Articles to the Left

I meant to the left of this post, not a political-leaning left :).
There is an area to the left of this post that has articles on mariage. They hadn't changed for a while, but there are some new ones there. Check them out. If you know of someone struggling, or just looking to improve, in the area of their marriage, refer them to these articles or to The LOVING Way to a Christian Marriage: Six Keys to Marital Bliss.

Moving from Vanity to Meaning

Sean has been studying Ecclesiastes this week, which speaks of the vanity of life. He said, “[Ecclesiastes] speaks on how wisdom will help you prosper. Then [it] speaks on how nothing matters.” That certainly points out vanity and meaninglessness, doesn’t it?

Sean further says of Ecclesiastes, “The author said that a Jewish tradition is to read Ecc. once a year at the festival of tents. He said they pitch tents and relive the times in the wilderness. During this someone reads Ecc. from start to finish.” I guess that wilderness wondering was a reminder of the vanity of life without (or in disobedience to) God.

Tyler spoke of Jeremiah being known as the weeping prophet because “he [poured] his heart out for his homeland." Many today are concerned about the direction of our country. Some of that concern has to do with the understanding of “vanity” and how it affects our nation.

Jesus came that we might move from vanity to meaning. Jesus, however, did not come in the way that people expected. Tyler pointed out that one of the themes of Isaiah is "Messiah as suffering servant.” Ed commented, “I just finished up chapters 5 & 6 and found it to be amazing how all that Jesus did and all that he taught could not [convince] the Jewish people he was not the son of God.” Part of the reason they did not recognize Jesus as who he really was had to do with the fact that they thought he would look and act more like a king.

Ed pointed out how dramatic a change some people made in their lives when they became Christians. He asks, “Can you imagine going to your family and telling them I am now a [Buddhist] and a citizen of India.” Basically, that was how radical the change in a person’s life was when they came to Jesus. Why are people willing to face such drastic changes, and if need be, persecution? I think part of the reason has to do with the fact that we can move from a life that is full of vanity to one that is full of meaning.

Let’s look into this a little deeper as you reflect on your content. How does what you read relate to vanity, meaning, or changed life? If you have some answers to this question post them in one of the topic areas.

Visitors may comment by clicking on the word, “comments” below this post or below any of the posts in Sean’s, Ed’s, or Tyler’s topic areas.

Ecclesiastes-Vanity without God

I've often thought, reading through Ecclesiates, that it presents how people view life from a secular point of vies until you get to the end of the book. I always tell people to be sure and read the last chapter when they read it. Life is vanity without God. Sean, Did Bro. Yancey have a different take on this, or is this kind of how he views the book? What have the rest of you thought about this book?

Week 2 (Week6) Tyler's Topics

Tyler place your initial comments here.

The first one will include the title of your course, and the topics of the DVD's you will watch this week.

Week 2 Ed's Topics

Ed, place your initial posts here.

The first one will again give us the title of you book and the titles of the chapters we will cover this week.

Week 2 (Week 6) Sean's Topics

Sean, post your intial comments here. The first one will contain your book title and the titles of the chapters we will cover this week.

Course 4 Week 2

We are off to a good start with this go around of books and DVD's.

Your first post this week will again give the titles of what we will discuss.

So, in your first post, again, give us the title of your book. Then divide the remaining chapters or pages by four. That result will include the chapters we need to discuss this week. Give us the names of those chaptes.

Then post two initial comments in your topic area today, tomorrow or Thursday.

End of Course Four Week 1

Today is the end of the first week. All postings have to be in by midnight in order to count for week 1.

I have enjoyed the start we have had this week. The Psalms prove to be a blessing to us all.

I have a suggestion for the new project we have this term where you are asked to make up a test for the book you have read. It would probably be easier if you would make up one of each type of question as you go along instead of waiting and having to go back through your book on that last week (however, it could be done that way. It will probably be just a little more difficult.)

Have a good day as we finish up this week's discussion. Tomorrow, we will start on new topics.

I trust you had a good day yesterday. We had an unusual move of the working of God in the morning service yesterday. We had a twenty-year-old young man sing a special, and hearts were touched as people came to the altar. After that there were testimonies of some things that were going on in people's lives that directly related to the passage of Scripture that the Lord had directed me to for the morning's message. I almost closed the service without preaching, but when I saw how relevant the message was, I went ahead and hit at least the highlights of the message. I had a great sense of liberty, and I am conviced it was right to go ahead.

