Oh the truth hurts!
I'm was reading the prayerfoundation.org description of steps to take for a more disciplined (read disciple) life, Growing in Christ, and nodding my head in agreement, and then the writer described the how to find time for these practices...and as usual, the writer suggested less time could be wasted watching television, and I nodded my head in agreement, as I am so proud of how little time I watch television... but then the writer added time wasted on the computer.
And I was so proud of how little time I spend watching television. :-) I never even considered how much time I waste online!
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
From Andrew Murray,
Lesson 13 in With Christ in the School of Prayer:
Prayer is the reaching out after God and the unseen; fasting, the letting go of all that is of the seen and temporal. While ordinary Christians imagine that all that is not positively forbidden and sinful is lawful to them, and seek to retain as much as possible of this world, with its property, its literature, its enjoyments, the truly consecrated soul is as the soldier who carries only what he needs for the warfare.
Lesson 13 in With Christ in the School of Prayer:
Prayer is the reaching out after God and the unseen; fasting, the letting go of all that is of the seen and temporal. While ordinary Christians imagine that all that is not positively forbidden and sinful is lawful to them, and seek to retain as much as possible of this world, with its property, its literature, its enjoyments, the truly consecrated soul is as the soldier who carries only what he needs for the warfare.
From Gordon MacDonald in Leadership Journal
A monk was brought up before the brotherhood for having committed a grievous sin, and it was decided that he would be excommunicated. As the monk left the sanctuary, his head bent in shame, the esteemed Abba Bessarian stood up, fell into step behind his fellow monk and in a clear voice announced, "I, too, am a sinner."
A monk was brought up before the brotherhood for having committed a grievous sin, and it was decided that he would be excommunicated. As the monk left the sanctuary, his head bent in shame, the esteemed Abba Bessarian stood up, fell into step behind his fellow monk and in a clear voice announced, "I, too, am a sinner."
Friday, March 12, 2004
I always hate to predict how well I did on a test...but I felt so much better after today's Greek quiz than previous tests this semester.
Last night, after hours of studying, it seemed to start to come together (at least I was able to remember the verb stems and endingings better than previously). I shared this with Matt. Then I told him that I had only finished chapter 16 (quiz is for 16 & 17).
Matt's response? He asked if my quizzes have a time constraint. :-)
Last night, after hours of studying, it seemed to start to come together (at least I was able to remember the verb stems and endingings better than previously). I shared this with Matt. Then I told him that I had only finished chapter 16 (quiz is for 16 & 17).
Matt's response? He asked if my quizzes have a time constraint. :-)
I really enjoyed this quote in a recent TechNewsWorld's Interview:
From Technology and Religion: An Interview with the Episcopal Church's Tom Ferguson
TNW: How do you explain the concept -- or even the believability -- of god in the context of a digital world, in terms of cause-and-effect science and the general consensus among the technology community that the concept of god is untestable voodoo?
Ferguson: Of course god is untestable voodoo. And that's what most non-IT people think of IT. Ever try to explain to your grandfather how to open an e-mail attachment? But IT folks know IT isn't voodoo, just like I know god isn't.
From Technology and Religion: An Interview with the Episcopal Church's Tom Ferguson
TNW: How do you explain the concept -- or even the believability -- of god in the context of a digital world, in terms of cause-and-effect science and the general consensus among the technology community that the concept of god is untestable voodoo?
Ferguson: Of course god is untestable voodoo. And that's what most non-IT people think of IT. Ever try to explain to your grandfather how to open an e-mail attachment? But IT folks know IT isn't voodoo, just like I know god isn't.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
From Wesley's Sermon 116
It would be easy to show, in how many respects the Methodists, in general, are deplorably wanting in the practice of Christian self-denial; from which, indeed, they have been continually frighted by the silly outcries of the Antinomians. To instance only in one: While we were at Oxford, the rule of every Methodist was, (unless in case of sickness,) to fast every Wednesday and Friday in the year, in imitation of the Primitive Church; for which they had the highest reverence. Now this practice of the Primitive Church is universally allowed. "Who does not know," says Epiphanius, an ancient writer, "that the fasts of the fourth and sixth days of the week" (Wednesday and Friday) "are observed by the Christians throughout the whole world." So they were by the Methodists for several years; by them all, without any exception; but afterwards, some in London carried this to excess, and fasted so as to impair their health. It was not long before others made this a pretence for not fasting at all. And I fear there are now thousand of Methodists, so called, both in England and Ireland, who, following the same bad example, have entirely left off fasting; who are so far from fasting twice in the week, (as all the stricter Pharisees did,) that they do not fast twice in the month. Yea, are there not some of you who do not fast one day from the beginning of the year to the end? But what excuse can there for this? I do not say for those that call themselves members of the Church of England; but for any who profess to believe the Scripture to be the word of God. Since, according to this, the man that never fasts is no more in the way to heaven, than the man that never prays.
