can be terrible and lonely." Do you agree? Do you think that these "terrible" times are a product of spiritual change or are they the reason why we allow spiritual change to finally happen in our lives?
In talking to his pastor about why he felt he needed to get away, Miller said, "Something got crossed in the wires, and I became the person I should be and not the person I am. I feel like I should go back and get the person I am and bring him here to the person I should be. Are you following me at all?" Are you? How do you understand what Miller is saying? Have you ever felt like this? What causes this feeling in our lives? .
Miller felt that he had to go to the "green lumpy places" to be able to find the change he needed. Where are the "green lumpy places" in your life? Where are the places you go to reclaim who God is calling you to be?
Under the stars, Miller concluded that it was a great responsibility to be human. What do you understand our human responsibility to be?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Chapter 8: "gods: Our Tiny Invisible Friends"
David again. I hope you have been enjoying following Donald Miller's faith story through the first seven chapters of his book Blue Like Jazz. Chapter 8 provides a turning point in his faith story, a journey from questioning himself, questioning God, questioning the world, to a true understanding of his own personal faith and what he had been hiding behind. He ends chapter 8 with this line, "After that moment, things started to get interesting." As you can see from the chapter and tell from the following questions, Miller undergoes some serious soul searching to come to a place of honesty in his faith.
So now for some discussion questions...
(1) Miller had a spiritual life and faith, yet he had an occurrence listening to one of his favorite authors and a following discussion with his best friend, Tony the Beat Poet, that opened his eyes up to true faith. Other than your salvation story (that we have already shared in past posts), can you share a time or event where your eyes have been opened to what true faith really is, and what you are called to have? I look forward to hearing them...
(2) Have you ever been drawn to another religion's ideologies or principles - Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hindusim, etc.? If so, which one and what attracted you to this specific religion? Was your attraction based on what you personally wanted in a religion or what the religion truly taught?
(3) Have you ever been "bored" with Jesus and Christianity? What led you to these feelings? Was it something that someone did, a church did or did not do, or something that you were failing to do in your own life?
(4) Miller on page 92 says, "God is not here to worship me, to mold Himself into something that will help me fulfill my level of comfort." What do you think of this statement? Have you been to that point before of making God "fit in a box" to meet your needs? What helped you get out?
(5) Miller's defining moment is described on page 94 when he says, "I realized in an instant that I desired false gods because Jesus wouldn't jump through my hoops, and I realized that, like Tony, my faith was about image and ego, not about practicing spirituality". Kind of a different question, but what percentage of church-goers today are going for their own image or ego? Justify your percentage. Does it somehow relate to your own faith journey?
Spiritual "Defining moments" are scattered throughout the Bible. We have Moses's conversation with God about being a worthy mouthpiece for Him. We have Peter's picnic dream where God enlightens him on dietary restrictions that Peter thought were essential to living a life of faith (boy was he wrong). We have Peter's denial of Christ three times before Jesus was crucified. These "defining moments" mold us into who we are today, and who we are for God. Allow these moments to continue to mold you.
So now for some discussion questions...
(1) Miller had a spiritual life and faith, yet he had an occurrence listening to one of his favorite authors and a following discussion with his best friend, Tony the Beat Poet, that opened his eyes up to true faith. Other than your salvation story (that we have already shared in past posts), can you share a time or event where your eyes have been opened to what true faith really is, and what you are called to have? I look forward to hearing them...
(2) Have you ever been drawn to another religion's ideologies or principles - Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hindusim, etc.? If so, which one and what attracted you to this specific religion? Was your attraction based on what you personally wanted in a religion or what the religion truly taught?
(3) Have you ever been "bored" with Jesus and Christianity? What led you to these feelings? Was it something that someone did, a church did or did not do, or something that you were failing to do in your own life?
(4) Miller on page 92 says, "God is not here to worship me, to mold Himself into something that will help me fulfill my level of comfort." What do you think of this statement? Have you been to that point before of making God "fit in a box" to meet your needs? What helped you get out?
(5) Miller's defining moment is described on page 94 when he says, "I realized in an instant that I desired false gods because Jesus wouldn't jump through my hoops, and I realized that, like Tony, my faith was about image and ego, not about practicing spirituality". Kind of a different question, but what percentage of church-goers today are going for their own image or ego? Justify your percentage. Does it somehow relate to your own faith journey?
