Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Inland Hurricane
We have had such high winds here, over 100 MPH at times, that many of us have been without power and ways to get online. This is my first day back, and I am only doing this by way of a generator.
If that was the case for you, let me know. We will make some adjustments for the schedule change last week and the first part of this one.
Hope you all are doing well.
If that was the case for you, let me know. We will make some adjustments for the schedule change last week and the first part of this one.
Hope you all are doing well.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Word Detective Assignment--An Example
Word Detective--An Example
What does this completed "word-detective assignment" look like?
Tyler has provided a great example:
He said,
"I have only found two words that I did not understand.
"1. papacy
guess- something ran by one man
2nd guess- somethin to do with
the pope
definition- the system of ecclesiastical government in which teh pope is recognized as the supreme head
"2. magisterial
guess- simple state of something
2nd guess- headed by a person of
authority
definition- of, pertaining to, or befitting a master, authoritative; weighty; of importance or consequence"
You can see that his guesses did relate to the dictionary definitions, but they (his wording) is a little easier to understand. You also see he grasped the basic meanings. (It would have been O.K. even if he completely missed the dictionary meanings. In that case, he would have really learned something in the process.)
Here is my response:
"Very good, Tyler,
"You get the prize for the first on the word assignment.
"You can just pick out a third word. It can be one that you do think you understand.
"Still do the steps: Write the word; write your definition; see if your definition fits as it is used in the chapter; then compare your understanding with a dictionary definition. Sometimes even familiar words are given more specific meanings during this process. Sometimes not, but we usually go through the process at least once during the term because sometimes you may find a word that is very hard to find in a dictionary, or the dictionary meaning might relate to a different field. You also sometimes "firm up" the meaning of the word as you go through the process.
"Good job on the two you have done. I hope everyone else learns from your example. Everyone should read the comment at the bottom of the assignment post too. That tells how to do this if you have already read your chapter."
For our focused response postings this week, continue on with your discussion, and be sure to include your results of the assignment. (For those who need it, you can get three posts out of this also if you do a post for each word.)
What does this completed "word-detective assignment" look like?
Tyler has provided a great example:
He said,
"I have only found two words that I did not understand.
"1. papacy
guess- something ran by one man
2nd guess- somethin to do with
the pope
definition- the system of ecclesiastical government in which teh pope is recognized as the supreme head
"2. magisterial
guess- simple state of something
2nd guess- headed by a person of
authority
definition- of, pertaining to, or befitting a master, authoritative; weighty; of importance or consequence"
You can see that his guesses did relate to the dictionary definitions, but they (his wording) is a little easier to understand. You also see he grasped the basic meanings. (It would have been O.K. even if he completely missed the dictionary meanings. In that case, he would have really learned something in the process.)
Here is my response:
"Very good, Tyler,
"You get the prize for the first on the word assignment.
"You can just pick out a third word. It can be one that you do think you understand.
"Still do the steps: Write the word; write your definition; see if your definition fits as it is used in the chapter; then compare your understanding with a dictionary definition. Sometimes even familiar words are given more specific meanings during this process. Sometimes not, but we usually go through the process at least once during the term because sometimes you may find a word that is very hard to find in a dictionary, or the dictionary meaning might relate to a different field. You also sometimes "firm up" the meaning of the word as you go through the process.
"Good job on the two you have done. I hope everyone else learns from your example. Everyone should read the comment at the bottom of the assignment post too. That tells how to do this if you have already read your chapter."
For our focused response postings this week, continue on with your discussion, and be sure to include your results of the assignment. (For those who need it, you can get three posts out of this also if you do a post for each word.)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Word-Detective Assignment
Yesterday, I mentioned about finding the important words in any writing or communication. Review that post to identify those types of words.
Here is the assignment.
Pick three important words. You may have an idea of what they mean or they may be completely unfamiliar to you.
Step 1 -- without consulting a dictionary, write down the important word.
Step 2 -- based on the context in a sentence, (like replacing the word with a blank underline--like a "fill-in-the-blank question), write down your first impression of what the word means in this chapter.
Step 3 -- each time you come across the word again, see if your first impression or guess still fits. If so, go on. If not, write down an alternate meaning for the word or refine your original guess. If you do refine it, write down the second guess, etc. Keep doing that until you come to the end of the chapter.
Step 4 -- look up the word in the dictionary AFTER GOING THROUGH THE ABOVE STEPS. Compare the different different definitions the dictionary gives to your final guess as to a definition of the word. Write down the one that is the closest. (Most of the time you will find that you did at least get close. If not, still write down your guess and a dictionary definition--and chalk things up to experience.)
So, your final report for this assignment will be like this:
1. word 2. original guess 3. subsequent guesses if the original changes any 4. final guess 5. dictionary definition that most closely matches your homemade definition (if there is one close--if not, write down the one you think matches best to what the author was talking about.)
Do this for three different words.
(Yes, these reports do count toward your required number of posts for the week.)
Here is the assignment.
Pick three important words. You may have an idea of what they mean or they may be completely unfamiliar to you.
Step 1 -- without consulting a dictionary, write down the important word.
Step 2 -- based on the context in a sentence, (like replacing the word with a blank underline--like a "fill-in-the-blank question), write down your first impression of what the word means in this chapter.
Step 3 -- each time you come across the word again, see if your first impression or guess still fits. If so, go on. If not, write down an alternate meaning for the word or refine your original guess. If you do refine it, write down the second guess, etc. Keep doing that until you come to the end of the chapter.
Step 4 -- look up the word in the dictionary AFTER GOING THROUGH THE ABOVE STEPS. Compare the different different definitions the dictionary gives to your final guess as to a definition of the word. Write down the one that is the closest. (Most of the time you will find that you did at least get close. If not, still write down your guess and a dictionary definition--and chalk things up to experience.)
So, your final report for this assignment will be like this:
1. word 2. original guess 3. subsequent guesses if the original changes any 4. final guess 5. dictionary definition that most closely matches your homemade definition (if there is one close--if not, write down the one you think matches best to what the author was talking about.)
Do this for three different words.
(Yes, these reports do count toward your required number of posts for the week.)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Course 7 Week 6--Important Words
When you are studying any writing, it is important to identify the important words in a document? They obviously are the words that are used to describe the central meaning of the writing. They fall into several categories:
(1) The major words in a descriptive title (not necessarily those in a "cute" title, those that are in a title that really describes the theme of the writing. This is not to say that "cute" titles should never be used.)
(2) Common words that are emphasized by the author.
(3) Common words that the author is using in a specialzed way. He may be using the word in a different way from its common meaning.
(4) For each reader, the most important words, for him or her, are the words that are unfamiliar. It it is a word he has never heard of, that, of course is important to him because he needs to be able to understand it to understand the rest of the document. It may also be a word that he has a vague idea of the meaning.
This week, as I do each term, I am encouraging you to become a "word detective." I will tell you how to do that in tomorrow's post. (Those of you who have taken the course before know how to do this, so you could begin today if you wish.)
(1) The major words in a descriptive title (not necessarily those in a "cute" title, those that are in a title that really describes the theme of the writing. This is not to say that "cute" titles should never be used.)
(2) Common words that are emphasized by the author.
(3) Common words that the author is using in a specialzed way. He may be using the word in a different way from its common meaning.
(4) For each reader, the most important words, for him or her, are the words that are unfamiliar. It it is a word he has never heard of, that, of course is important to him because he needs to be able to understand it to understand the rest of the document. It may also be a word that he has a vague idea of the meaning.
This week, as I do each term, I am encouraging you to become a "word detective." I will tell you how to do that in tomorrow's post. (Those of you who have taken the course before know how to do this, so you could begin today if you wish.)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Great Quarterly Meeting
We had a great Quarterly Meeting this weekend. Bro. Tyler, Bro. Dale, and Bro. Andy brought wonderful, inspiring, and challenging messages. We also congratulate those who were licensed as ministers and deacons today.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Academic Posts and Social Comments
Sometimes we make purely social comments that are not related to the academics. Those are great, and they really spice up the conversation, but they sometimes do not count toward the minimum number of required academic posts. Bro. Roger's comment, listed below this paragraph, however, shows how to combine a social comment with the material we are studying. These types of posts do work.
Here is that good example: "Hey Sean, hope every thing is ok on your end, missed you last week, and I saw your post was on good preaching, last night at the preacher/deacons meeting we heard some good preaching, Bro. Eddy Donaldson broght a good message and inspiring one at that. Don't you think good preaching is like throwing gas on a fire?"
See, Sean's academic post was on good preaching, and Roger's post was relevant to Sean's comment.
Corey has been doing some other writing. If he can show a creative correlation between what he is writing and what some of you are studying, he can cut and paste and get double mileage out of some of what he has already written.
For response posting instructions this week, have some fun and see if you can make some more of these posts that relate the academic material you are studying to social comments or events.
I look forward to Quarterly Meeting this weekend at Unity. Tyler, we also are looking forward to hearing you preach tonight!