15. But can any one deny that the members of the Church of Scotland fast constantly; particularly on their sacramental occasions? In some parishes they return only once a year; but in others, suppose in large cities, they occur twice, or even thrice, a year. Now, it is well known there is always a fast- day in the week preceding the administration of the Lord's Supper. But, occasionally looking into a book of accounts in one of their vestries, I observed so much set down for the dinners of the Ministers on the fast-day; and I am informed there is the same article in them all. And is there any doubt but the people fast just as their Ministers do? But what a farce is this! What a miserable burlesque upon a plain Christian duty! O that the General Assembly would have regard to the honor of their nation! Let them roll away from it this shameful reproach, by either enforcing the duty, or removing that article from their books. Let it never appear there any more! Let it vanish away for ever
16. But why is self-denial in general so little practised at present among the Methodists? Why is so exceedingly little of it to be found even in the oldest and largest societies? The more I observe and consider things, the more clearly it appears what is the cause of this in London, in Bristol, in Birmingham, in Manchester, in Leeds, in Dublin, in Cork. The Methodists grow more and more self-indulgent, because they grow rich. Although many of them are still deplorably poor; ("tell it not in Gath; publish it not in the streets of Askelon!") yet many others, in the space of twenty, thirty, or forty years, are twenty, thirty, yea, a hundred times richer than they were when they first entered the society. And it is an observation which admits of few exceptions, that nine in ten of these decreased in grace, in the same proportion as they increased in wealth. Indeed, according to the natural tendency of riches, we cannot expect it to be otherwise.
It would be easy to show, in how many respects the Methodists, in general, are deplorably wanting in the practice of Christian self-denial; from which, indeed, they have been continually frighted by the silly outcries of the Antinomians. To instance only in one: While we were at Oxford, the rule of every Methodist was, (unless in case of sickness,) to fast every Wednesday and Friday in the year, in imitation of the Primitive Church; for which they had the highest reverence. Now this practice of the Primitive Church is universally allowed. "Who does not know," says Epiphanius, an ancient writer, "that the fasts of the fourth and sixth days of the week" (Wednesday and Friday) "are observed by the Christians throughout the whole world." So they were by the Methodists for several years; by them all, without any exception; but afterwards, some in London carried this to excess, and fasted so as to impair their health. It was not long before others made this a pretence for not fasting at all. And I fear there are now thousand of Methodists, so called, both in England and Ireland, who, following the same bad example, have entirely left off fasting; who are so far from fasting twice in the week, (as all the stricter Pharisees did,) that they do not fast twice in the month. Yea, are there not some of you who do not fast one day from the beginning of the year to the end? But what excuse can there for this? I do not say for those that call themselves members of the Church of England; but for any who profess to believe the Scripture to be the word of God. Since, according to this, the man that never fasts is no more in the way to heaven, than the man that never prays.
15. But can any one deny that the members of the Church of Scotland fast constantly; particularly on their sacramental occasions? In some parishes they return only once a year; but in others, suppose in large cities, they occur twice, or even thrice, a year. Now, it is well known there is always a fast- day in the week preceding the administration of the Lord's Supper. But, occasionally looking into a book of accounts in one of their vestries, I observed so much set down for the dinners of the Ministers on the fast-day; and I am informed there is the same article in them all. And is there any doubt but the people fast just as their Ministers do? But what a farce is this! What a miserable burlesque upon a plain Christian duty! O that the General Assembly would have regard to the honor of their nation! Let them roll away from it this shameful reproach, by either enforcing the duty, or removing that article from their books. Let it never appear there any more! Let it vanish away for ever
16. But why is self-denial in general so little practised at present among the Methodists? Why is so exceedingly little of it to be found even in the oldest and largest societies? The more I observe and consider things, the more clearly it appears what is the cause of this in London, in Bristol, in Birmingham, in Manchester, in Leeds, in Dublin, in Cork. The Methodists grow more and more self-indulgent, because they grow rich. Although many of them are still deplorably poor; ("tell it not in Gath; publish it not in the streets of Askelon!") yet many others, in the space of twenty, thirty, or forty years, are twenty, thirty, yea, a hundred times richer than they were when they first entered the society. And it is an observation which admits of few exceptions, that nine in ten of these decreased in grace, in the same proportion as they increased in wealth. Indeed, according to the natural tendency of riches, we cannot expect it to be otherwise.
