There is a ton of great theology found in the book of Matthew. Chapter 8, however, is especially intriguing. There is an underlying theme here that can easily be missed if you don't take time to dissect and study and pray about it.
For this week, I'm going to keep the little "contest" going from our last reading. This one isn't a trick, however. I'm not trying to trip you all up! :)
Read the passage, pray about it, and try to really grasp what is happening here. We will talk about it Sunday morning. Remember, this is not just for the people who are playing and singing this week. Everyone on the Worship team is invited to join us for our discussion. Whoever comes up with the answer to the mystery gets a $10 itunes gift card. If no one does, we'll save it for the next one. We may even start allowing the total to accumulate, if no one gets it this week!
Matthew Chapter 8.... have fun!
-Robbie
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Habakkuk
This week we are going to look at a very short passage of scripture, Habakkuk 1: 1-11.
If you would like to keep reading on, I would encourage you to do so. It is a really cool book in the Bible and will give you a lot of questions to ask. If you thirst for theology and explanation, this is a good book for that!
There is one BIG MAJOR illustration that I want to make from this passage. Let's see if you can find it. If you can figure it out, there will be a prize! And to keep it fair, I'll let someone in on what it is that I"m talking about, so I can't say no one guessed it.
Haven't figured out what the prize will be yet, but it will be something fun. Perhaps some of you have a suggestion for the prize??????
Robbie
If you would like to keep reading on, I would encourage you to do so. It is a really cool book in the Bible and will give you a lot of questions to ask. If you thirst for theology and explanation, this is a good book for that!
There is one BIG MAJOR illustration that I want to make from this passage. Let's see if you can find it. If you can figure it out, there will be a prize! And to keep it fair, I'll let someone in on what it is that I"m talking about, so I can't say no one guessed it.
Haven't figured out what the prize will be yet, but it will be something fun. Perhaps some of you have a suggestion for the prize??????
Robbie
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Hebrews
Good day everyone!
While we are not going to do a book study here, I do want to spend a couple more weeks in Hebrews. Specifically for this week, I want to look at the last section of chapter 5 and into chapter 6. More specifically 5:11- 6:8.
This is a stern warning for us, from Paul. But at the same time, it is also a no-brainer. This is something that we should already be concerned with, as disciples of Christ. This is a short passage with enormous content. Make sure you read and pray about it. Try to pick out a few things that are standing out to you in this and then let's discuss it Sunday morning. I look forward to getting to hear all of you all's thoughts on this.
-Robbie
While we are not going to do a book study here, I do want to spend a couple more weeks in Hebrews. Specifically for this week, I want to look at the last section of chapter 5 and into chapter 6. More specifically 5:11- 6:8.
This is a stern warning for us, from Paul. But at the same time, it is also a no-brainer. This is something that we should already be concerned with, as disciples of Christ. This is a short passage with enormous content. Make sure you read and pray about it. Try to pick out a few things that are standing out to you in this and then let's discuss it Sunday morning. I look forward to getting to hear all of you all's thoughts on this.
-Robbie
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Theology II
Hello everyone. In keeping with the format we started this past week, this week we will be looking at Hebrews 2.
I've told you all, at one time or another, that Hebrews is probably one of my favorite books of the bible. And throughout the next few months, we will probably spend a good bit of time in this book. Just a couple things about the book: this book:
First of all, no one knows, for sure, who the actual author is of this book. It has been widely speculated that Paul was the author, but for many reasons (lack of personal greeting, no self mention, and things within the actual text) this has been dismissed. It is more likely that, given the author refers to himself as being a Jew, and having heard of the message of Christ second hand from those who received it from the LORD Himself, Appolos or Barnabus are more likely candidates. This book is a book of encouragement to the Christian. The actual recipients of the book were thought to have been a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution at the time and were considering renouncing their Christianity and reverting back to Judaism. The writer gives some excellent depicting of Christ's authority, His divinity, and His walk as an earthly man. There are so many things that we can pull from this text to strengthen and encourage us on our journey with Christ. Just as the Hebrews that the text was originally intended for did, we, too, need this encouragement and reminding of who Christ is, what He has accomplished, and how we are to walk with Him.
If you would like a detailed overview, I found one here. It is a lengthy read, but well worth it. We need to be reminded that there are resources out there to help us understand what we are reading, when we read our scriptures. It is important that we don't just read the Word, but that we search out those who God has gifted with grasping and understanding it. And while we should ALWAYS test and approve by comparing that to what the scriptures say, make no mistake. There are those who I believe God has called to be our spiritual leaders. When we begin to think that we have the market cornered on it, we fall into a deadly trap of pride and arrogance.