Here is that good example: "Hey Sean, hope every thing is ok on your end, missed you last week, and I saw your post was on good preaching, last night at the preacher/deacons meeting we heard some good preaching, Bro. Eddy Donaldson broght a good message and inspiring one at that. Don't you think good preaching is like throwing gas on a fire?"
See, Sean's academic post was on good preaching, and Roger's post was relevant to Sean's comment.
Corey has been doing some other writing. If he can show a creative correlation between what he is writing and what some of you are studying, he can cut and paste and get double mileage out of some of what he has already written.
For response posting instructions this week, have some fun and see if you can make some more of these posts that relate the academic material you are studying to social comments or events.
I look forward to Quarterly Meeting this weekend at Unity. Tyler, we also are looking forward to hearing you preach tonight!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Clarification
I just read the post I made. It sounded like I mean that we had finished week 5. Actually, we are just beginning week 5. The end of week 4 was the half-way mark.
Half Way--Course 7 Week 5
It is hard to believe that we just finished the half-way mark of Course 7 Week 5. It has been a good journey so far, and it has caused to think about the Gospels, the Old Testament, Church Growth, and pastoral ministry.
Here is a reminder of how we get started each week. Most of you know the drill quite well. Make at least two initial posts in your posting area. The first one will be the name of the course, and the names (or numbers of the DVD's) of the chapters or lectures you will be covering during the week. The second one will be a comment on one of those chapters. You will receive one point for getting the first post in on Tuesday or Wednesday. You will also get a point for getting at least one more initial post in.
I look forward to seeing you tonight at the Live Preachers and Deacons Meeting!
Here is a reminder of how we get started each week. Most of you know the drill quite well. Make at least two initial posts in your posting area. The first one will be the name of the course, and the names (or numbers of the DVD's) of the chapters or lectures you will be covering during the week. The second one will be a comment on one of those chapters. You will receive one point for getting the first post in on Tuesday or Wednesday. You will also get a point for getting at least one more initial post in.
I look forward to seeing you tonight at the Live Preachers and Deacons Meeting!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Course 7 End of Week 4
This is the last day to get in your postings for week 4. We slacked off a little last week. Those who had bonus points built up will benefit greatly from that. Of course, some of you may not even need the bonus points because you may be planning to catch up today.
We had a good day yesterday, visiting the church I grew up in. Bro. Kent Dunford did a wonderful job of bringing the message about the parable of the talents. Then last night, we went to Grange Hall, Sean and Tyler's church. Tyler was away, preaching at Marion First church. Sean helped me out by running the Power Point presentation as I spoke. Rhonda, my wife, gave her testimony and sang. We enjoyed the time at Grange Hall. I am thankful that some signed up for the "Gideon/s 300," which represents a monthly commitment of $10.00. These gifts will allow us to participate in mission trips to Mexico, Japan, and Australia during the next three years. It will also give me the opportunity to finish the book, The LOVING Way to a Successful Marriage: Six Keys to Marital Bliss.
Have a great day, everyone. May the Lord bless you in your personal ministries.
Bro. Randy
We had a good day yesterday, visiting the church I grew up in. Bro. Kent Dunford did a wonderful job of bringing the message about the parable of the talents. Then last night, we went to Grange Hall, Sean and Tyler's church. Tyler was away, preaching at Marion First church. Sean helped me out by running the Power Point presentation as I spoke. Rhonda, my wife, gave her testimony and sang. We enjoyed the time at Grange Hall. I am thankful that some signed up for the "Gideon/s 300," which represents a monthly commitment of $10.00. These gifts will allow us to participate in mission trips to Mexico, Japan, and Australia during the next three years. It will also give me the opportunity to finish the book, The LOVING Way to a Successful Marriage: Six Keys to Marital Bliss.
Have a great day, everyone. May the Lord bless you in your personal ministries.
Bro. Randy
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Bible Study, Prayer, and Church Growth
Our topics of study this week revoleve around the Gospels of Mark and John, as well as the book of Psalms We are also studying about the Pastor's Prayer Life, Pastor's Study, and Church Growth.
Church growth involves the commitment of the pastor whose life will be enriched in his Bible study and prayer life. The Gospels, of course, show us the earthly ministry of Jesus. The Psalms give us the example of the devotional life of David, and Sean's book gives further practical advice as it relates to the 21st century church.
Church growth involves the commitment of the pastor whose life will be enriched in his Bible study and prayer life. The Gospels, of course, show us the earthly ministry of Jesus. The Psalms give us the example of the devotional life of David, and Sean's book gives further practical advice as it relates to the 21st century church.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Course 7 Week 4 Bonus Points
I will keep up with your bonus points for week 4 here.
Notice: the deadlines for the bonus points for this week only are extended by one day.
Initial posts in on Wednesday and Thursday.
Question before Saturday morning.
Notice: the deadlines for the bonus points for this week only are extended by one day.
Initial posts in on Wednesday and Thursday.
Question before Saturday morning.
Course 7 Week 4 Corey's Topics
Sorry, Corey,
I should have had this up for you yesterday. I was out of town most of the day.
You may extend the deadlines for bonus points. If you get two initial posts in on either Wednesday or Thursday, you will be able to get those two bonus points. If you ask a fellow student a question before Saturday morning, you can get the third bonus point. I hope that helps.
I should have had this up for you yesterday. I was out of town most of the day.
You may extend the deadlines for bonus points. If you get two initial posts in on either Wednesday or Thursday, you will be able to get those two bonus points. If you ask a fellow student a question before Saturday morning, you can get the third bonus point. I hope that helps.
Course 7 Week 4 Roger's Topics
Sorry, Roger,
I should have had this up for you yesterday. You may extend all the deadline for bonus points by one day.
I should have had this up for you yesterday. You may extend all the deadline for bonus points by one day.
Course 7 Week 4 Sean's Topics
Sorry, Sean,
I should have had this up for you yesterd. You can extend all the deadlines for bonus points by one day.
I should have had this up for you yesterd. You can extend all the deadlines for bonus points by one day.
Course 7 Week 4 Tyler's Topics
Sorry, Tyler, I should have had this up for you yesterday. You can extend all the bonus timelines by one day.
Pioneering Ministries
Some of the things we are studying this term relate to Church Growth. One of the things that helps in this area has to do with having a core group of people who have a vision AND a Christian worldview. Where do you get a group of people with a Christian worldview? First of all, such a worldview comes from strong Christian families.
How did we get away from such a worldview in the United States? Many things contributed, but one of those was a move away from prayer and Bible Reading in the Public schools. Yes, I remember such, not so much actual Bible reading, although I'm sure it could have been done, but especially prayer in my grade school. I also remember a teacher in the fifth grade who told us a continuing story each day. Toward the end of that story, there was a happy ending. A boy who had been through all kinds of hardship was reunited with his father. He was afraid at first, but then he found out that he had a "new Dad." Why was that? It was because his Dad had been saved! That was in public school.
In 1963, a great confusion moved upon education, and talk about God--as well as the cherished concept of "academic freedom" began to be removed from the system. That is described in Ben Stein's movie that came out last year. The name of his movie was "Expelled." He basically described how credible evidences for Intelligent Design were being unfairly presented, and suppressed, by the established order.
Where can you get help to restore a Christian worldview? Christian schools can help with this. However, when a young person goes off to a secular university, he often becomes confused because so many things come his way from a non-Christian, and sometimes anti-Christian viewpoint.
Yesterday, I went, along with three other individuals from West Frankfort, IL, to Springfield, IL, to see what would be required to start a Bible school which would move through four phases: Phase 1, Bible School offering certificates; Phase 2, Accredited Bible College offering degrees; Phase 3, (Christian) Liberal Arts College; Phase 4, (Christian) University. The last two phases would be institutions that offered more than religious courses, but from a Christian point of view.
One aspect of my past (and probably present) ministry has been helping new ministries get started. This is sometimes called "pioneering."
The meeting yesterday was very encouraging. I began to feel almost a year ago, that the Lord was going to move my wife an me in a new direction. I knew nothing about this interest in a Bible college in the area until I had already told my church that I was going to resign.
I don't know if much will come of this, but I am willing to lend my experience in the area of pioneering ministries. Would you join with us in prayer about this undertaking?
How did we get away from such a worldview in the United States? Many things contributed, but one of those was a move away from prayer and Bible Reading in the Public schools. Yes, I remember such, not so much actual Bible reading, although I'm sure it could have been done, but especially prayer in my grade school. I also remember a teacher in the fifth grade who told us a continuing story each day. Toward the end of that story, there was a happy ending. A boy who had been through all kinds of hardship was reunited with his father. He was afraid at first, but then he found out that he had a "new Dad." Why was that? It was because his Dad had been saved! That was in public school.
In 1963, a great confusion moved upon education, and talk about God--as well as the cherished concept of "academic freedom" began to be removed from the system. That is described in Ben Stein's movie that came out last year. The name of his movie was "Expelled." He basically described how credible evidences for Intelligent Design were being unfairly presented, and suppressed, by the established order.
Where can you get help to restore a Christian worldview? Christian schools can help with this. However, when a young person goes off to a secular university, he often becomes confused because so many things come his way from a non-Christian, and sometimes anti-Christian viewpoint.