Still haven't commented on the moral weight of obesity. Saw that Obesity is gaining on Tobacco as the number one cause of preventable death. Assuming that current trends continue, more Americans soon will be dying of obesity than from smoking.
Interesting, because I remember sermons saying that "the body is a temple" is why smoking is a sin, but I don't recall this used to condemn overeating.
My overeating usually is associated with boredom--roam the kitchen late evening, what is there to do, what can I eat? I snack without paying attention--usually popcorn while studying or reading.
I also have a problem with exercise. I still haven't made the goal of 15 minutes 4 times a week. I thought I would walk the dog. Do this 2 days in a row and Sweetie would expect it every day and keep me on track. (She is so annoying!) But the best time for me is after Mark goes to bed, and Sweetie is such a chicken that if it's dark she wants to turn back after 5 minutes.
This is sad, to blame lack of exercise on having a basket-case for a dog.
Interesting, because I remember sermons saying that "the body is a temple" is why smoking is a sin, but I don't recall this used to condemn overeating.
My overeating usually is associated with boredom--roam the kitchen late evening, what is there to do, what can I eat? I snack without paying attention--usually popcorn while studying or reading.
I also have a problem with exercise. I still haven't made the goal of 15 minutes 4 times a week. I thought I would walk the dog. Do this 2 days in a row and Sweetie would expect it every day and keep me on track. (She is so annoying!) But the best time for me is after Mark goes to bed, and Sweetie is such a chicken that if it's dark she wants to turn back after 5 minutes.
This is sad, to blame lack of exercise on having a basket-case for a dog.
Tuesday, March 9, 2004
Did not put post-its with Greek verbs on the car dash. Left the one old one on, but after thinking about Cathy being hit by a car when crossing the street, decided that it's best not to schedule driving time as a study time.
Besides, when I turned on the car, the Newsboys CD Worship started--so much more fun to sing along at full volume (my voice being full volume--not car radio being full volume--I've already blown too many speakers playing loud worship music).
Besides, when I turned on the car, the Newsboys CD Worship started--so much more fun to sing along at full volume (my voice being full volume--not car radio being full volume--I've already blown too many speakers playing loud worship music).
What's next? April 22 is the deadline for the following:
Submit a written response providing evidence of understanding and expectation concerning the following: i) the most formative experiences of your Christian life; ii) God's call to ordained ministry and the role of the church in your call; iii) reflect on your year's experience in leadership in the congregation; iv) your future usefulness as a minister in The United Methodist Church; v) your personal beliefs as a Christian; vi) your personal gifts for ministry; vii) how your personal relationships may affect your future ministry.
Submit a written response providing evidence of understanding the ministry of deacon and the ministry of the elder within The United Methodist Church;
Provide other information as may be required for determining gifts, evidence of God's grace, fruit, and demonstration of the call for the ministry of deacon or elder; and
Agree for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the most effective witness of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence as ministers, to make a complete dedication of themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life as set forth in ¶¶ 61{@-}70. To this end they shall agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility, and growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God.
Submit a written response providing evidence of understanding and expectation concerning the following: i) the most formative experiences of your Christian life; ii) God's call to ordained ministry and the role of the church in your call; iii) reflect on your year's experience in leadership in the congregation; iv) your future usefulness as a minister in The United Methodist Church; v) your personal beliefs as a Christian; vi) your personal gifts for ministry; vii) how your personal relationships may affect your future ministry.
Submit a written response providing evidence of understanding the ministry of deacon and the ministry of the elder within The United Methodist Church;
Provide other information as may be required for determining gifts, evidence of God's grace, fruit, and demonstration of the call for the ministry of deacon or elder; and
Agree for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the most effective witness of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence as ministers, to make a complete dedication of themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life as set forth in ¶¶ 61{@-}70. To this end they shall agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility, and growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God.
Monday, March 8, 2004
I will have to comment on this one:
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives2/2004a/030504/030504a.php
Moral weight of obesity
Christian teachings on reverence for the body, on the sin of gluttony speak to moderation and a healthy lifestyle
By ARTHUR JONES
The nation is awash in obesity awareness and details of obesity?s costs in personal ill health and financial burden. But is there a moral cost? Should personal responsibility be weighed along with the extra avoirdupois? Does the church community have responsibilities here?
http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives2/2004a/030504/030504a.php
Moral weight of obesity
Christian teachings on reverence for the body, on the sin of gluttony speak to moderation and a healthy lifestyle
By ARTHUR JONES
The nation is awash in obesity awareness and details of obesity?s costs in personal ill health and financial burden. But is there a moral cost? Should personal responsibility be weighed along with the extra avoirdupois? Does the church community have responsibilities here?