I look forward to having these discussions with you all over the next few weeks. Read Hebrews 2 and we'll chat this sunday.
robbie
I've told you all, at one time or another, that Hebrews is probably one of my favorite books of the bible. And throughout the next few months, we will probably spend a good bit of time in this book. Just a couple things about the book: this book:
First of all, no one knows, for sure, who the actual author is of this book. It has been widely speculated that Paul was the author, but for many reasons (lack of personal greeting, no self mention, and things within the actual text) this has been dismissed. It is more likely that, given the author refers to himself as being a Jew, and having heard of the message of Christ second hand from those who received it from the LORD Himself, Appolos or Barnabus are more likely candidates. This book is a book of encouragement to the Christian. The actual recipients of the book were thought to have been a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution at the time and were considering renouncing their Christianity and reverting back to Judaism. The writer gives some excellent depicting of Christ's authority, His divinity, and His walk as an earthly man. There are so many things that we can pull from this text to strengthen and encourage us on our journey with Christ. Just as the Hebrews that the text was originally intended for did, we, too, need this encouragement and reminding of who Christ is, what He has accomplished, and how we are to walk with Him.
If you would like a detailed overview, I found one here. It is a lengthy read, but well worth it. We need to be reminded that there are resources out there to help us understand what we are reading, when we read our scriptures. It is important that we don't just read the Word, but that we search out those who God has gifted with grasping and understanding it. And while we should ALWAYS test and approve by comparing that to what the scriptures say, make no mistake. There are those who I believe God has called to be our spiritual leaders. When we begin to think that we have the market cornered on it, we fall into a deadly trap of pride and arrogance.
I look forward to having these discussions with you all over the next few weeks. Read Hebrews 2 and we'll chat this sunday.
robbie
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Theology
Theology
What is theology? Well, the dictionary defines it as "the study of divine things or religious truths."
We've talked a lot, over the last year, about theology. We've discussed the importance of studying it and having a good working knowledge of it, for the purposes of being able to, as Peter says, "give an account for the hope that is in you, 1 Peter 3:15.
Many people believe that this just means that you declare you are a Christian. I, however, do not. And I don't just disagree with this idea, I adamantly, fiercely disagree with it. To be able to say,
"I am a Christian", but then not be able to deeply, richly explain what that means to someone who is far from God, or has absolutely no working knowledge of who Christ is, is not only sad, but irresponsible. You will never meet a Buddhist or a Muslim who cannot defend his faith to the nth degree. When we cannot present the full Gospel to those who "have ears to hear", we disgrace the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.
Okay, I'm going to stop now, cause this is a subject that I can literally get on my soap box for and spend the next two years on. As we finish out this year on our worship team, we are going to be delving into some hardcore theology. There are many reasons for this, specific to our needs as a worship team and as prominent faces in our church. Suffice it to say, to reference our brother Paul, we're moving off of baby food and onto meat.
This Sunday, before service, the band and I dove into a little bit of this, while reading John, chapter 6. I want you all to read this, this week, and then we will begin to open discussions into the text over the next week or so. Please, do not come to church this week not having read it. You will be called out and held accountable to it.
I'm excited about where we're going. Let's go with all of the armor of God. Not just some of it.
Love y'all
Robbie
What is theology? Well, the dictionary defines it as "the study of divine things or religious truths."
We've talked a lot, over the last year, about theology. We've discussed the importance of studying it and having a good working knowledge of it, for the purposes of being able to, as Peter says, "give an account for the hope that is in you, 1 Peter 3:15.
Many people believe that this just means that you declare you are a Christian. I, however, do not. And I don't just disagree with this idea, I adamantly, fiercely disagree with it. To be able to say,
"I am a Christian", but then not be able to deeply, richly explain what that means to someone who is far from God, or has absolutely no working knowledge of who Christ is, is not only sad, but irresponsible. You will never meet a Buddhist or a Muslim who cannot defend his faith to the nth degree. When we cannot present the full Gospel to those who "have ears to hear", we disgrace the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.
Okay, I'm going to stop now, cause this is a subject that I can literally get on my soap box for and spend the next two years on. As we finish out this year on our worship team, we are going to be delving into some hardcore theology. There are many reasons for this, specific to our needs as a worship team and as prominent faces in our church. Suffice it to say, to reference our brother Paul, we're moving off of baby food and onto meat.
This Sunday, before service, the band and I dove into a little bit of this, while reading John, chapter 6. I want you all to read this, this week, and then we will begin to open discussions into the text over the next week or so. Please, do not come to church this week not having read it. You will be called out and held accountable to it.
I'm excited about where we're going. Let's go with all of the armor of God. Not just some of it.
Love y'all
Robbie
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Mark 16
Mark 16
Well, we bring this book study to a close. The 16th chapter of Mark is one where it seems like Mark just kinda said, "Ah,.... the end!" Almost as if it was a throw away, nice tidy way to finish.
However, if you read thoroughly, you will see some heavy words in there. The resurrection is depicted in greater detail by other gospels, but Mark (in typical fashion) gives the facts; just the facts.