Yesterday, I went, along with three other individuals from West Frankfort, IL, to Springfield, IL, to see what would be required to start a Bible school which would move through four phases: Phase 1, Bible School offering certificates; Phase 2, Accredited Bible College offering degrees; Phase 3, (Christian) Liberal Arts College; Phase 4, (Christian) University. The last two phases would be institutions that offered more than religious courses, but from a Christian point of view.
One aspect of my past (and probably present) ministry has been helping new ministries get started. This is sometimes called "pioneering."
The meeting yesterday was very encouraging. I began to feel almost a year ago, that the Lord was going to move my wife an me in a new direction. I knew nothing about this interest in a Bible college in the area until I had already told my church that I was going to resign.
I don't know if much will come of this, but I am willing to lend my experience in the area of pioneering ministries. Would you join with us in prayer about this undertaking?
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Bittersweet, But Good, Day!
If you have followed Bro. Roger's topics, you will notice that we have talked about a bitterseet experience. Yesterday, was my last day as pastor at Unity. It was bitter or sad because Rhonda and I really love the church and each of its member, but it was also sweet.
One of the reasons it was sweet was because of the response to the invitation on Sunday morning. One person came to pray about discovering his own personal ministry. A young lady came and rededicated her life, and young (some might say he is young middle-aged:)) married man also rededicated his life.
It was also sweet because Rhonda and I had already received our last check from the church almost a month ago, and we have several things that needed to be taken care of by the 24th of this month. Individuals gave enough gifts to cover that need. That was also additional confirmation about the step we are taking. Also, several people signed up to give on a monthly basis. Praise the Lord!
We look forward to being at Grange Hall this Sunday night. Bro. Kevin has requested that I preach on a particular topic relating to marriage.
I look forward to seeing some of you then!
Praise God for His goodness!
One of the reasons it was sweet was because of the response to the invitation on Sunday morning. One person came to pray about discovering his own personal ministry. A young lady came and rededicated her life, and young (some might say he is young middle-aged:)) married man also rededicated his life.
It was also sweet because Rhonda and I had already received our last check from the church almost a month ago, and we have several things that needed to be taken care of by the 24th of this month. Individuals gave enough gifts to cover that need. That was also additional confirmation about the step we are taking. Also, several people signed up to give on a monthly basis. Praise the Lord!
We look forward to being at Grange Hall this Sunday night. Bro. Kevin has requested that I preach on a particular topic relating to marriage.
I look forward to seeing some of you then!
Praise God for His goodness!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Bittersweet
Bro. Roger's chapter this week is about Deuteronomy, and it has to do with "a taste of bittersweet."
In your responses to each other this week, please try to work in a discussion of something being bittersweet. Alternatively, if that doesn't seem to work in around your regular conversation points, you can post a comment about this below this posting area.
What does "bittersweet" mean?
How come something be bitter and sweet at the same time?
Are there some types of candy that are bittersweet to you?
When have you had bittersweet experiences?
Have you had transition times in your life that are bittersweet?
Perhaps those questions will give you some ideas for discussion.
In your responses to each other this week, please try to work in a discussion of something being bittersweet. Alternatively, if that doesn't seem to work in around your regular conversation points, you can post a comment about this below this posting area.
What does "bittersweet" mean?
How come something be bitter and sweet at the same time?
Are there some types of candy that are bittersweet to you?
When have you had bittersweet experiences?
Have you had transition times in your life that are bittersweet?
Perhaps those questions will give you some ideas for discussion.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Great Discussion
Great discussion last week. Keep up the good work! Your questions to each other and your follow-up comments are very good.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Course 7 End of Week 2
Week 2 ends at midnght tonight.
The conversation has been very good this week. You need to count your posts, and if you still need to make some to bring your total to 9, you need to get thiem by midnight.
We had a great morning at church yesterday, and a good time with Joe Arview and Thunder at church last night. The have an exciting ministry of going to NASCAR events and playing music in such a way that it opens doors for witnessing.
The conversation has been very good this week. You need to count your posts, and if you still need to make some to bring your total to 9, you need to get thiem by midnight.
We had a great morning at church yesterday, and a good time with Joe Arview and Thunder at church last night. The have an exciting ministry of going to NASCAR events and playing music in such a way that it opens doors for witnessing.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Check Your E-mail
I know we have a lot of visitors who follow this post, and they are welcome. You four local participants need to check you e-mail though for a message of how I appreciate the difference you are making in my life, and in the lives of others!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Church Growth and Health--Preaching, Witnessing, Assimilating
The common thread of our studies this week relates to church growth and health.
We talked about the need to preach the Word. Roger agreed with this and said, "Amen to that Bro. Randy, I know that there is no substitute for the "word of God". Salt may have one, sugar may have one,teachers may have one, but there is no substitute for God's holy word. That is to our benefit as well as to the ministry, we don't have to choose between the two, we have one gospel and that is all we need!!!!"
Then we also focused on witnessing and received some good tips for that. Corey has much experience in this area, and I am looking forward to his sharing about that. Sean gave several practical tips for witnessing that came from the material he is studying. Here is one of them: "He [the author] gave another point in getting back the control of the conversation when a person gets sidetracked or changes the subject is to say 'Let me ask you this question', he gives an example of a person saying, 'I went to church and the pastor was caught doing something, or a person was a hypocrite and so I quit going'. He would say 'Let me ask you this question, will you answer for this or will the person doing the act answer for it?' His point is that people are more willing to talk about things if you ask them for their opinion instead of making them feel like they are being told something."
Beyond that we discussed the importance of letting people know what they are getting into when they make a commitment to join the church. This is sometimes difficult to do when you want to be welcoming to those who might be interested. In most of our congregational churches, in the past, all a person had to do to join the church was to come forward during an invitation and let their desire be known. In the last several years, some of these same types of churches have been requiring people to attend a "class" or "session" that explains the commitment they are making when they want to join the church. I think there is quite a bit of value to this. For others, though, this is too non-traditional. One thing we do, however, when people want to join our church, is to read our church covenant to them, and ask them if they are ready to begin to attempt to live up to the ideals that are expressed there. Tyler's study sparked our discussion about this. He said, "The DVD was about the character of a preacher. He went into great detail about not drinking alcohol. I agreed with everything he said. He also talked about the fact that we need to tell people who want to join our churches about it in detail and explain to them why it is important." Roger raised the issue of the importance of challenging people to understand what they were getting into. Sean gave a great testimony about his personal experience along this line.
In some of our comments for the rest of the week, let's focus some more on assimilation: taking people from being "attenders" to becoming "members." What do some of you think about a "class" requirement for those who would want become official members of your church? What would be the advantages? What are the disadvantages? How well would it be received by your more traditional-minded members? Would such a change be worth it? Is such a requirement "wrong?" You may comment in relation to the general discussion in any of your posting areas or even in the comments section below this post. Let's think about this a little.
We talked about the need to preach the Word. Roger agreed with this and said, "Amen to that Bro. Randy, I know that there is no substitute for the "word of God". Salt may have one, sugar may have one,teachers may have one, but there is no substitute for God's holy word. That is to our benefit as well as to the ministry, we don't have to choose between the two, we have one gospel and that is all we need!!!!"
Then we also focused on witnessing and received some good tips for that. Corey has much experience in this area, and I am looking forward to his sharing about that. Sean gave several practical tips for witnessing that came from the material he is studying. Here is one of them: "He [the author] gave another point in getting back the control of the conversation when a person gets sidetracked or changes the subject is to say 'Let me ask you this question', he gives an example of a person saying, 'I went to church and the pastor was caught doing something, or a person was a hypocrite and so I quit going'. He would say 'Let me ask you this question, will you answer for this or will the person doing the act answer for it?' His point is that people are more willing to talk about things if you ask them for their opinion instead of making them feel like they are being told something."
Beyond that we discussed the importance of letting people know what they are getting into when they make a commitment to join the church. This is sometimes difficult to do when you want to be welcoming to those who might be interested. In most of our congregational churches, in the past, all a person had to do to join the church was to come forward during an invitation and let their desire be known. In the last several years, some of these same types of churches have been requiring people to attend a "class" or "session" that explains the commitment they are making when they want to join the church. I think there is quite a bit of value to this. For others, though, this is too non-traditional. One thing we do, however, when people want to join our church, is to read our church covenant to them, and ask them if they are ready to begin to attempt to live up to the ideals that are expressed there. Tyler's study sparked our discussion about this. He said, "The DVD was about the character of a preacher. He went into great detail about not drinking alcohol. I agreed with everything he said. He also talked about the fact that we need to tell people who want to join our churches about it in detail and explain to them why it is important." Roger raised the issue of the importance of challenging people to understand what they were getting into. Sean gave a great testimony about his personal experience along this line.
