Buffalo Trails

New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:34:00 +0000

I moved my blog to a new location. Check out my new blog at http://onthepalouse.blogspot.com/

Learning how to plant new churches

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:05:00 +0000

If you haven't already heard, Bri and I are leaving Tennessee and moving to Northern Idaho/Western Washington on the 24th of August. We're moving to work with Real Life Ministries on the Palouse. Quite simply, we want to learn how to plant new churches from those who are the most effective at helping people find their way back to God. RLM on the Palouse has offered to train me in a one-year leadership residency. This preparation is only the beginning to what Bri and I hope to be a lifetime of service to planting new churches in a culture that is increasingly post-Christian.

I believe a healthy relationship with God is nurtured and grown within the community that is the church. A wise man named Kierkegaard once said, "If God is our father, then the church is our mother." The church is the place where individual Christians learn, grow and reconnect to the One who brings life. I also believe it is the place where we truly start to reconnect with others in ways that lead to higher levels of love, faith, peace, joy, forgiveness, and selflessness.

We strive to learn how to plant new churches because we believe God is the only one who can change the human heart, and God is the only one who can make someone who feels dead come back to life. We believe that planting churches is the best way to reconnect people back to God through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. We ask for your partnership over the next year, through your prayers, encouragement and constant communication. I will be blogging throughout the year to keep you posted on what is happening and what I am learning. Also, we are raising 100% of my salary for the year and we are currently only 40% of the way to our goal of meeting our financial needs. I will be working full-time with RLM and it is unlikely that I will have time to work on the side to supplement our income. Please contact me if you are able to help financially at derekrmurphy@gmail.com, and please do keep in touch regardless.

Love, Derek and Bri

Rapping Lines of Recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:12:00 +0000

Since May I have been visiting a group home for young men in our area to hold a Bible study. Most of these guys have had a hard past and have made some poor decisions that brought them to this avenue in their lives. During the study last week I asked the guys what their dream job would be, two of them said they would love to be rappers some day. I thought if they wanted to be rappers they must have some rhymes, so after the study I asked them to share. I have to say I was impressed with their ability to rap, but I was even more impressed with their lyrics. One of the young men, Devin talked about recovery, and doing something with his life because he knew God had more in store for him. The other young man, Patrick has a one year old daughter who has cerebral palsy, every time we meet he asks me to pray for her and has a desire for transformation primarily because he wants to be a better father for her in the future. I thought I would share their rhymes with you, enjoy.

R3COV3RY Now

I got my family on my mind like all the time

I can't seem to get them off my mind like every rhyme

Its like its ripping holes through space and time

My girl Paige on my mind like every sick line

Gotta find the time to make up my mind, to stay in line

Need to find things to occupy my time so I don't end up in the kitchen

hot, sweety, and itchin

I'm all about recovery now

So Ima make up my mind now

God told me its my time now

To do something with my life now

So I don't end up in jail or shot

Cause I don't want to die now

Don't want to run from the cops no more

So I think its time to change cause I know there's going to be consequences

Repercussion for every time now

So I gotta come down, so I can be there for my family now

-Devin

da best thing I ever had
Close my eyes and see my daughter
Man she really need a father
But, I got locked up, should have played it smarter
Was gettin strung out on da drugs
Wish I could'v see how bad dat it was
But, now it's to late
Done sealed my own fate
Won't see her blow out da candles on da cake
Kno it wouldn't matter to some other dads
But, my daughter's da best thing I ever had
Went threw more in a year
Than some do in a lifetime
and if she died, so would I
because she is my lifeline
-Patrick

Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Sat, 01 May 2010 02:04:00 +0000

It has been three weeks since we returned from Zimbabwe and I wanted to communicate how appreciative I am of your generous support. You have truly enriched my life and the lives of the people of Zimbabwe. While we were in Zimbabwe we were a part of 43 Baptisms and 15 who want to pursue ministry in God's Kingdom. I was able to preach about 10 times in many different settings, including schools, churches and the youth conference. Thank You, you made that possible with your financial support, your encouragement and your prayers!

Due to your support we were also able to help with some needs in the country. You helped give money to buy a laptop, clothes, school supplies, bricks and you helped meet some personal needs as well. Thank you, you made that possible!