I hope you had good services also.

Moving Over

If you already have at least three comments in your own topic area, I encourage you to move to the other students' topic areas and make comments and ask questions there.
Let's deal with the truths that are presented, but show (or ask) how they apply to our lives--such as the testimony of how Scripture was such a blessing for Sean when he was in the hospital dealing with his tumor.

Bro. Ed was planning on trying to get on last night. Maybe he will be able to get set up today.

Have a great day!

Moving to the Practical Again

When we post in the first three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday--since our weeks start on Tuesday and run through the following Monday), we more than likely will come up with some more theoretical stuff. The last part of the week, I want to challenge us to think of "Yes, but so what?!" The focus our attention will be on how what we have learned affects life. By doing that, I challenge us to ask those sorts of qustions of each other. If you know for sure that you are going to get those ten quality posts in during the week (the ones that have to be at least three sentences long) then you can get things going back and forth with one-liners, phrases, and even somewhat off-topic comments. The best way I know to do this is to try to logon almost every day and quckly make two comments on topic of the right length. Then just have fun without worrying about limitations.

I'm thankful for the comments already made this week. Tomorrow, we will try to get deeper into the material.

Tyler and Sean, thank you for welcoming Ed. Let's pray that he is able to get online with us without too much trouble.

Week 1 (Week 5) Sean's Topics

Sean, please place at least three posts here about what you are studying. Ed and Tyler, you may post here in response to Sean's posts. You may ask him a question (Be creative and put two sentences with the question if you want it to be one of your posts that count for the week.)

Week 1 Ed's Topics

Ed, please place at least three posts here about what you are studying. Tyler and Sean, you may post here in response to Ed's posts. You may ask him a question (Be creative and put two sentences with the question if you want it to be one of your posts that count for the week.)

Week 1 (Week 5) Tyler's Topics

Tyler, please place at least three posts here about what you are studying. Ed and Sean, you may post here in response to Tyler's posts. You may ask him a question (Be creative and put two sentences with the question if you want it to be one of your posts that count for the week.)

Tyler, I will save you the trouble and move your three posts that you have already made to the comments section below.

Click on the word, "comments" below to post.

Week One Introductions

This is the area to post your introductions. Click on the comments below, to do that. Tyler and Sean you may copy and paste your earlier introductions if you wish. Ed, please give us some information about yourself.

Here are some ideas to get you started
Have you been in ministry long?
Have you pastored before?
Have you been in music ministry?
Are you a computer whiz:)?
Do you have any apprehensions about taking this course?
Are you married?
Do you have children?
Grandchildren?
If you are bi-vocational, what other type of work do you do?
What course are you watching the DVD's for?
What book or books will you be reading for this course?
Do you have a question for some of your fellow students?
Do you have a humorous comment that could brighten our day?
And so on......

Comments in this section will count as quality posts.

Click on the word, "comments" below to make your posts. If you don't already have a g-mail account, you will have to sign up for one to make this work. There is no charge for signing up for g-mail.

Anoyone else wishing to join us may do so today.

Five-Week Grading Opportunities

The course will alow you to accumulate 100 points over the five week term.

Here is how you will accumulate your points:

(1) You will receive one point for each day you login during the week (maximum of 5 per week).

(2) You will receive two points for each quality post you make during the week (maximum of 20 per week). (Quality posts are defined as being on topic and at least three sentences long. Yes, the number three is arbitrary. Be creative if you have to. Most of the time, that requirement will get you rolling into much longer posts. One liners and humorous side comments are encouraged, but they will be in addition to the "quality posts," as defined above. (One liners and side comments can really spice up a cours :)).

(3) During the term, develop an objective-type test composed of 5 True-False questions, 5 multiple-choice questions, 5 completion (fill in the blank) questions and 5 matching items. Provide a score key for the test that also lists the page numbers where the answers to your questions are found. This will be worth 20 points.

This will give a student the option to accumulate 100 points plus 20 bonus points.

Any student who accumulates 80 points during the term will receive a satisfactory for the course. Since we have repeatedly said we will not "fail" anyone in this process. Only satisfactory grades will be recorded. (We have two other methods of documentation: "R" which means the student read the material, and "W" which means the student watched the DVD's.)