In some of our comments for the rest of the week, let's focus some more on assimilation: taking people from being "attenders" to becoming "members." What do some of you think about a "class" requirement for those who would want become official members of your church? What would be the advantages? What are the disadvantages? How well would it be received by your more traditional-minded members? Would such a change be worth it? Is such a requirement "wrong?" You may comment in relation to the general discussion in any of your posting areas or even in the comments section below this post. Let's think about this a little.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Preach the Word
O.K. Guys,
As I said earlier, the varied topics we are discussing this term can, and do, relate to each other.
In one of our discussions, we asked the question, "Will every preacher eventually pastor," and our conclusion was "No"; however, very, very often a preacher is called to pastor. Some of the books we are reading this time give practical insights into working with churches and reaching others.
One thing I have noticed through the years is that, yes, it is good to use new techniques and to try new things. But, I have also noticed that no matter what you do it is very hard to keep excitement up through techniques all the time. One thing I have really seen God bless is the preaching of the Word. When you are going through the ups and downs of church life, the steady preaching of the Word does cause members in your congregation to grow. Sometimes they may not even realize how the Word is working in their lives, and sometimes they may be more focused on excitement, but the steady pouring of the Word of God into their lives brings many benefits. Sometimes those benefits are taken for granted.
A few Sundays ago, I was preaching on something that seemed to me to be rather dry. (Hey, if it was dry to me, just think of what it must have been like to the rest of the congregation), but during the invitation God caused His Word to do a work through the Holy Spirit. I have seen this happen time after time.
Sometimes a preacher will pour his heart out and not see results. Sometimes he will try to get more forceful through his own efforts and not see anything happen. The best thing, to me, is to watch God work. When you faithfully preach the Word, you often will see professions of faith and lives being rededicated. Just remember, though, if you don't see those outward professions, God is still and always doing a work in someone's life through His Word.
Some of you may be called to pastor in the future. One of the most overwhelming tasks for this (and it can be worse if you are bivocational as most of us are) is to know what to preach on every Sunday.
W.A. Criswell, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas Texas, early in his ministry, was impressed of God to preach through the Bible. He announced to his church one Sunday morning that he was beginning a ten-year preaching plan. He did indeed preach through the Bible. People who joined the church would often say things like, "I joined during Isaiah," or "I joined in Matthew." God certainly did bless the church during his ministry.
Several years ago, I came upon a plan that would keep me from pulling my hair out every week, agonizing over what to preach next. Someone said, "Are you looking for a sermon?" Then he pointed to the Bible and said, "There's a whole book full of them."
Something like this may be helpful to you. Sometimes you can pick a book and preach through it.
Bro. Criswell, after he finished the first time, started through the Bible again. Only that time, he alternated back and forth between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
I am doing something like that, but I have modified it somewhat to give more variety. (Again, this, however, is all prayerfully done. Any time I "have a bug" about something, I will certainly preach on that if I feel like that is what the Lord wants.)
Here is what has been a blessing to me. I am not saying anyone has to do this, but I am saying one of the hardest things you may have to face is coming up with a message one to three times week, and figuring out what to preach next. If the Lord gives you a plan, praise Him and use it.
I divided the Bible into six sections: three from the Old Testament, and three from the New Testament. I would preach several messages from one of those sections, and then move to the other Testament, do the same there, and then go back.
As I said, sometimes the hardest thing to do in ministry is to figure out what to preach about. This plan has really helped me, and it makes me study. It also causes me to deal with topics I might otherwise want to avoid. So, as I have often said, if I am not strongly impressed to do something else, I will preach on something from the next chapter. (In the case of the New Testament, I try to get an average of two sermons from one chapter.) I do ask the Lord to show me what He wants, but it seems to me, for me, that often what is in the next chapter is what He wants. Another thing about doing this is that you can come to something that will really hit hard on some members of your congregation. When you are just preaching through the Bible it doesn't look like you have just singled them out.
If something like this can benefit you, Go for it!
As I said earlier, the varied topics we are discussing this term can, and do, relate to each other.
In one of our discussions, we asked the question, "Will every preacher eventually pastor," and our conclusion was "No"; however, very, very often a preacher is called to pastor. Some of the books we are reading this time give practical insights into working with churches and reaching others.
One thing I have noticed through the years is that, yes, it is good to use new techniques and to try new things. But, I have also noticed that no matter what you do it is very hard to keep excitement up through techniques all the time. One thing I have really seen God bless is the preaching of the Word. When you are going through the ups and downs of church life, the steady preaching of the Word does cause members in your congregation to grow. Sometimes they may not even realize how the Word is working in their lives, and sometimes they may be more focused on excitement, but the steady pouring of the Word of God into their lives brings many benefits. Sometimes those benefits are taken for granted.
A few Sundays ago, I was preaching on something that seemed to me to be rather dry. (Hey, if it was dry to me, just think of what it must have been like to the rest of the congregation), but during the invitation God caused His Word to do a work through the Holy Spirit. I have seen this happen time after time.
Sometimes a preacher will pour his heart out and not see results. Sometimes he will try to get more forceful through his own efforts and not see anything happen. The best thing, to me, is to watch God work. When you faithfully preach the Word, you often will see professions of faith and lives being rededicated. Just remember, though, if you don't see those outward professions, God is still and always doing a work in someone's life through His Word.
Some of you may be called to pastor in the future. One of the most overwhelming tasks for this (and it can be worse if you are bivocational as most of us are) is to know what to preach on every Sunday.
W.A. Criswell, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas Texas, early in his ministry, was impressed of God to preach through the Bible. He announced to his church one Sunday morning that he was beginning a ten-year preaching plan. He did indeed preach through the Bible. People who joined the church would often say things like, "I joined during Isaiah," or "I joined in Matthew." God certainly did bless the church during his ministry.
Several years ago, I came upon a plan that would keep me from pulling my hair out every week, agonizing over what to preach next. Someone said, "Are you looking for a sermon?" Then he pointed to the Bible and said, "There's a whole book full of them."
Something like this may be helpful to you. Sometimes you can pick a book and preach through it.
Bro. Criswell, after he finished the first time, started through the Bible again. Only that time, he alternated back and forth between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
I am doing something like that, but I have modified it somewhat to give more variety. (Again, this, however, is all prayerfully done. Any time I "have a bug" about something, I will certainly preach on that if I feel like that is what the Lord wants.)
Here is what has been a blessing to me. I am not saying anyone has to do this, but I am saying one of the hardest things you may have to face is coming up with a message one to three times week, and figuring out what to preach next. If the Lord gives you a plan, praise Him and use it.
I divided the Bible into six sections: three from the Old Testament, and three from the New Testament. I would preach several messages from one of those sections, and then move to the other Testament, do the same there, and then go back.
As I said, sometimes the hardest thing to do in ministry is to figure out what to preach about. This plan has really helped me, and it makes me study. It also causes me to deal with topics I might otherwise want to avoid. So, as I have often said, if I am not strongly impressed to do something else, I will preach on something from the next chapter. (In the case of the New Testament, I try to get an average of two sermons from one chapter.) I do ask the Lord to show me what He wants, but it seems to me, for me, that often what is in the next chapter is what He wants. Another thing about doing this is that you can come to something that will really hit hard on some members of your congregation. When you are just preaching through the Bible it doesn't look like you have just singled them out.
If something like this can benefit you, Go for it!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Pastoral Ministry and Reaching the Unchurched
This term we have a variety of topics: Pastoral Ministry, Reaching the Unchurched, the importance of the Old Testament, and the importance of the New Testament. You can see how that all of these are important to each other. Pastoral ministry certainly involves reaching the unchurched and preaching and teaching from all areas of the Bible. The Bible is important in authoritatively reaching the unchurched.
This is a great blend of practical and academic work. There should be good fuel for discussion this week.
This is a great blend of practical and academic work. There should be good fuel for discussion this week.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Week 2 Prayer Requests
Please place requests in the comments section below.
(Corey, you week 1 topic area may have seemed to disappear. Just scroll to the bottom of the posts here, and then click on "older topics" or "older posts" and then you will find them)
Carried over from week 1:
"Margie Turner--was in hopital in ICU. Came home. Is on oxygen. She is looking for someone who will mow her yard for her.
"My nephew-Braydon Owens will be having heart surgery on April 23. He is only three and had three surgeries before this one, and it will prayerfully be his last."
(Corey, you week 1 topic area may have seemed to disappear. Just scroll to the bottom of the posts here, and then click on "older topics" or "older posts" and then you will find them)
Carried over from week 1:
"Margie Turner--was in hopital in ICU. Came home. Is on oxygen. She is looking for someone who will mow her yard for her.
"My nephew-Braydon Owens will be having heart surgery on April 23. He is only three and had three surgeries before this one, and it will prayerfully be his last."
Course 7 Week 2 Corey's Topics
Corey, please finish up putting in your posts as needed in the week 1 topic area up until midnight tonight. Then anytime after midnight, you may use this area for your week 2 comments.
Course 7 End of Week 1
Our first week ends at midnight tonight.
This has been an introduction week. You were able to get credit for any post that was three sentences long or longer. I always enjoy the introduction weeks, especially when you tell us a little more about yourselves.