Spiritual "Defining moments" are scattered throughout the Bible. We have Moses's conversation with God about being a worthy mouthpiece for Him. We have Peter's picnic dream where God enlightens him on dietary restrictions that Peter thought were essential to living a life of faith (boy was he wrong). We have Peter's denial of Christ three times before Jesus was crucified. These "defining moments" mold us into who we are today, and who we are for God. Allow these moments to continue to mold you.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Chapter 7: Grace - The Beggar's Kingdom
Mark here. As you can tell from this week's title, Miller focuses in on the concept of grace.
Miller talks about his days as a fundamentalist Christian in this way: "I used to get really ticked about preachers who talked too much about grace, because they tempted me to not be disciplined. I figured what people needed was a kick in the butt, and if I failed at godliness it was because those around me weren't trying hard enough. I believed if word got out about grace, the whole church was going to turn into a brothel."
What is grace? Does the Christian understanding of grace challenge the ability to live a righteous life? If so, why? If not, why do you think Miller and others would have had this concern?
What do you think is the hardest thing to understand about accepting God's grace? Is there a Scripture or teaching that has helped you in this area?
Miller says, "I love to give charity, but I don't want to be charity. This is why I have so much trouble with grace." How do you respond to this statement?
Miller's pastor says, "The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." I think about the prophet Hosea. In his message to Israel, Hosea reveals the affect of our sin on God as well as the power of God's love and grace, all from God's perspective. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in Hosea 11.
The chapter starts with God saying, "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; ...".
God's anger grows as Israel's sin cuts Him deeper, as seen in verses 5-7: "They shall return to the land of Egypt ... because they have refused to return to me. The sword shall rage against their cities ... My people are bent on turning away from me; so they are appointed to the yoke, and none shall remove it."
And then, in verse 8, at the height of God's anger, He cries, "How can I give you up, O Ephraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel! ... My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger, ... for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy."
What does Hosea's prophetic message reveal about God, His grace, and our righteousness?
Miller talks about his days as a fundamentalist Christian in this way: "I used to get really ticked about preachers who talked too much about grace, because they tempted me to not be disciplined. I figured what people needed was a kick in the butt, and if I failed at godliness it was because those around me weren't trying hard enough. I believed if word got out about grace, the whole church was going to turn into a brothel."
What is grace? Does the Christian understanding of grace challenge the ability to live a righteous life? If so, why? If not, why do you think Miller and others would have had this concern?
What do you think is the hardest thing to understand about accepting God's grace? Is there a Scripture or teaching that has helped you in this area?
Miller says, "I love to give charity, but I don't want to be charity. This is why I have so much trouble with grace." How do you respond to this statement?
Miller's pastor says, "The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." I think about the prophet Hosea. In his message to Israel, Hosea reveals the affect of our sin on God as well as the power of God's love and grace, all from God's perspective. Nowhere is this more clearly seen than in Hosea 11.
The chapter starts with God saying, "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; ...".
God's anger grows as Israel's sin cuts Him deeper, as seen in verses 5-7: "They shall return to the land of Egypt ... because they have refused to return to me. The sword shall rage against their cities ... My people are bent on turning away from me; so they are appointed to the yoke, and none shall remove it."
And then, in verse 8, at the height of God's anger, He cries, "How can I give you up, O Ephraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel! ... My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger, ... for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy."
What does Hosea's prophetic message reveal about God, His grace, and our righteousness?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Chapter 6: Redemption - The Sexy Carrots
David here. It has been good to have discussions on our blog over the last couple of weeks. I want to encourage all those who have used this avenue to continue to do so, and spread the word to your friends and family. You never know who might want to participate. If you are new to the blog, jump in the discussion and enjoy. "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller can lead to some interesting discussions and topics, as you can tell from the title of chapter 6.
Miller in this chapter continues to talk about the draw of humanity to darkness, not the "light". Talking about human nature and its self centered focus, Miller concludes by saying that if we try to be a "good" person without God, basically we are destined to fail. Our nature draws us back to our sinful past and present. So my first question is this, have you ever tried to be a "good" person without God? Did you succeed (or are you succeeding) or did you fail (or are you failing)?