New Week One

Tyler and Sean,

We have an opportunity to try an experiment: Up to this point, we have been working on eight-week schedules. Bro. Ed Russell will be joining us, and we want to try a five week schedule. This will allow us to Switch books at our regular preachers' meetings. If you would, just start where you are in your books and join us for the next five weeks. As far as grading goes, you have the option of finishing the eight-week schedule using that grading scale, or you may use the new one. I will figure things both ways for you.

Course 3 Week 5 Posting Area

(We have another preacher joining us for the next few weeks. He will be going on a 5 week program as an experiment. I want to give you, Sean and Tyler, the option of taking you remaining chapters and finishing with him. I will try to give instructions about that tomorrow. (If you want to keep your present score and finish up in the next three weeks, you can do that too.)

Please post your comments for Week 5 (or Week 1 as the case may be) below.

Tyler, I will move your comments here to get them all in one place.

Preachers' Meeting Tonight

Good Morning, Sean and Tyler,

I look forward to seeing you at the preachers' meeting tonight. It is hard to believe that we are already half way through the course.

This is the first day of week 5. I will put up a new posting area right after this post.

Hope you have a great day!

End of Week 4

We wrapped up the sister course for Rockbridge Seminary today. I am glad to report that all students were able to get in their needed assignments on time. Three had some setbacks earlier in the course, but they came through with flying colors at the end. We need to get our Preachers Meeting posts in for Week four tonight.

I will talk with you further tomorrow.

Youth Rally and Time to Give

Wow! We had a 162 at youth rally even with all of the Homecomings and other activities going on in the area. God displayed an extra measure of grace because our final dress rehearsal/practice was a disaster! Things went off very smoothly Friday.

Time to Give: we were in II Corinthians 9 this morning. It seems the economy is on everyone's minds partly because of all the media attention to it and because of it being an election year. Commentators on the Point of View radio broadcast often remind us that the president can do very little about the economy. It is true that he can do nothing without the help of congress. His biggest opportunity is to influence people who can help. According to the news media, however, you would think the president can really control the economy. The candidates even perpetuate the myth by playing the game and talking about what they could do if they were elected.

Everyone has a need for financial well-being. We do all have a need to eat. We need shelter, etc. II Cor. 9 contains one way to improve your financial well being. That is to give. Doesn't that seem paradoxical? I mean, you need to get something and the advice is to give! However, the Scripture says that he that sows sparingly share reap sparingly, and he that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully. It also says that our giving should not be done grudgingly, but cheerfully. I'm told that the Greek word carries with it the idea of giving "hilariously!"

A paradox is something that appears to be a contradiction but really isn't. For instance, Jesus is both fully God and fully man. That seems contradictory, but both elements of the statement are necessary to describe Christ, and both are true. In a real contradiction, one of the elements is false. In a paradox, both elements are true. So, it is often paradoxical that when you need to get, you are prompted give without knowing how things work out. Then somehow they do work out and you receive unexpected blessings.

In my own life, I've seen these principles work time and time again with only two exceptions: One exception is where the times when I have failed to follow God's warnings about credit get away from me (since that involves other biblical principles, maybe that is not really an exception). The other is that God shuts off the extra provisons when He wants to get my attention. Beyond those two exceptions, God has done some amazing provisions for my family and me. It is almost paradoxical how it works!

Youth Rally

We are hosting the Youth Rally tongiht. Maybe I will get to see some of you there. I know there is a lot going on this weekend.

Place on the Beach

Hey, Tyler,

Do you think Sean found that place on the beach again? I mean this time, he would have a different book to hold upside down while he tried to make us think he was reading.

I just caught up the Rockbridge Seminary grading, but there is more to come. I'll try to do a better job for you guys next week.

Randy

Course 3 Week 4 Day 2

As always, please give us the name of your book or course. Divide what you have left by 5. Then tell us the names of the chapters or lessons you will be covering this week. Put your comments below the Week 4 posting area.

If your reading prompts some practical questions, ask them, and we will try to deal with them.

Course 3 Week 4 Posting Area

Please put your posts for week 4 here in the comments below.