Pay close attention as you view the weekly requirements again, going into week 2. This time shorter and purely social comments are welcome and even encouraged, but they will not count toward your weekly total of nine posts. You are expected to log in at least five days a week. As you can see, if you log in five days a week, and do two quality posts each day, you will easily make your minimum goal of nine posts.
Just a reminder, to get the third bonus point each week, you have to ask a question (relating to the topics we are studying) of a fellow student(s) by Friday morning. Really, more questions spice up the conversation.
We have done a good job on the first week, and I look forward to getting into things in even more depth this coming week. I will put up the new posting areas for each of you, but remember not to use them until after midnight tonight.
Some of you are choosing to read your books more quickly. That is O.K.; however, for the purposes of discussion, I will ask you to spread your chapter titles out over the duration of the course. So, for the week to come, please divide the number of chapters remaining in the book by 7, and give us the titles of that many chapters for this week.
Have a gread day!
Bro. Randy
This has been an introduction week. You were able to get credit for any post that was three sentences long or longer. I always enjoy the introduction weeks, especially when you tell us a little more about yourselves.
Pay close attention as you view the weekly requirements again, going into week 2. This time shorter and purely social comments are welcome and even encouraged, but they will not count toward your weekly total of nine posts. You are expected to log in at least five days a week. As you can see, if you log in five days a week, and do two quality posts each day, you will easily make your minimum goal of nine posts.
Just a reminder, to get the third bonus point each week, you have to ask a question (relating to the topics we are studying) of a fellow student(s) by Friday morning. Really, more questions spice up the conversation.
We have done a good job on the first week, and I look forward to getting into things in even more depth this coming week. I will put up the new posting areas for each of you, but remember not to use them until after midnight tonight.
Some of you are choosing to read your books more quickly. That is O.K.; however, for the purposes of discussion, I will ask you to spread your chapter titles out over the duration of the course. So, for the week to come, please divide the number of chapters remaining in the book by 7, and give us the titles of that many chapters for this week.
Have a gread day!
Bro. Randy
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Old Testament
I had a former pastor who often said, "The New is in the Old concealed, and the Old is in the New Revealed."
I do like how the Author of the book of Hebrews let's us know that the Old Covenant is replaced by a New and Better Covenant. Yet most of the basic principles in the New Covenant are in the Old (concealed, maybe?). Just as many of the things in the tabernacle and O.T. worship system were symbolic of deeper spiritual things, many of the "rules" of the O.T. point to deeper spiritual things that are matters of the heart. An example is that in the Old, you were not to murder, but in the New, hatred is almost as bad as (if not as bad as) murder.
Tyler, thanks for weighing in on the question Roger asked yesterday. Sean and Corey, what do you think? "Will a preacher always pastor?"
Hey, guys, Corey has not posted yet. Why don't you go to his topic area and welcome him to the course and give him some encouragement? (Yes, those posts will count toward your total--as long as they are three sentences long.)
I do like how the Author of the book of Hebrews let's us know that the Old Covenant is replaced by a New and Better Covenant. Yet most of the basic principles in the New Covenant are in the Old (concealed, maybe?). Just as many of the things in the tabernacle and O.T. worship system were symbolic of deeper spiritual things, many of the "rules" of the O.T. point to deeper spiritual things that are matters of the heart. An example is that in the Old, you were not to murder, but in the New, hatred is almost as bad as (if not as bad as) murder.
Tyler, thanks for weighing in on the question Roger asked yesterday. Sean and Corey, what do you think? "Will a preacher always pastor?"
Hey, guys, Corey has not posted yet. Why don't you go to his topic area and welcome him to the course and give him some encouragement? (Yes, those posts will count toward your total--as long as they are three sentences long.)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Will a Preacher Eventually Pastor?
Roger raised this question in Tyler's posting area?
What do some of you think on this issue? I have some ideas I would like to share, but I'll let you wrestle with it some first.
What do some of you think on this issue? I have some ideas I would like to share, but I'll let you wrestle with it some first.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bonus Points
Since we started a day later, the deadline for the bonus points (for this week only) are extended for one day.
Looking forward to hearing from all of you.
Looking forward to hearing from all of you.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Getting Started
Scroll down through the "topics" posts below unti you come to Week Seven Week 1. Then read what it says.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Course Seven Week 1 Prayer Requests
In the comments section below, you may share your prayer requests, updates on requests, praise reports and answers to prayer.
Course Seven Week 1 Corey's Topics
Corey, Welcome,
Please post your introduction, initial comments, and answers to our questions here.
Please post your introduction, initial comments, and answers to our questions here.
Course Seven Week 1
Welcome to Preachers' Meeting.
This is the seventh course that we have been involved in. Actually, each participant is in engaged in a different course of independent study. Our goal is to encourage each one to set a schedule of study, to summarize some of what they learn, and to interact with each other around the principles of the material they are reading or viewing.
This week is an introduction week. Please tell us about yourself. If you are new, you could give your testimony about your salvation and about your calling. If you are returning, you may either tell us something new about yourself, or it is also acceptable to cut and paste what you told us before.
If you would like to join us for this eight-week term, we can accept new participants up until Monday evening. Just send an email to rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com, and we will see about getting you set up. If you have a book that you would like to study other than one of the ones we have listed, we will see what we might be able to do about that also.
We would like to welcome Corey Gwaltney, who will be studying with us this time. You experience students, please help him to learn how to navigate around if necessary.
I look forward to a great time with you this term.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randy Carney
This is the seventh course that we have been involved in. Actually, each participant is in engaged in a different course of independent study. Our goal is to encourage each one to set a schedule of study, to summarize some of what they learn, and to interact with each other around the principles of the material they are reading or viewing.
This week is an introduction week. Please tell us about yourself. If you are new, you could give your testimony about your salvation and about your calling. If you are returning, you may either tell us something new about yourself, or it is also acceptable to cut and paste what you told us before.
If you would like to join us for this eight-week term, we can accept new participants up until Monday evening. Just send an email to rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com, and we will see about getting you set up. If you have a book that you would like to study other than one of the ones we have listed, we will see what we might be able to do about that also.
We would like to welcome Corey Gwaltney, who will be studying with us this time. You experience students, please help him to learn how to navigate around if necessary.
I look forward to a great time with you this term.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randy Carney
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Finished!
Good job, everyone,
I will send emails for your official grades, but since you all have completed the final assignment, I am sure you will all have enough points to receive an "S" for the course. Most of you (if not all) will have a total score of 100.
We will take tomorrow off, and "hit the books again" Wednesday.
I think there will be four of you next time!
Thanks for a great term.
I will send emails for your official grades, but since you all have completed the final assignment, I am sure you will all have enough points to receive an "S" for the course. Most of you (if not all) will have a total score of 100.
We will take tomorrow off, and "hit the books again" Wednesday.
I think there will be four of you next time!
Thanks for a great term.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Christian College?
We had meeting yesterday with about 40 church, civic, and community leaders to explore the possibility of starting a Christian college, leading to a university in the West Frankfort area. There is a good plan with several phases of starting a Bible school, then a degree-granting Bible college, then seeking accreditation from a CHEA approved agengy, followed by establishing a liberal arts college and then branching out into a university.
These are steps that are entirely possible. We will wait to see what happens. Please keep the effort in prayer.
These are steps that are entirely possible. We will wait to see what happens. Please keep the effort in prayer.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Get One of the Books
I want to urge you to go ahead and order one of the books right away. Even if one does not get here by the begining of the first week, you will be able to start the course; however, it will be essential to have it by the second week.
Send an email saying you are joining us, so that I will be able to get things set up for you.
Oh, yes, that email address is rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com.
Send an email saying you are joining us, so that I will be able to get things set up for you.
Oh, yes, that email address is rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Course 6 Week 8 Course Wrap Up
If you have completed you reading or listening by this week, you may comment on the course in general or even use social ocmments like you did the first week in order to get your nine posts for the week.
If you still have some chapters or lessons that you have not commented on yet, please proceed as usual.
The assignment for thie week will be the course Wrap Up. It is worth four points.
Please answer these four questons:
1. In one sentence (or a short paragraph), what was your book or course about as a whole?
2. What were some of the important words used in this course. (List a minimum of three and no more than seven. Give a dictionary difinition of the word that seems to most closely match how it was used in the course. If the author defined the word himself, you may give that (give a defintion for each word.) You can tell why it is important (note: if it was an unfamilar word to you, that is a sufficient reason for it being important. Other reasons would be because the words were emphasized or used in specialized ways.)
3. What were the major parts into which this book or course was divided?
4. What are some things from this study that you can apply to ministry or to life?
(Note: If you do these separately, each one could count for one of your required posts.)
I am looking forward to the discussion this week.
If you still have some chapters or lessons that you have not commented on yet, please proceed as usual.
The assignment for thie week will be the course Wrap Up. It is worth four points.
Please answer these four questons:
1. In one sentence (or a short paragraph), what was your book or course about as a whole?
2. What were some of the important words used in this course. (List a minimum of three and no more than seven. Give a dictionary difinition of the word that seems to most closely match how it was used in the course. If the author defined the word himself, you may give that (give a defintion for each word.) You can tell why it is important (note: if it was an unfamilar word to you, that is a sufficient reason for it being important. Other reasons would be because the words were emphasized or used in specialized ways.)