Miller also talks about his initial conversion experience of salvation and how everything shortly after had a "fascinating appeal"? Would you describe your initial salvation experience and the time shortly after the same way? Miller later says he was disappointed when these feelings went away? Take a moment and share an experience when that initial "faith rush" started to waver and how it felt to you.
Quoting from Miller, "I don't think, however, there are many people who can stay happy for long periods of time." What do you think about this quote? Are you or do you know someone who always seems to be happy? What is the secret (or is there one)?
After sharing stories from his youth, Miller makes the quote about freedom and need, "I think the things we want most in life, the things we think will set us free, are not the things we need." What do you think?
Miller concludes this chapter by saying "I found myself trying to love the right things without God's help, and it was impossible." This reminds me of one of my favorite passages in the Bible:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." - Proverbs 3:5-8
I look forward to the discussion...
Miller in this chapter continues to talk about the draw of humanity to darkness, not the "light". Talking about human nature and its self centered focus, Miller concludes by saying that if we try to be a "good" person without God, basically we are destined to fail. Our nature draws us back to our sinful past and present. So my first question is this, have you ever tried to be a "good" person without God? Did you succeed (or are you succeeding) or did you fail (or are you failing)?
Miller also talks about his initial conversion experience of salvation and how everything shortly after had a "fascinating appeal"? Would you describe your initial salvation experience and the time shortly after the same way? Miller later says he was disappointed when these feelings went away? Take a moment and share an experience when that initial "faith rush" started to waver and how it felt to you.
Quoting from Miller, "I don't think, however, there are many people who can stay happy for long periods of time." What do you think about this quote? Are you or do you know someone who always seems to be happy? What is the secret (or is there one)?
After sharing stories from his youth, Miller makes the quote about freedom and need, "I think the things we want most in life, the things we think will set us free, are not the things we need." What do you think?
Miller concludes this chapter by saying "I found myself trying to love the right things without God's help, and it was impossible." This reminds me of one of my favorite passages in the Bible:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." - Proverbs 3:5-8
I look forward to the discussion...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Chapter 5: Faith - Penguin Sex
Mark here. As I read the chapter for this week (How could you not read a chapter with a title like that?), there are several questions that emerge regarding the meaning of faith.
Miller tells the story of his conversation with his friend Laura, who talked about feeling like God was "after her". We often talk about conversion as "coming to Jesus". Does conversion also involve God chasing after us? What do you think this pursuit feels like?
Laura said that she is resisting God because "... it is all so stupid, so completely stupid." Miller explains her comments about faith by saying, "Laura was looking for something rational, because she believed that all things that were true were rational." Is reason a part of faith, or do you have to suspend reason to have faith?
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Mark 12:28-30 - "One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, 'Which commandment is the first of all?' Jesus answered, 'The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'"
Are there things about faith that confuse you? Do these things make faith difficult?
Miller talks about having a "radar" inside him that says to believe in Jesus. Though he can't explain it, this radar always leads him right. How does your "radar" work? What aspects of Christian spirituality help fine tune your radar?
Miller tells the story of his conversation with his friend Laura, who talked about feeling like God was "after her". We often talk about conversion as "coming to Jesus". Does conversion also involve God chasing after us? What do you think this pursuit feels like?
Laura said that she is resisting God because "... it is all so stupid, so completely stupid." Miller explains her comments about faith by saying, "Laura was looking for something rational, because she believed that all things that were true were rational." Is reason a part of faith, or do you have to suspend reason to have faith?
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Mark 12:28-30 - "One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, 'Which commandment is the first of all?' Jesus answered, 'The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'"
Are there things about faith that confuse you? Do these things make faith difficult?
Miller talks about having a "radar" inside him that says to believe in Jesus. Though he can't explain it, this radar always leads him right. How does your "radar" work? What aspects of Christian spirituality help fine tune your radar?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Chapter 4: Shifts - Find a Penny
David here. The fourth week's reading in Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz takes us through a story about Miller's experience at Reed College, recently voted as "the college where students are most likely to ignore God". Miller was attracted to the openess of the enivronment and the story he shares about people he encountered. specifically Laura and Penny, helped define his faith and bring up some interesting questions for discussion.
