THE IMITATION OF CHRIST by Thomas a Kempis
Posted on November 15, 2007
Filed Under Book Review
“All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself” (Kempis). Such is the way Kempis writes. The Imitation of Christ is a Christian classic. Tragically the classics are not read much anymore by Evangelicalism. You might say it’s, “what you read that defines you.” Perhaps Evangelicalism is a mile wide and an inch deep because it reads shallow books. Kempis is generally considered a mystic and usually associated with Catholicism. While both are true you should not let that deter you from this read. Actually Kempis was connected to a monk named Geert Groot (late 1300′s). Groot lived a monastic life was a powerful preacher and was often at odds with the Catholic church. Kempis followed in his footsteps and wrote some of the most compelling words on spirituality one can read.
Thought provoking is probably the best way to describe Kempis. Which is the way to read him. That is you need to read him slowly and quietly. Take your time and dwell more on what you’ve read than simply reading on. Kempis was a “contemplative” so he beckons us to live a slower life. Take time to be holy, live for God and invest in others. If all this scares you away from reading Kempis. Look at him from a devotional perspective. And read him that way. He quotes scripture on practically every page. The Imitation of Christ is not a book you ever finish. You just keep reading one page or perhaps one line at a time. WHB
BRING IT 1 SAMUEL 14:1-15
Posted on November 15, 2007
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons
There were two swords in Israel and only one was being put to use. I have continued to dwell upon the heroics (read faith) of Jonathan in comparison to the ineptitude and complacency of his father Saul. There has always been lots of debate as to Saul’s salvific status. I’m not sure the text answers that question for us (especially from a NT perspective). What the text does tell us is that Saul failed to obey and live by faith. His lack of submission to God not only cost him his life and kingship but it cost the nation. The kingdom fell into turmoil and division. Perhaps most glaring of all to me was Saul’s failure to deliver the people from oppression. It was as if at worst Saul was unconcerned about the future of his people or at best simply took it for granted. On my best days I am compelled to be a Jonathan and on an average day I hope to be a Jonathan.
It’s like reading Tolkein. Everybody wants to be Aragorn. But being Aragorn or Jonathan in real life is far more challenging and risky than reading about it in a book. All this is said to stress the fact that I have been meditating on my own leadership of this ministry. I have come to the conclusion that I do not want to sit under a pomegranate tree. One of the mysterious things about following Christ is that it involves both active and passive living (active and passive terminology is a long standing category used by christian mystics). That is following Christ involves a lot of waiting. How often do you find yourself “praying and waiting?” Then there is the active life of doing. And yet at times for all “you do” it seems that so little seems to get done. While I can not speak for you this text has served to stimulate my thinking about leadership responsibility. It has been both encouraging and convicting. To put it simply. I may not be as bad as Saul but I am no Jonathan. With which God is able to confront me with a terrible question. Have I settled for mediocrity? WHB
Weekly Bulletin – November 11, 2007
Posted on November 11, 2007
Filed Under Weekly Bulletin
THE LORD’S DAY
Nov. 11, 2007
WELCOME!
We extend a kind welcome to all who are present. May your attendance at this worship service be a wonderful blessing. We invite you to inquire about our church’s activities and ministries.
Protected: Prayer Sheet – November 7, 2007
Posted on November 7, 2007
Filed Under Prayer Requests
HELL IS FOR CHRISTIANS MATTHEW 8:5-13
Posted on November 1, 2007
Filed Under Sermons
Now that’s a scary thought. I thought that Hell was for everybody but Christians. Not all that different than Israel’s assessment of herself in Jesus’ day. As the sons of Abraham they were destined for God’s kingdom. They were born for it (do we dare say elect). On the basis of their national covenant status with Yahweh. They had a free ticket to paradise. Such was their self-assessment. Tragically self-assessments are often skewed by our own biases. Israel (nor Evangelicalism for that matter) was no different.