3. What were the major parts into which this book or course was divided?
4. What are some things from this study that you can apply to ministry or to life?
(Note: If you do these separately, each one could count for one of your required posts.)
I am looking forward to the discussion this week.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Spiral View of History and Its Relation to Eschatology
I have considered the differnt views of eschatology (end times) and consequently how they related to interpreting the book of Revelation with much interest over the course of my ministry.
It seems to me this is one of those in-house debates that sometimes is discussed very vigorously.
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, as well as throughout history, many good Christians have held to different views. Obviously they cannot all be correct. On the other hand, each of them seems to contribute some things of value.
It seems to be that the book of Revelation is unique in that you can have such differing interpretations and still end up with proper applications. The safest thing, in my estimation, is to make sure any applications you draw from Revelation are also suported from other places in Scripture.
Now, the spiral view of history.
The Hebrews looked at History as being linear. History, to them, had a definite beginning and progressed along a straight line to a definite end. We can see much of that thought in the Bible.
The Greeks had a cyclical view of History. They talked about how History repeats itself, and they tended to view things as happening in repeating cyclical patterns. The is not completely contrary to biblical thought either. Solomon admonished us that "there is nothing new under the sun." In our own observations of History, we often say, "History repeats itself."
The former president and founder of Luther Rice Seminary (an excellent distance education institution, by the way), Dr. Robert G. Witty, wrote a book called "Signs of the Second Coming." In it he desribed the "spiral view of History." This view acknowleges that History has a definite beginning and that it is marching on toward a definite end, but it also acknowleges the cyclical patterns that have been observed throughout History. It would be like a spring that attaches at one end (a beginning) but goes round and round until it comes to the other end (the end). I see some commendable things in that thought.
We can all agree that Historical things have happened. We had the Old Testament era of History. Then Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, and actually died, giving his life as a ransom for all. After that, he rose again. This really is the focal point of History. We have the New Testament Church which has spanned over twenty centuries, and that brings us up to today.
If you apply a spiral view of History, you can see how it often appears to have multiple prophetic fulfillments. Some of these things seem to be foreshadowing of future events.
An example would be the type of "tribulation" the first century saints had. However, at multiple times in History, the saints have gone through persecution and "tribulation." Even today, there are many martyrs for Christ who do not make our national news stories. "tribulations such as the world has never known." Yet, there may be a future time even wors than all the others, "Tribulation such as the World has never known or 'The Time of Jacob's Trouble.'" So, our post-millenialist friends can show how Revelation seemed to relate to the first century. Our pre-millenial friends can point to what may yet be a future fulfillment of some of these aspects of Scripture. Our amillenial friends give us much good application as to how Scripture applies to our everyday living.
Concerning the "antichrist," the Bible tells us that spirit of antichrist is already come. In my spiral view of history, I see how this spirit manifests itself and grows throughout History, and that it may yet culminate in the embodiment of one individual.
Concerning the kingdom, it does indeed to me seem to have two aspects. One was described by Jesus to His listeners in that first century. He said, "the kingdom of God is within you." In a sense, we are all living out the principles of kingdom living, and Christ rules and reigns in our hearts. Yet, there may be a future fulfillment of this when Christ actually literally rules over this earth (and yes that may be for a thousand years).
Concerning the "rapture." Some people think that there is no such thing as a rapture apart from Christ's second coming. (This is the amillenial and post-trib premillenial position.) Others think that Christ will come and not actually set foot on the earth, and that the events described in I Thessalonians chapter 4 take place at that time. Some think the "tribulation" has a yet future fulfillment, and the "rapture" will take place at the beginning of that seven-year period. Others view the seven-year period as being divided into two parts, the first half being the "tribulation" and the second half being "The Great Tribulation." Some of those think the "rapture" or the events in I Thessalonians 4 will take place at that time. They are described as "mid-trib" pre-millenialists. Still other who believe the tribulation refers to this future time think that the rapture and the second coming take place almost simultaneously at the end of the tribulation period. They think the events of I Thessalonians 4 will be followed immediately by Christ setting foot on the earth as he comes in "power and great glory." In that sense our post-trib premillenialists and our a-millenialists agree, although they disagree on other points. At any rate, one thing is sure. I Thessalonians will take place somewhere in History. When it happens, all of us will be together. Someone may look at someone else and say, "See I was right, and you were wrong." The other person is likely to say, "O.K., but I really don't care!"
I think we should consider all of these approaches, and as we watch History unfold, we may see how they shape up.
The main thing for all of us is to be ready to face Christ, whether it be at the Second Coming or it be when we go through the valley of the shadow of death! We need to acknowledge Him as our King now!
It seems to me this is one of those in-house debates that sometimes is discussed very vigorously.
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, as well as throughout history, many good Christians have held to different views. Obviously they cannot all be correct. On the other hand, each of them seems to contribute some things of value.
It seems to be that the book of Revelation is unique in that you can have such differing interpretations and still end up with proper applications. The safest thing, in my estimation, is to make sure any applications you draw from Revelation are also suported from other places in Scripture.
Now, the spiral view of history.
The Hebrews looked at History as being linear. History, to them, had a definite beginning and progressed along a straight line to a definite end. We can see much of that thought in the Bible.
The Greeks had a cyclical view of History. They talked about how History repeats itself, and they tended to view things as happening in repeating cyclical patterns. The is not completely contrary to biblical thought either. Solomon admonished us that "there is nothing new under the sun." In our own observations of History, we often say, "History repeats itself."
The former president and founder of Luther Rice Seminary (an excellent distance education institution, by the way), Dr. Robert G. Witty, wrote a book called "Signs of the Second Coming." In it he desribed the "spiral view of History." This view acknowleges that History has a definite beginning and that it is marching on toward a definite end, but it also acknowleges the cyclical patterns that have been observed throughout History. It would be like a spring that attaches at one end (a beginning) but goes round and round until it comes to the other end (the end). I see some commendable things in that thought.
We can all agree that Historical things have happened. We had the Old Testament era of History. Then Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, and actually died, giving his life as a ransom for all. After that, he rose again. This really is the focal point of History. We have the New Testament Church which has spanned over twenty centuries, and that brings us up to today.
If you apply a spiral view of History, you can see how it often appears to have multiple prophetic fulfillments. Some of these things seem to be foreshadowing of future events.
An example would be the type of "tribulation" the first century saints had. However, at multiple times in History, the saints have gone through persecution and "tribulation." Even today, there are many martyrs for Christ who do not make our national news stories. "tribulations such as the world has never known." Yet, there may be a future time even wors than all the others, "Tribulation such as the World has never known or 'The Time of Jacob's Trouble.'" So, our post-millenialist friends can show how Revelation seemed to relate to the first century. Our pre-millenial friends can point to what may yet be a future fulfillment of some of these aspects of Scripture. Our amillenial friends give us much good application as to how Scripture applies to our everyday living.
Concerning the "antichrist," the Bible tells us that spirit of antichrist is already come. In my spiral view of history, I see how this spirit manifests itself and grows throughout History, and that it may yet culminate in the embodiment of one individual.
Concerning the kingdom, it does indeed to me seem to have two aspects. One was described by Jesus to His listeners in that first century. He said, "the kingdom of God is within you." In a sense, we are all living out the principles of kingdom living, and Christ rules and reigns in our hearts. Yet, there may be a future fulfillment of this when Christ actually literally rules over this earth (and yes that may be for a thousand years).
Concerning the "rapture." Some people think that there is no such thing as a rapture apart from Christ's second coming. (This is the amillenial and post-trib premillenial position.) Others think that Christ will come and not actually set foot on the earth, and that the events described in I Thessalonians chapter 4 take place at that time. Some think the "tribulation" has a yet future fulfillment, and the "rapture" will take place at the beginning of that seven-year period. Others view the seven-year period as being divided into two parts, the first half being the "tribulation" and the second half being "The Great Tribulation." Some of those think the "rapture" or the events in I Thessalonians 4 will take place at that time. They are described as "mid-trib" pre-millenialists. Still other who believe the tribulation refers to this future time think that the rapture and the second coming take place almost simultaneously at the end of the tribulation period. They think the events of I Thessalonians 4 will be followed immediately by Christ setting foot on the earth as he comes in "power and great glory." In that sense our post-trib premillenialists and our a-millenialists agree, although they disagree on other points. At any rate, one thing is sure. I Thessalonians will take place somewhere in History. When it happens, all of us will be together. Someone may look at someone else and say, "See I was right, and you were wrong." The other person is likely to say, "O.K., but I really don't care!"
I think we should consider all of these approaches, and as we watch History unfold, we may see how they shape up.
The main thing for all of us is to be ready to face Christ, whether it be at the Second Coming or it be when we go through the valley of the shadow of death! We need to acknowledge Him as our King now!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Course 6 End of Week 7
Midnight tonight, will be the end of week 7. Some of you will have finished your reading this week. Next week, your posts will be related to the others who are finishing their topics and a course wrap up.