1. In a discussion with Laura about racism in America, Miller makes the comment, "I told her how frustrating it is to be a Christian in America, and how frustrated I am with not only the church's failures concerning human rights, but also my personal failure to contribute to the solution." Have you ever felt frustrated about being a Christian in America - whether it was the way you have been treated or the way the church handles things or issues? Share any thoughts and what role you played (or should have played) to help contribute to the solution.
2. Commenting on the things he learned from the few number of Christians at Reed, Miller states, "I learned that true love turns the other cheek, does not take a wrong into account, loves all people regardless of their indifference or hostility. The Christians at Reed seemed to me, well, revolutionary." Have you ever encountered anyone with this "revolutionary" Christian character? Share.
3. Towards the end of the chapter, Miller recounts the faith story of Penny, the desperate-to-know-God atheist, who encountered God in the strangest way. Her conversion story starts on page 46 and continues through the end of the chapter. Each of our conversion stories plays an extremely important role in who we are as a Christian, as is evident in Penny's story. The stories also draw us together as Christians. If you are willing, let's share our conversion stories with one another so we can draw closer as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some Scripture to chew on as you consider these questions...
1. In a discussion with Laura about racism in America, Miller makes the comment, "I told her how frustrating it is to be a Christian in America, and how frustrated I am with not only the church's failures concerning human rights, but also my personal failure to contribute to the solution." Have you ever felt frustrated about being a Christian in America - whether it was the way you have been treated or the way the church handles things or issues? Share any thoughts and what role you played (or should have played) to help contribute to the solution.
2. Commenting on the things he learned from the few number of Christians at Reed, Miller states, "I learned that true love turns the other cheek, does not take a wrong into account, loves all people regardless of their indifference or hostility. The Christians at Reed seemed to me, well, revolutionary." Have you ever encountered anyone with this "revolutionary" Christian character? Share.
3. Towards the end of the chapter, Miller recounts the faith story of Penny, the desperate-to-know-God atheist, who encountered God in the strangest way. Her conversion story starts on page 46 and continues through the end of the chapter. Each of our conversion stories plays an extremely important role in who we are as a Christian, as is evident in Penny's story. The stories also draw us together as Christians. If you are willing, let's share our conversion stories with one another so we can draw closer as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some Scripture to chew on as you consider these questions...
- The Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5 - 7 (The "Revolutionary Jesus")
- Saul's (Paul) Conversion Story - Acts 9:1-19
Monday, January 21, 2008
Chapter 3: Magic
Mark here. Well, this is kind of an interesting week for me to do the initial post, since I have been preaching for the last month on the idea of new life in Christ, which is a key idea in chapter 3 of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz. So I thought I would start by giving you some Scripture passages you may want to take a look at when you get time. They might provide some good insight or additional questions for us to talk about.
John 15:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5; Colossians 2:6-3:17
Miller quotes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet:
Romeo: Call me but love, and I'll be new baptiz'd; Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
Miller, speaking of seeing this play as a teen, remembers thinking about this sentiment, "People really should put a limit on how much they give to emotion."
What role does emotion play in our relationship with God? Is it possible that we can give too much to emotion in our faith?
Miller writes, "I think the devil has tricked us into thinking so much of biblical theology is story fit for kids." His primary example: the story of Noah's ark. If you get a chance, read Genesis 6-9:17, the story of Noah. What does this story say to you as an adult? Do you agree with Miller's observation?
Miller observes that what helped him accept Christianity was when he learned the four elements of story: setting, conflict, climax, and resolution. Setting is where you are. Every story needs conflict, either internal, external or both. Climax is the point of decision that determines how the story ends. Resolution is the ending based on the decision made.
Can you see your own faith journey in these terms? What other models have you seen or heard? Were these helpful or harmful to your understanding of Christianity?
This chapter of Miller's book centers on tracing how he moved from viewing Christianity's promise of new life as a trick or illusion to viewing the reality of new life in Christ as a reality that he desperately wanted. Why do we as people sometimes view new life in Christ as an illusion? Are there times when we don't even want new life? What moves us to an understanding of new life in Christ as a reality that we want?