My comments may be a little limited this week, as we are on the final week of the Rockbridge Seminary course. I will have a lot of grading to do.

Genres of Psalms

Tyler talked about the genres in the book of psalms.

"Dr. Reid also talked about the different genres in the book of Psalms. There are six types throughout the book. Laments express difficult times, while hymns are just the opposite. There are psalms of wisdom that deal with how to live right. Some psalms are about royalty or kingship. There are also historical psalms that talk about God's dealings with His people in the past. The last type is my favorite, there are psalms of trust. My wife's favorite verse is Psalms 91:11."

This will probably be helpful for Sean as he gets into next week's material.

Boundaries and Accountability

As much as I like what we have discussed in the companion course to the one we are covering here (This is the course from Rockbridge Seminary, where I am one of the professors. We are in the seventh week of that course, "The Theology and Practice of Ministry."), one of the things I have been concerned about related to the original ministry and vision of a church that becomes a permission-giving church.

I have a friend who gives a good definition of unity (even if may, or may not be, technically correct as a use of the word). He says that unity does not mean that we all agree on everything, but it does mean that we support each of us to do what God has called us to do.

Another aspect of ministry does relate to the role of a pastor. One of the things he (pastor/bishop) is to do is to be an overseer. If we take permission-giving to the extreme, what is this individual overseeing?

A bunch of "lone rangers" operting in the same geographic area does not necessarily constitute a ministry, does it? I mean, that could be several separate ministries. We have probably heard the analogy of "loose canons" floating around as being dangerous. How do we have this wonderful permission-giving culture, equipping and helping people discover their own individual ministries, function properly in such a way as not to be hampered and yet to be properly "overseen"? After all, the role of pastor (bishop) is a biblical role.

Therefore, I was quite encouraged to read the part of the lecture on permission-giving to see how it dealt with this issue:

Here is that quote:

"Boundaries and Accountability . Permission-giving churches do need boundaries and accountability. Permission cannot be given in a vacuum. Some circumstances call for decisions to be made. Freedom of choice within certain boundaries is the basic system for order and control. In permission-giving churches guidance and accountability come from the church's Mission, Vision, and Values Statements, and a clearly defined scenario plan. People are free to live out their spiritual gifts within these boundaries. Governing bodies exist primarily to provide an environ­ment in which individual members and teams can live out their spiritual gifts on behalf of the Body of Christ.

"Boundaries and accountability cannot come from rule books or procedures. No book of procedures is broad enough to avoid control. For boundaries and accountability to be effective requires clarity concerning the basic values of the congregation. These basic values define the corporate culture of the congregation. They are the compass to the future."

I like the statement, and I do think it is well worth the challenges (as far as causing it to come about goes) to implement a permission-giving culture within a local church ministry.

I certainly have enjoyed reading the Rockbridge students' own evaluations as to where they are in the process of develeping a permission-giving culture in the context of their own ministries.

Job's Double Blessing

Sean pointed out the following concerning Job:

"I liked when the author pointed out that Job was doubly blessed in everything except his children, eluding to the promise of being reunited with the ones he lost in heaven. Therefore he was double blessed there as well. Thats awesome!"

Visitors if you would like to comment, you may do so at the bottom of these posts. The bulk of our discussion is at the bottom of the weekly posting areas. You may scroll down to find the most recent one of those. You will find comments like the one from Sean that was just posted here.

Grapes and Raisins

The truths in Job are like grapes and raisins. All raisins are grapes, but not all grapes are raisins. The ideas presented by Job's friends are like the raisins. They were true, but they were not truths that apply in every case. The wider truths are there for more situations than what they were able to envision. The wider truths are like grapes.

Job's Question

My grandfather told me that he remembered what the preacher talked about at his grandmother's funeral. It is recorded in Job 14:14. "If a man die, shall he live again?"

That is the most important question in Scripture. All of the Bible actually is built around the answer to that question. God devised the plan of salvation before the foundation of the world. The answer is, "yes, if a man dies, he shall live again." Aren't you glad that eternal life is given to believers? It is given as a gift, and it is received by faith.

Course 3 Week 3 Posting Area

Please put your posts for week Three below.

Again, give us the title of you book or DVD course. Divide the number of chapters of DVD's you have left by six. That will tell you how many chapters, etc., you will need to read or view this week. Then give us the titles of chapters or topics or lectures that you will be covering this week.