I have enjoyed this term. I hope that it has been good for the rest of you.
I have enjoyed this term. I hope that it has been good for the rest of you.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Winding Down
Next week will be our course wrap up!
Tyler and Sean have almost finished their materials for this course, so we plan to turn in their materials for this course on Tuesday, and get the new ones for the next course then. We will still have a discussion forum next week. Roger, you are probably close to finishing your book too. Like I said earlier, if you would like to join us next time, you could use some of your Bible Institute material that you have already been working on, or you could choose one of the books listed on this blog.
Tyler and Sean have almost finished their materials for this course, so we plan to turn in their materials for this course on Tuesday, and get the new ones for the next course then. We will still have a discussion forum next week. Roger, you are probably close to finishing your book too. Like I said earlier, if you would like to join us next time, you could use some of your Bible Institute material that you have already been working on, or you could choose one of the books listed on this blog.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Keep up the Good Work
Keep up the good work, gentlemen.
I realize this week's assignment could be a little intimidating. Let me give you an alternative. You also may agree with your author as he disagrees with someone else. If so, you could show how he points out that the other person is uninformed, underinformed, misinformed, or illogical in some way.
So, you may disagree with some statement that is made, or you may show how the author disagees with others, or you may agree with the author, but you might also see that he could possibly be open to criticism. Then you could say, "if someone wants to disagree with this author's statement, he will have to . . . ."
Roger's book has some interesting forwards or introductions to the various printings of the book. The professor who wrote the forwards challenged others to show where Bro. Shank's analysis was wrong. Then upon the third (or some later) printing, he said that no one had come forward refuting (from a reasonable basis) the arguments in the book, and that he suspected that no one would be able to do so. It was very interesting because I think the professor still may have disagreed with the idea that Bro. Shank was putting forth (maybe not--maybe he changed his postion because of the arguments in the book), but he looked at things objectively and indicated that Bro. Shank had dealt with the issue in a very scholarly and biblical way.
I realize this week's assignment could be a little intimidating. Let me give you an alternative. You also may agree with your author as he disagrees with someone else. If so, you could show how he points out that the other person is uninformed, underinformed, misinformed, or illogical in some way.
So, you may disagree with some statement that is made, or you may show how the author disagees with others, or you may agree with the author, but you might also see that he could possibly be open to criticism. Then you could say, "if someone wants to disagree with this author's statement, he will have to . . . ."
Roger's book has some interesting forwards or introductions to the various printings of the book. The professor who wrote the forwards challenged others to show where Bro. Shank's analysis was wrong. Then upon the third (or some later) printing, he said that no one had come forward refuting (from a reasonable basis) the arguments in the book, and that he suspected that no one would be able to do so. It was very interesting because I think the professor still may have disagreed with the idea that Bro. Shank was putting forth (maybe not--maybe he changed his postion because of the arguments in the book), but he looked at things objectively and indicated that Bro. Shank had dealt with the issue in a very scholarly and biblical way.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Course 6 Beginning of Week 7
This week, we are going to focus on when it is proper to disagree with an author. I guess it is a free country and you can agree or disagree with anyone for any reason you like, but generally it is best to be able to give legitimate reasons for disagreeing with an author.
If you want to disagree with an author or lecturer, you should be able to show his deficiencies in one of four areas:
First, you might show where the author is uninformed. He may be missing some crucial information, and if he (or she) had it, he might change his mind and agree with you.
Second, you might show where the author is misinformed. The information he is using to make his conclusions may be inaccurate.
Third, you might show where the author is underinformed. He may have part of the information you have, but he may not have all the information he needs to make a proper conclusion.
Fourth, you might show where the author is illogical. His steps in reasoning may not seem to follow each other.
This week, pick out one assertion an author or lecturer makes in one of your books or lessons. If you disagree with his statement, tell why by pointing out one of the four things mentioned above. If you don't wish to disagree with any of the statements you come across this week. Pick out one, and tell us in which way (using one or more of the four items listed above) you think someone might want to try to disagree with one of those statements. (You don't have to think the critic will be successful in tearing down your author's statement, just try to hazard a guess as to what approach someone might take in order to disagree with your author.)
If you want to disagree with an author or lecturer, you should be able to show his deficiencies in one of four areas:
First, you might show where the author is uninformed. He may be missing some crucial information, and if he (or she) had it, he might change his mind and agree with you.
Second, you might show where the author is misinformed. The information he is using to make his conclusions may be inaccurate.
Third, you might show where the author is underinformed. He may have part of the information you have, but he may not have all the information he needs to make a proper conclusion.
Fourth, you might show where the author is illogical. His steps in reasoning may not seem to follow each other.
This week, pick out one assertion an author or lecturer makes in one of your books or lessons. If you disagree with his statement, tell why by pointing out one of the four things mentioned above. If you don't wish to disagree with any of the statements you come across this week. Pick out one, and tell us in which way (using one or more of the four items listed above) you think someone might want to try to disagree with one of those statements. (You don't have to think the critic will be successful in tearing down your author's statement, just try to hazard a guess as to what approach someone might take in order to disagree with your author.)
Monday, March 16, 2009
End of Course 6 Week 6
We have just completed the end of week 6 for our online journey.
We are three-fourths of the way through. It has been a good ride. Bro. Roger, thank you for joining us this term. If you would like to join us again, maybe you could pick back up in the other course of study that you were working on and use it as a basis for discussion.
Doing something like this, I feel helps us to stay on track and it does motivate us to get some of the things done that we know need to be done.
We are three-fourths of the way through. It has been a good ride. Bro. Roger, thank you for joining us this term. If you would like to join us again, maybe you could pick back up in the other course of study that you were working on and use it as a basis for discussion.
Doing something like this, I feel helps us to stay on track and it does motivate us to get some of the things done that we know need to be done.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Finishing a Race
When I was in grade school, I had a friend who ran the high hurdles. During one of his races, he tripped over one of the hurdles and fell. His knee ground into the cinders that were used to make the track. (Yes, that was before asphalt or other kinds of tracks that are common now.) He just gritted his teeth, made an awful face, and got up and finished the race. The track was only three hurdles wide and there were over ten contestants, so they ran three at a time, and the places for the event were determined solely by time.
Though my friend obviously came in last during his heat, when the ribbons were given out at the end of the meet, he received a fifth-place ribbon.
At the end of the season, I was at his house, and I saw that he had his ribbons pinned to the wall. There were a few red (second-place) ribbons and a lot of blue (first-place) ribbons; but right in the middle of the group was the green (fifth-place) ribbon. He told me that he was most proud of the green one because he didn't give up on that race.
Can't we see a lot of biblical principles that encourage us to be consistent and persistent?
Though my friend obviously came in last during his heat, when the ribbons were given out at the end of the meet, he received a fifth-place ribbon.
At the end of the season, I was at his house, and I saw that he had his ribbons pinned to the wall. There were a few red (second-place) ribbons and a lot of blue (first-place) ribbons; but right in the middle of the group was the green (fifth-place) ribbon. He told me that he was most proud of the green one because he didn't give up on that race.
Can't we see a lot of biblical principles that encourage us to be consistent and persistent?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Running the Race of Life--Response Postings
Along with your regular comments about what you are reading, let's delve a little more deeply into how life is like a race. Also, as you are reading in your material, do you see other ways that life is reflected in athletics? If so, include those ideas in with your other comments.
Remember your assignment this week for one of your chapters or lessons. Give us the major parts of the author's communications.
Identify your report in one of your posts.
Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. patiently
2. persistently
3. diligently
Notice those all answer the question (whether stated or implied), "How?"
A keyword that these parts all related to might be "ways."
You don't have to include the question or keyword, but if you identify one, you may.
Not all chapters or lessons will be built around a key word however.
Another Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. Realize it is important to train your dog.
2. There are many tools you can get to help you train your dog.
3. You will be glad you did this.
4. Friends will brag on your dog.
(This example is not built around the answer to a single question, nor does a keyword come to mind that relates to all of them, but this might be how the author organized his material.)
Notice that both of the examples are pretty short. Your report can be short like that too.
Remember your assignment this week for one of your chapters or lessons. Give us the major parts of the author's communications.
Identify your report in one of your posts.
Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. patiently
2. persistently
3. diligently
Notice those all answer the question (whether stated or implied), "How?"
A keyword that these parts all related to might be "ways."
You don't have to include the question or keyword, but if you identify one, you may.
Not all chapters or lessons will be built around a key word however.
Another Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. Realize it is important to train your dog.
2. There are many tools you can get to help you train your dog.
3. You will be glad you did this.
4. Friends will brag on your dog.
(This example is not built around the answer to a single question, nor does a keyword come to mind that relates to all of them, but this might be how the author organized his material.)
Notice that both of the examples are pretty short. Your report can be short like that too.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Welcome to Week 6
Welcome to Week 6 of Course 6.
Your varied topics have found some correlation as we have progressed through this course.
Your assignment for this week is similar to last week's but slightly more involved.