John 15:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5; Colossians 2:6-3:17
Miller quotes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet:
Romeo: Call me but love, and I'll be new baptiz'd; Henceforth I never will be Romeo.
Miller, speaking of seeing this play as a teen, remembers thinking about this sentiment, "People really should put a limit on how much they give to emotion."
What role does emotion play in our relationship with God? Is it possible that we can give too much to emotion in our faith?
Miller writes, "I think the devil has tricked us into thinking so much of biblical theology is story fit for kids." His primary example: the story of Noah's ark. If you get a chance, read Genesis 6-9:17, the story of Noah. What does this story say to you as an adult? Do you agree with Miller's observation?
Miller observes that what helped him accept Christianity was when he learned the four elements of story: setting, conflict, climax, and resolution. Setting is where you are. Every story needs conflict, either internal, external or both. Climax is the point of decision that determines how the story ends. Resolution is the ending based on the decision made.
Can you see your own faith journey in these terms? What other models have you seen or heard? Were these helpful or harmful to your understanding of Christianity?
This chapter of Miller's book centers on tracing how he moved from viewing Christianity's promise of new life as a trick or illusion to viewing the reality of new life in Christ as a reality that he desperately wanted. Why do we as people sometimes view new life in Christ as an illusion? Are there times when we don't even want new life? What moves us to an understanding of new life in Christ as a reality that we want?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Chapter 2: Problems
One of the most quoted psalms, Psalm 23, contains this line: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me..."
In Chapter two of Donald Miller's book Blue Like Jazz, Miller confronts this issue of the "darkest valley" and our roles as humans and as Christians when we encounter and recognize those times.
Here are a few questions to ponder and post responses to...
In Chapter two of Donald Miller's book Blue Like Jazz, Miller confronts this issue of the "darkest valley" and our roles as humans and as Christians when we encounter and recognize those times.
Here are a few questions to ponder and post responses to...
- On page 13 of chapter 2, Miller states, "I believe that the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time. This is why the devil tries so hard to get Christians to be religious. If he can sink a man's mind into habit, he will prevent his heart from engaging God." What do you think? Is "wasting time" the biggest downfall for Christians? Where is the line between "being a Christian" and "being religious"?
- Miller comments that he bought his first television because of a preacher at a church he was visiting said that TV rots the brain. How do we as Christians digest and understand what a "preacher" says from the pulpit? Are we called to believe him/her without doubt? Are we called to challenge the thought? What do you think?
- Miller on page 17 states, "I think it is easier to do bad things than good things." What do you think?
- The issue of "original sin" comes up in this chapter. "Original sin" is the idea that we are all born with a tendency to sin because of the original sin by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In a sense, we are prenatured to "sin". What do you think about this idea of "original sin"?
- "I think every conscious person, every person who is awake to functioning principles within his reality, has a moment where he stops blaming the problems in the world on group think, on humanity and authority, and starts to face himself. ... The problem is not out there; the problem is the needy beast of a thing that lives in my chest. (it's me)" Have you had one of these moments of enlightenment? Share it with the group.
We look forward to the discussion. Feel free to share your thoughts on the questions above or any other part of the reading.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Week 1: Beginnings
Feel free to respond to any of the questions or comments in this post. Hopefully, good discussion will be generated!
In his first chapter of “Blue Like Jazz”, Donald Miller shares quite a bit of the images of God he had as a child and teenager. His concepts of God included a “stiff, oily man”, a rich man who drove a big car and had popular kids, and an idea of God as a “… slot machine, a set of spinning images that doled out rewards based on behavior and, perhaps, chance”.
What are some of the concepts of God you have had at various points in your life?
How did these concepts of God affect how you related to God?
In John 10:7-39, Jesus makes several statements in the hearing of the Jewish leadership regarding his identity. He tells them that he has come so that the sheep (God's people) may have life, and have it abundantly. His statements cause much unrest within the Jewish leadership. See this excerpt from John 10:24-30:
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
In his book, Miller writes, "Today I wonder why it is God refers to Himself as 'Father' at all. This, to me, in light of the earthly representation of the role, seems a marketing mistake. Why would God want to call Himself Father when so many fathers abandon their children?"
How would you respond to this question?
How do you relate to God today?
