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| I have moved my blog here.
In addition, Frontline has moved its Sunday evening gatherings to 10:30 AM. Oh how life changes!
See 'ya on the flip side! | | |
| Last week I returned from a ten-day study trip to Israel with Michigan Theological Seminary. Although my primary motivation was the acquisition of five credits toward my Master's Degree, the experience far exceeded my expectations. Some have said that we "ran where Jesus walked," an apt description given the fact that we spent most of our time racing from site to site, reading generous portions of Scripture at nearly every stop (essentially using the Bible as the narrator of the places we visited). Highlights included
- Joppa/Jaffa (Jonah; Acts 8, 9)
- Caesarea Maritima, the Roman capital of Judea (Acts 10, 25, 26)
- Mt. Carmel and Muhraka (1 Kings 18)
- Nazareth (Luke 2)
- Megiddo, the Valley of Armageddon (Revelation 16)
- Beit She’an at the foothills of Mt. Gilboa (1 Samuel 31)
- Qumran (where they found the Dead Sea Scrolls)
- the Sea of Galilee (just read the Gospels!)
- Jerusalem
The two most moving moments were the boat ride across the Sea of Galilee observing the various historical points along the shoreline and entering the Garden Tomb that is, well, empty!
It is difficult to even begin to describe the journey, but it was truly transformational. Where I used to view the Bible as black ink on white pages I now see a broad array of color bringing depth and texture to the ancient accounts.
A short video and narration can be found in my "Walking On Water" message at Frontline's website.
If you ever have an opportunity to travel to Israel, I highly recommend it. The country is beautiful, safe (just avoid Gaza and the West Bank), and absolutely fascinating.
The Sea of Galilee
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| Who is the most fascinating person on the planet? I will quickly vote for Bono, rock star and advocate for the poor. I have been a big U2 fan since CCM magazine reviewed their second album, "October" in 1981, thereby validating it as "acceptable" for me to listen to in the days when I was allowed to only listen to "Christian" music.
I have often said that while Bono is very human and fallible, few people embody "Jesus with skin on" like he does. He is public about his faith and passionate about "the least of these." Perhaps only Mother Teresa has been seen on the world stage as more Christ-like in concern for the poor.
Relevant magazine has posted an interesting article. Be sure to read the comments, as they offer some helpful perspective (and clarification). For further reading, don't miss the Rolling Stone interview (though the interviewer is a real prick when it comes to his political questions!).
On a related note, I do hope to find the U2 concert DVD under my CHRISTmas tree!
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| This world is an interesting place in which to live! Of course, few alternatives exist (!), but my mind has been filled with some perplexing issues and questions in the past 24 hours. Here are some examples:
- Canada has approved group sex because it poses no threat to society. See here.
- Pennsylvania is unable to see atheism as a legitimate religion. Although the vast majority of USAmericans believe in a Creator, it is somehow unconstitutional to even question the antiquated theory that we all just appeared from nothing. For the record, I want my children to learn about Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and even the religion of Secular Humanism/Atheism. Let them objectively consider various viewpoints. That's fine with me. I have nothing to hide or fear. Instead, Darwin is the only source of truth, despite the fact that his theory remains just that, a theory that will never be proven. I cannot prove Intelligent Design either, but someone besides a 19th century scientist should be able to at least offer an explanation on how we got here. It bothers me that the arrogant elite are too intolerant to educate on matters of culture. There is a tremendous difference between freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion.
- Speaking of religion, last night Barbara Walters spent two hours on ABC offering perspectives on Heaven. It was quite interesting. It is no wonder that people say truth is relative! All roads cannot possibly lead to God when they are clearly mutually exclusive! It was sad to hear an atheist dismiss "all religion" as being superstition.
- I have been listening to a fascinating forum related to gay Christianity moderated by the ever-provocative Brian McLaren. I cannot say it has done much to change my convictions, but it is yet another reminder that there is tremendous diversity within the Church and too often so-called Christians fail to act as the "little Christs" that their label delineates. The discussion is far from comprehensive, but it is good food for thought.
I guess it's safe to say that I have many thoughts running through my head, all of which have the common thread of truth. What is truth? Is there such thing? Is it obtainable? My leader, Jesus Christ, said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
- John 14:6-7 | | |
| Somehow time has flown like the snow that blows throughout the brisk not-yet-winter-but-sure-feels-like-it air in the Great Lakes State. Perhaps my writing lulls can be attributed to the time and energy drain that I call Hebrew class. Last night I submitted my final research paper for Hebrew 3, thus bringing to a conclusion yet another semester of seminary. Although I have another Hebrew class next semester and a total of twelve credits remaining, I will graduate in May and be finished (you can take that word two different ways!) in June. Start shopping now for that special graduation gift (ha ha!).
Speaking of shopping, that seems to be the things this time of year. I used to wait until the last minute (yes, even CHRISTmas Eve!). When I buy gifts for my wife, I get impatient and want to just give them to her. I have learned through the years that 1) I can be patient and disciplined enough to buy and hide and 2) life is far less stressful if I do not have to fight the crowds the week of the 25th. Of course, online shopping has been a tremendous blessing, too. Therefore, I am more than pleased to announce I have completed my shopping. Except for one thing.
What to get Jesus for His birthday? No, seriously. He obviously does not want anything from WalMart or Macy's, but I wonder what He would like more than anything else. Sure, my heart, my time, my energy, my devotion, my obedience, etc., but what specifically can I give Him this year? What are you giving Him? | | |
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