When you are evaluating any type of reading or anything that you hear, you need to be able to understand important words as they are used by the author, and you need to be able to understand what the chapter or lesson is about as a whole. The assignments for the last two weeks have been related to these two important concepts.
The third thing to do when you are evaluating or comprehending something written or heard is to be able to identify the major parts of a communication. So, your assignment for this week is to be aware of the important words (but you will not have to produce a report about them--although you may use such a report to produce some of your posts if you wish), and to try to be able to boil down what the communication is about into a single sentence (but you will not have to produce that sentence unless you failed to do so last week), and finally to identify the major parts of the chapter or lesson.
The report you need this week is tell what the major parts of the chapter or the lesson were.
An example might be a sermon that has three or four points. The points would be the major parts. A chapter may have some headings within the chapter. They would probably identify major parts of the chapter. Sometimes they would be centered. Sometimes they might appear on the left side of the page in bold print, or they might be underlined or appear in italics.
Sometimes an introduction will have a key organizational word in it. Here is an example: "We will look at three ways . . . . " (to do something or accomplish something). Then each of the ways would represent a major part of the chapter. Here is another: "There are four important reasons why this is true." Then each of the reasons would represent a major part of the chapter or speech.
This week's assignment, then is to identify the major parts of a chapter or lesson that you are studying.
Your varied topics have found some correlation as we have progressed through this course.
Your assignment for this week is similar to last week's but slightly more involved.
When you are evaluating any type of reading or anything that you hear, you need to be able to understand important words as they are used by the author, and you need to be able to understand what the chapter or lesson is about as a whole. The assignments for the last two weeks have been related to these two important concepts.
The third thing to do when you are evaluating or comprehending something written or heard is to be able to identify the major parts of a communication. So, your assignment for this week is to be aware of the important words (but you will not have to produce a report about them--although you may use such a report to produce some of your posts if you wish), and to try to be able to boil down what the communication is about into a single sentence (but you will not have to produce that sentence unless you failed to do so last week), and finally to identify the major parts of the chapter or lesson.
The report you need this week is tell what the major parts of the chapter or the lesson were.
An example might be a sermon that has three or four points. The points would be the major parts. A chapter may have some headings within the chapter. They would probably identify major parts of the chapter. Sometimes they would be centered. Sometimes they might appear on the left side of the page in bold print, or they might be underlined or appear in italics.
Sometimes an introduction will have a key organizational word in it. Here is an example: "We will look at three ways . . . . " (to do something or accomplish something). Then each of the ways would represent a major part of the chapter. Here is another: "There are four important reasons why this is true." Then each of the reasons would represent a major part of the chapter or speech.
This week's assignment, then is to identify the major parts of a chapter or lesson that you are studying.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Course 6 Week 6 Tyler's Topics
Tyler, you can place your initial topics and answers to questions here.
Course 6 Week 6 Roger's Topics
Roger, you can place your intial posts and answers to questions here.
More Than a Conqueror--Luke
It was a great privilege to be in church yesterday and to see Luke McDonald make a decision for Christ. He has been attending for several weeks now. He said he had wanted to come forward for a couple of weeks, but something always held him back a little bit. Yesterday, he broke through and received Christ as Savior. We had many gatered around the altar confirming their personal commitments and praying for others.
That was great victory. We pray now that he will become more than a conqueror!
Remember to give us your one-sentence summaries of one of your chapters or lessons if you haven't already done so.
I will put up the posting areas for next week so you will be ready to go in the morning.
That was great victory. We pray now that he will become more than a conqueror!
Remember to give us your one-sentence summaries of one of your chapters or lessons if you haven't already done so.
I will put up the posting areas for next week so you will be ready to go in the morning.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Victories: Response Postings
As you discuss each other's books and lessons this week, along with your regular discussions, continue to interact on the areas of victory the Lord has allowed you have in your lives. Also, if new insights come to mind, keep delving into the thought of being more than a conqueror. Remember the assignment to boil one of your chapters or lessons to a one sentence summary of what the lesson or chapter is about as a whole.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
More Than a Conqueror!
Roger and Tyler talked about the two natures being like two housepets, and that the one you feed the most becomes the bigger of the two.
Sean mentioned and interesting concept: What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? Interesting thought!
I guess you can conquer some things in your life, but what do you do after that? When you get those victories, do you go on to new conquests? Do you use the role of a victor to do something else for God, or do you just sit back and enjoy that victory?
Sean, I would be interested in what some of you came up with in your Sunday School class, or wherever that was discussed. What do some of the rest of you think?
Sean mentioned and interesting concept: What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? Interesting thought!
I guess you can conquer some things in your life, but what do you do after that? When you get those victories, do you go on to new conquests? Do you use the role of a victor to do something else for God, or do you just sit back and enjoy that victory?
Sean, I would be interested in what some of you came up with in your Sunday School class, or wherever that was discussed. What do some of the rest of you think?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Events and Assignments
Sunday night, after church, we went to my mother's house for popcorn (a long-standing tradition with our family.) Our youngest daughter, Rita Beth, and her husband, Tommy, came over too. Rita Beth was expecting, and her due date was March 9. She said she was having contractions, and we started timing them to see how far apart they were. They were five minutes apart at that time. They went home. A little after ten, they called and said the doctor told them to go to the hospital. We got down there, ourselves, around 11 p.m. At about 3 a.m., the doctor decided to break the water. Then things began to speed up. At 5:47 a.m., Jameson Thomas Dryden made his entrance to the outside world. He was 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces, and 20 inches long. Baby and Mom and Dad are all doing well. Rhonda has gone to spend the week with them.
Assignments:
This week, take one of your chapters or lessons, and boil it down to a one-sentence statement as to what the chapter or lesson was about as a whole.
Last week. Roger, you completed your assignment--Good job.
Sean and Tyler, you still need to complete last week's assignment (unless I missed seeing your final reports). I think you both mentioned at least one word, you could deal with. Finish the report for that one by giving the word, the initial homemade definition, the final homemade definition (could be the same as the initial defintion), and the dictionary definition of the word. For the other two words, you can either go back to last week's reading or you can pick two words from this week and do the exercise.
Events: Birth--Excitement, Starting the "down-hill portion of the course.
Assignments: One-Sentence statement summarizing chapter or lesson.
Finish "word-detective" assignments.
You all are doing a great job of interacting with each other. Think of what it would be like if we had ten participants!
Tyler, again, congratulations on your job. If you come across Ken Nicholas, say "hi" to him for Roger and me. Also, Marylin Avery from our church works somewhere there too.
Have a great day, everyone.
Assignments:
This week, take one of your chapters or lessons, and boil it down to a one-sentence statement as to what the chapter or lesson was about as a whole.
Last week. Roger, you completed your assignment--Good job.
Sean and Tyler, you still need to complete last week's assignment (unless I missed seeing your final reports). I think you both mentioned at least one word, you could deal with. Finish the report for that one by giving the word, the initial homemade definition, the final homemade definition (could be the same as the initial defintion), and the dictionary definition of the word. For the other two words, you can either go back to last week's reading or you can pick two words from this week and do the exercise.
Events: Birth--Excitement, Starting the "down-hill portion of the course.
Assignments: One-Sentence statement summarizing chapter or lesson.
Finish "word-detective" assignments.
You all are doing a great job of interacting with each other. Think of what it would be like if we had ten participants!
Tyler, again, congratulations on your job. If you come across Ken Nicholas, say "hi" to him for Roger and me. Also, Marylin Avery from our church works somewhere there too.
Have a great day, everyone.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Course 6 Week 5 Tyler's Topics
Tyler, please place your initial posts and answers to questions here.
Course 6 Week 5 Roger's Posts
Roger, please place your initial comments and answers to questions here.
End of Week 4
Course 6 Week 4 ends at midnight tonight. Be sure to post the assignment about the important words.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What It Is All About!
We had a family of eight, Randy and Dianna Simmons and their six children, join the church this morning. They have been coming for more than a year, but they made it official this morning. Hallelujah!
As preachers (and in Roger's case as a church leader and lay preacher), what we are all about is seeing people come to Christ, grow in their knowledge and commitments, and begin to discover their own personal ministries. Bro. Randy Simmons is a preacher, himself, and it is great to have him and his family as part of the church.
I also am glad they chose to join even though I am resigning as pastor. I am excited that they "came in on my watch!"
God has great things in store for the church. Rhonda and I need your prayers. We have direction. We will need the Lord to help us some with financial provision, but I am confident that He will.
Tyler, congratulations on your job.
We have today and tomorrow, and then we will be half-way through the course.
As preachers (and in Roger's case as a church leader and lay preacher), what we are all about is seeing people come to Christ, grow in their knowledge and commitments, and begin to discover their own personal ministries. Bro. Randy Simmons is a preacher, himself, and it is great to have him and his family as part of the church.
I also am glad they chose to join even though I am resigning as pastor. I am excited that they "came in on my watch!"
God has great things in store for the church. Rhonda and I need your prayers. We have direction. We will need the Lord to help us some with financial provision, but I am confident that He will.
Tyler, congratulations on your job.
We have today and tomorrow, and then we will be half-way through the course.
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