The Washington Post has an article about fair trade coffee.
I like the idea of fair trade coffee. DH purchases fair trade coffee through the church, which purchases through equal exchange. Sometimes it's quite good, but the quality is not as consistently good as that of our local gourmet coffee house, and the local store offers fair trade regularly.
I like the idea of fair trade coffee. DH purchases fair trade coffee through the church, which purchases through equal exchange. Sometimes it's quite good, but the quality is not as consistently good as that of our local gourmet coffee house, and the local store offers fair trade regularly.
Sunday, March 7, 2004
More of Hordern's description of Barth. I think I'll have to get a copy of Hordern for myself, as well as delve into Barth more.
The Christian does not obey out of fear or weakness; he obeys out of joy and strength. The man who obeys without joy is disobedient in the deepest sense. He is like the man in Jesus' parable who comes dutifully to the banquet because he is invited but fails to wear a wedding garment to express his joy.
The Christian does not obey out of fear or weakness; he obeys out of joy and strength. The man who obeys without joy is disobedient in the deepest sense. He is like the man in Jesus' parable who comes dutifully to the banquet because he is invited but fails to wear a wedding garment to express his joy.
I saw this quote at
What’s the Difference? A Comparison of the Faiths Men Live By by Louis Cassels
and while the quote is attributed to Horden, I don't recall actually reading it myself in the book. :-)
The heart of this movement lies in loyalty to the faith of historic orthodoxy, not because it is ancient or orthodox, but because it is believed to be true. Modern Orthodoxy believes that in the orthodox Christian tradition we have a precious heritage of truth which must not be thrown overboard just because someone has split the atom and someone else has looked farther through a telescope. Nevertheless, it is willing to understand the old truth more fully insofar as modern thought makes that possible."
I like his description of modern orthodoxy. I don't know if it's an accurate description of modern orthodoxy, I just know that it feels comfortable.
What’s the Difference? A Comparison of the Faiths Men Live By by Louis Cassels
and while the quote is attributed to Horden, I don't recall actually reading it myself in the book. :-)
The heart of this movement lies in loyalty to the faith of historic orthodoxy, not because it is ancient or orthodox, but because it is believed to be true. Modern Orthodoxy believes that in the orthodox Christian tradition we have a precious heritage of truth which must not be thrown overboard just because someone has split the atom and someone else has looked farther through a telescope. Nevertheless, it is willing to understand the old truth more fully insofar as modern thought makes that possible."
I like his description of modern orthodoxy. I don't know if it's an accurate description of modern orthodoxy, I just know that it feels comfortable.
More from
A Laymans Guide to Protestant Theology
by Authors: William E. Hordern
Men often ask what is new in Christianity. Neither its ethics nor its theology is unique.
For Barth, the answer is that the uniqueness of Christianity is Christ himself.
To be a Christian is to be a new man through knowing the reality of the crucified and risen Savior.
The basis for all missionary work and preaching of the gospel is Jesus Christ.
A Laymans Guide to Protestant Theology
by Authors: William E. Hordern
Men often ask what is new in Christianity. Neither its ethics nor its theology is unique.
For Barth, the answer is that the uniqueness of Christianity is Christ himself.
To be a Christian is to be a new man through knowing the reality of the crucified and risen Savior.
The basis for all missionary work and preaching of the gospel is Jesus Christ.
Anthony Sizemore
"I don't care what Al Mohler said, the Bible is not the full revelation of God. Jesus Christ is God's revelation," the Texas pastor said.
"As I shared, I believe the Bible is a book that God has given us for guidance. It's a book that points us to the truth," Sizemore added. "We're not supposed to have a relationship with a book."
"I don't care what Al Mohler said, the Bible is not the full revelation of God. Jesus Christ is God's revelation," the Texas pastor said.
"As I shared, I believe the Bible is a book that God has given us for guidance. It's a book that points us to the truth," Sizemore added. "We're not supposed to have a relationship with a book."
I'm sorry Martin, but I am wondering about the "scripture alone" thing.
I am thinking that perhaps we should say "Jesus alone".
The earliest creed was "Jesus is Lord", so it would seem that this is consistent with the earliest Christian tradition.
No, I still don't have a rubrick for truth. A good rubrick is not whether or not a truth is displayed / followed by the earliest Christians.
I am thinking that perhaps we should say "Jesus alone".
The earliest creed was "Jesus is Lord", so it would seem that this is consistent with the earliest Christian tradition.
No, I still don't have a rubrick for truth. A good rubrick is not whether or not a truth is displayed / followed by the earliest Christians.
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