Good job in the past.
Visitors may comment also.

Old Covenant/New Covenant

Several questions have surfaced about the use of the Old Testament in ministry. We know that Paul, writing under the New Covenant, said that the things written under the Old Covenant were to be ensamples (examples for us).

The Old Covenant was done away according to the New Testament, but it was replaced with a "new and better covenant." As a result many of the principles that were stated in the Old Testament (Old Covenant) are restated in the New Testament (New Covenant). The book of Hebrews describes this relationship very well.

When the Old Covenant Law againt murder was done away with, the principle that you should not murder was reinstituted in the New Covenant, and it was made even stronger when Jesus said that if you have hatred in your heart, that is just as bad as murder!

Most of the principles behind the Old Testament laws, ordinances and statutes, are things that can be "written on our hearts"! Therefore, the Old Testament is very useful for us today. We see where those principles are restated and strengthened in the New Testament, and we have examples that are helpful to us for Christian living.

This is the end of week 2 since our course weeks run from Tuesday through Monday. Anyone wanting to sign up for this term should read the posts below, and then send an email to rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com. If you want to buy the book that Sean is studying this term, you can look to the left and scroll down to an option to buy it.

The Blessing of Uprightness

Since we are studying the Old Testament and Hebrew poetry, I thought I would give you these thoughts from a section in Proverbs.

In Proverbs 11:1-7, we read of the blessing of uprightness. In order to fully comprehend this passage, we need to understand the three kinds of uprightness (uprightness and righteousness are used interchangeably here) that can be observed in society.

First of all, there is a general kind of uprightness that relates to having a good reputation. Somethimes those who are considered "good people" have a morality that matches Christian morality and Biblical principles. The problem with this kind of uprightness is that it can be colored by the relativism of society. This kind of uprightness can also match "political correctness" as well as Biblical morality. The problem with this is that "political correctness" is often (or at least sometimes) Biblically incorrect. Some examples would have to do with tolerance of abortion for any reason and promoting sexual behavior outside of marriage. Many today could be considered upright who are engaging in fornication and adultery. Society says living together and having sex outside of marriage is O.K. In addtion to that, political corectness would want us to condone homosexual behavior.

Secondly, there is an uprightness that strives to match the morality of the Bible, and this is done out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us. The person exhibiting this kind of uprightness makes immediate changes in his (or her) life concerning little things, and he begins to exhibit "growth-type" changes in ideal things when he.

Thirdly, there is an uprightness that results when the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believer when he or she puts personal faith in Him.

This chapter of Proverbs talks, perhaps, about all three kinds of uprightness, but I think it mainly describes the last two kinds.

What are the perils befalling those who are not upright? Their cheating is an abomination to the Lord. Their pride leads to shame. Their perversity will destroy them. Their riches will not profit in the day of wrath or at their final judgment. They will fall by their own wickedness. The unfaithful will be caught by the fear of their own lust. Their expectation and hope will perish.

What are the benefits of those who are upright? A just weight is their delight. A special measure of wisdom will come to the humble. Their integrity will guide them. Righteousness delivers from death. Righteousness will direct their way aright. Most of all, righteousness will deliver them: often in this life, and always in the next.

How do we get those second and third kinds of uprightness? We hear the Gospel and put out faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Then we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hopefully, the person who begins to exhibit Christian maturity will discover his or her own personal SHAPE for ministry.

Use of Old Testament

We have been talking about the Old Testament in this Course.

We realize that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. That certainly includes the Old Testament Scriptures as well as the New.

Bryan Chapell, in his book, Christ-Centered Preaching, gives a good way to preach on the Old Testament in light of the New Testament.

Newcomers, may sign up, without charge, through next monday. If you would like to join us, you could purchase The Bible Jesus Read, by Philip Yancey, or you may feel free to use any book on Bible or ministry that you already have.
If you would like to join us, please send me an email at rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com.

Newcomers

Newcomers are still able to join us through next Monday evening. After that, it will be too late to catch up as doing the course as a whole would allow. Visitors, however, are always welcome to comment or ask a question.

If you would like to sign up, please send an email to rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com. You will need a book about ministry in order to participate. At this point, there is no charge for signing up.