It always interested me that Jesus chose to reveal the resurrection through a woman. I don't necessarily have any profound theology statement about this, but I do have some thoughts. What are yours? I'll answer your posts as I read them. Next, I'm saddened by the Disciple's negligence in believing what they had been told, that Jesus was indeed resurrected. These are people who walked with Him for three years, saw the miracles He did, knew He was God in the flesh, called Him LORD, and yet, still let their fears and sinful, wicked hearts convince them that it was all over; that Jesus was just dead and gone. It makes me think: how have I denied Him? How weak is my faith at times? This is a sin that we cannot afford to commit, let alone become habitual. We need to be in prayer for each other and ourselves that we would not fall prey to the doubts and fears that creep up in us, that would keep us from preaching the Gospel to those whom God brings into our folds.
I know this book has been long and arduous, but it has definitely been well worth it. I think we will do some stand alone posts over the next few weeks, and then maybe get back into another book. Let me know your thoughts.
Love you all,
Robbie
Well, we bring this book study to a close. The 16th chapter of Mark is one where it seems like Mark just kinda said, "Ah,.... the end!" Almost as if it was a throw away, nice tidy way to finish.
However, if you read thoroughly, you will see some heavy words in there. The resurrection is depicted in greater detail by other gospels, but Mark (in typical fashion) gives the facts; just the facts.
It always interested me that Jesus chose to reveal the resurrection through a woman. I don't necessarily have any profound theology statement about this, but I do have some thoughts. What are yours? I'll answer your posts as I read them. Next, I'm saddened by the Disciple's negligence in believing what they had been told, that Jesus was indeed resurrected. These are people who walked with Him for three years, saw the miracles He did, knew He was God in the flesh, called Him LORD, and yet, still let their fears and sinful, wicked hearts convince them that it was all over; that Jesus was just dead and gone. It makes me think: how have I denied Him? How weak is my faith at times? This is a sin that we cannot afford to commit, let alone become habitual. We need to be in prayer for each other and ourselves that we would not fall prey to the doubts and fears that creep up in us, that would keep us from preaching the Gospel to those whom God brings into our folds.
I know this book has been long and arduous, but it has definitely been well worth it. I think we will do some stand alone posts over the next few weeks, and then maybe get back into another book. Let me know your thoughts.
Love you all,
Robbie
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mark 15
Mark 15
This is a hard chapter to read as it details the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. We would rather skim over the chapter without really engaging in what the people did and said to Jesus. None of us likes to think about being spit on, beaten, mocked, having a crown of thorns pierced into our heads or can even comprehend hanging on a cross. Would we have walked through this process as humbly as Jesus did? Because we haven’t met Jesus face to face, it’s hard to get a visual of what it was like. But, imagine someone close to you like your spouse or a parent or one of your children and having to endure watching them go through that. How horrible it must have been for our God to watch Jesus endure a death He didn’t deserve to redeem us from a death that we do deserve.
I was also impacted by God’s sovereignty and plan in this chapter. He has foretold of Jesus since the beginning (see Genesis 3:15). God doesn’t do things recklessly or without forethought. He has a plan that cannot be thwarted by anything we do or by any evil that exists. And, while things happen that we can’t fathom, we can be comforted that He understands why they are happening and that ultimately He will use it for our good (Romans 8:28) and His Glory (Isaiah 46: 9-10). He used Jesus’ crucifixion for our good in that He saved us from sin and for His Glory in that he proved that He was God by creating freedom to worship Him through the tearing of the temple veil and in literally raising Jesus from the dead on the third day. He is always true to what He says.
What thoughts do you have on this chapter?
-Miranda
This is a hard chapter to read as it details the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. We would rather skim over the chapter without really engaging in what the people did and said to Jesus. None of us likes to think about being spit on, beaten, mocked, having a crown of thorns pierced into our heads or can even comprehend hanging on a cross. Would we have walked through this process as humbly as Jesus did? Because we haven’t met Jesus face to face, it’s hard to get a visual of what it was like. But, imagine someone close to you like your spouse or a parent or one of your children and having to endure watching them go through that. How horrible it must have been for our God to watch Jesus endure a death He didn’t deserve to redeem us from a death that we do deserve.
I was also impacted by God’s sovereignty and plan in this chapter. He has foretold of Jesus since the beginning (see Genesis 3:15). God doesn’t do things recklessly or without forethought. He has a plan that cannot be thwarted by anything we do or by any evil that exists. And, while things happen that we can’t fathom, we can be comforted that He understands why they are happening and that ultimately He will use it for our good (Romans 8:28) and His Glory (Isaiah 46: 9-10). He used Jesus’ crucifixion for our good in that He saved us from sin and for His Glory in that he proved that He was God by creating freedom to worship Him through the tearing of the temple veil and in literally raising Jesus from the dead on the third day. He is always true to what He says.
What thoughts do you have on this chapter?
-Miranda
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