Burning of the Greens

Burning of the Greens will be postponed until Wednesday @ 6.00pm

Theological Education

It has been a LONG time since I have set myself before a systematic theology text and really poured over the content [mainly because it can put one to sleep!]. Nonetheless, I am starting Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology text as an assignment from a bunch of crazy pastors that I meet with.
At the same time, I received a magazine that comes to the church which contained an article on "34 theological terms to know." Mmmm...I am starting to get the idea here!
Where is our theological education? More pointedly...where is your theological education? If someone asked you to explain the concept of "substitutionary atonement" would you be able to? Could you have even spelled it?!
Trust me, I struggle too. I even set on an ordination committee and still forget what some of these "mega" words or concepts or truths mean. But, that doesn't mean we shrug them off as some unattainable level of academia. We need to know this stuff. We need to not only know the essentials of our faith but also the ideas and theology of those around us [ie., Universalists, Unitarians, and the list goes way past the "u"'s] so that we might better reveal the true gospel of Christ.
Maybe that would be a good starting point for both of us...grab a copy of Grudem's ST and read along with me. Sounds exciting doesn't it! OK, maybe not exciting, but wow is there a lot of things that need to be explored within our own faith and our ideas, concepts, and beliefs about our Lord. Come on...join the journey [and let me know if you do so I can keep you abreast of where I am in the book][just the preface and first chapter right now]. God bless.

Perishable Things

1 Peter 1.18 says: For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed form the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefather, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
If you are like me you struggle with putting faith and hope in "perishable things." Such things are so tangible - and we humans like the tangible. We like to see, hold, and the whole rest of our senses, those things that we believe in. Such things are called empirical evidenses. God calls us to be people of faith - those things in which we cannot sense solely with observation or experiment. Do we "trust" in God? Do we "trust" in the precious blood of His Son for the forgiveness of sin?
Read the verses again...dwell on them...and allow God to speak to your heart.

Through the Ages

There is a thought that continues to bounce around in my partially empty skull...how are things "new every morning" when one wakes to the same ol things? I get a little melancholy when thinking that things have just chugged along before I was here and they will continue to chug along long after I'm gone. So I sit, and I ponder, and I ask the Lord, "what difference does it make?" Usually the answer is this... "Matthew, I have made you and created you for a special purpose. A purpose no other person has ever had nor will have. It is your task to follow me and allow me to work out that purpose in your everyday life." See the turn of thought? It is His purpose being worked out in me...NOT my purpose being lived out...that is what brings fulfillment and enjoyment of the everyday.
Sit...and ask God what His purpose is today. Now GO and allow yourself to be a vessel of holy use. God's use. Enjoy today's adventure!

Through the Rain

I was standing out on the deck watching lightning strike a pivot just north of the house last night with the family...what an amazing sight to see fire come hurdling through the sky and in the same instant have your heart knocked sideways from a thunder clap! The girls and I all screamed and ran in the house to watch from a much safer vantage point!
As the rain began to come in sheets and the storm continued to roar, I was keenly aware of God's presence and His might. I know He talks to some in a whisper but last night it was through the storm. Through the rain He reminded me that He has washed my sins away and has "renewed a right spirit within me."
My prayer this morning is giving praise to God that through the rain He gives new life...through the washing away of sin He gives new hope.

New Toys

There is nothing better than a new toy...ask any 6 year old. We just got some new toys in the office [computers!] to help us organize our ministry. Oh sure! Another truth be told...things that help you get organized are complicated! Never the less...things should be updated more consistently now. Another truth...things that help you stay up to date are hard to do consistently! What a topsy turvy world we live in!
I am excited over what the youth group [SWAT] is up to...they are starting a mission-minded worldview. I think you can see the link to their facebook and mission challenge on the blog sight. Check it out!
Too bad the great commandment wasn't "go, find a new toy!" Rather, and even better, it is "Go and find a new life in Jesus!"

Through the Years

I am amazed at the rememberance of people of events that happened in high school. Hang around a reunion long enough and the memories just keep coming back. As I look back over my years as a believer, I wonder at times what the Lord has been doing with my life...or...if I've been listening to the Lord about what he wanted me to do. Just as the Scriptures kept reminding God's people to look back and see what the Lord had done for them in order that they may remain true to Him in their present circumstances, I likewise need to look back and remember what God has done in my life. The mercy, grace and forgiveness that He has shown me. The places of despair and darkness that He lifted me out of. The great moments and times of joy and pure happiness. Ah, it is good, at times, to remember...the Lord is good. Thank you Jesus!