In his first chapter of “Blue Like Jazz”, Donald Miller shares quite a bit of the images of God he had as a child and teenager. His concepts of God included a “stiff, oily man”, a rich man who drove a big car and had popular kids, and an idea of God as a “… slot machine, a set of spinning images that doled out rewards based on behavior and, perhaps, chance”.
What are some of the concepts of God you have had at various points in your life?
How did these concepts of God affect how you related to God?
In John 10:7-39, Jesus makes several statements in the hearing of the Jewish leadership regarding his identity. He tells them that he has come so that the sheep (God's people) may have life, and have it abundantly. His statements cause much unrest within the Jewish leadership. See this excerpt from John 10:24-30:
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
In his book, Miller writes, "Today I wonder why it is God refers to Himself as 'Father' at all. This, to me, in light of the earthly representation of the role, seems a marketing mistake. Why would God want to call Himself Father when so many fathers abandon their children?"
How would you respond to this question?
How do you relate to God today?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A New Start
The Young Adult Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Elon was started to provide a Christian education option for young adults on Sunday morning. In recent years, we have found that it is becoming more and more difficult to have an ongoing Sunday morning Sunday School class due to the demands of family and the opportunities to serve our church in other areas. However, the need for a forum of education and discussion has certainly not disappeared. This blog represents a new effort to meet this need in light of changing circumstances.
Each week, David or Mark will post thoughts and questions based on material that this Sunday School class is studying. At that point, let the discussion begin! Anyone is invited to comment on the posts and comments that go with that week's materials. As comments are posted, you are invited to read the thoughts of others as questions are answered and new questions asked. The Sunday morning Sunday School time will be used as an opportunity to summarize and draw the discussion to a close. Our hope is that this new approach will allow folks to fulfill a vital need for Christian discipleship in a manner that tries to be understanding of other demands and obligations.
There is the general overview, now for the details:
1. While the posts will be based on the Sunday School material we are using at the time, it will not be a requirement that you will have read the material to participate the discussion. We certainly invite you to pick up whatever is material is being used to enhance the experience.
2. David or Mark will make the initial post of questions and observations by each Wednesday. They will also participate in the ongoing discussion to answer questions, provide their thoughts, and perhaps ask new questions.
3. This blog is not just for members of the Young Adult Sunday School Class. This is open to anyone who desires to participate. We have designed the blog to be as open and accessible as possible. We do ask that you show respect for others and please no vulgarity.
4. Remember that when you post a comment, it will be visible to everyone in the discussion. If you desire to make a private comment to David or Mark, you can reach us by email at youth@fbc-elon.org (David) or pastor@fbc-elon.org (Mark).
We hope that many will take advantage of this opportunity to engage in discussion and grow in our faith and in our knowledge of Christ. God bless you! The first post will go up Wednesday, January 9!
Each week, David or Mark will post thoughts and questions based on material that this Sunday School class is studying. At that point, let the discussion begin! Anyone is invited to comment on the posts and comments that go with that week's materials. As comments are posted, you are invited to read the thoughts of others as questions are answered and new questions asked. The Sunday morning Sunday School time will be used as an opportunity to summarize and draw the discussion to a close. Our hope is that this new approach will allow folks to fulfill a vital need for Christian discipleship in a manner that tries to be understanding of other demands and obligations.
There is the general overview, now for the details:
1. While the posts will be based on the Sunday School material we are using at the time, it will not be a requirement that you will have read the material to participate the discussion. We certainly invite you to pick up whatever is material is being used to enhance the experience.
2. David or Mark will make the initial post of questions and observations by each Wednesday. They will also participate in the ongoing discussion to answer questions, provide their thoughts, and perhaps ask new questions.
3. This blog is not just for members of the Young Adult Sunday School Class. This is open to anyone who desires to participate. We have designed the blog to be as open and accessible as possible. We do ask that you show respect for others and please no vulgarity.
4. Remember that when you post a comment, it will be visible to everyone in the discussion. If you desire to make a private comment to David or Mark, you can reach us by email at youth@fbc-elon.org (David) or pastor@fbc-elon.org (Mark).
We hope that many will take advantage of this opportunity to engage in discussion and grow in our faith and in our knowledge of Christ. God bless you! The first post will go up Wednesday, January 9!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)