I cannot thank you enough for your generosity, you have met many needs and you have spread the good news of the Kingdom! I want to inform you of some of the ideas that I have for meeting future needs. There are several immediate needs if you wish to send further support. One of the churches I preached at in Harare (Kuwadzana) is working on a building project and a small donation of $10 will buy 100 bricks.

I am also considering a future trip that will be much more extensive. God has given me a dream to take needed supplies into the country. Supplies that we take for granted and throw away could meet great needs in developing countries like Zimbabwe. Specifically I am thinking of used school books and retired computers. School books that we throw away because of some changed details would make a great impact, computers that are no longer used by businesses can help children in schools learn much needed skills for their future. If you have ideas for meeting these needs I would love to hear from you.

Mostly, I want to communicate how amazing you are and the magnitude of what you have accomplished. Thank you, keep spreading the Kingdom!

Zimbabwe Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:23:00 +0000

I finally got the chance to upload the photos from the trip. I hope you enjoy.

If you would like to download photo's click this link

On the way home

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:04:00 +0000

We are leaving for the airport in an hour. Ephraim and I will have 30 hours of travel to get back to Tennessee, Joel and Jenn will travel about 40 hours. Please keep us in your prayers. Yesterday we met up with Lindale Adams and her three kids. Lindale and her husband Nick (who is in America fundraising now) were my Sunday school teachers when I was very young (maybe 10 years old). They had our class memorize the books of the bible and took us camping. I will never forget their impact on my life. They have been in Zimbabwe since the early to mid 90's working in churches, teaching in schools and at the Bible College. It was great to see their family!

We have to go finish getting ready. I will give you a more detailed update when we get home. Ephraim and I arrive in Tennessee on Wednesday 12:30 EST.

Youth Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:27:00 +0000

We are now back in Harare. We have come full circle and we are leaving tomorrow (Tuesday). It has been an amazing trip, but I will debrief the trip later. After we left Chiredzi we visited the game park and we saw antelope, deer, buffalo, zebra and giraffe (and many other animals). It was amazing, were blessed to see so much game. The Pemberton's go to church with people from the national park service, so they took us out further into the restricted area in their Land Rover. It was an amazing experience.

(I have to leave so here is the short version)
We traveled to Mutare for the youth conference after the game park. Thursday through Sunday were packed full of preaching, teaching and counseling. Ephraim, Joel, Kara, Jenn and I all spoke. Ephraim preached, Joel preached 3 sermons and I preached 2. We had many who rededicated their life and others who decided to pursue ministry. Joel and I counted and I think we have both preached about 10 times a piece since we've been in country. I only brought 3 sermons to preach, so it has been amazing to see God fill us with his message.

We love you guys!
(Picture of baptism in Chiredzi)

Hippo Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:29:00 +0000

Tomorrow we leave for the National Youth Conference in Mutare, Zim (near the Mozambique border). The last couple days in Chiredzi have been a great experience for us all, and a great victory for the Kingdom of God. Yesterday we baptized 37 youth, (over 70 decided to give their life to Christ, and some of them decided to get baptized at their home churches). I was given the privilege to help baptize some of the students and take time to get to know them better. We also spoke at Chiredzi Christian School, I spoke in the morning, Joel and Ephraim spoke in the afternoon. We spoke to more than 800 students, and we had 8 more decide to give their life to Christ. We baptized 6 of them today, Ephraim and Joel had the opportunity to baptize these new followers of Christ.

This morning I spoke in Chapel for one of the primary schools. There were students from grades 5-7 with over 640 students. I spoke about the favorite food of Zimbabwe, Sudza (a corn meal mixture eaten with most meals). All the kids know that they need to eat lots of sudza if they want to grow big and strong. Instead of comparing Jesus to the bread of life I told the kids Jesus was the Sudza of life. Sudza alone will nourish the body which will last temporarily, but Jesus will give life that is eternal. Jesus will make the spirit strong, like Sudza makes the body strong.

In the morning we are getting up very early (4:30am) to visit a game park on the way to Mutare. We hope to see elephant, lion and giraffe (as well as zebra, antelope, buffalo, etc.) in their native wild habitat. They say that now is not the best time to view the animals because the brush is grown up tall. Zimbabwe has finished with their rainy season and everything is green and beautiful, but when it is brown and dry the animals are easier to see.

Tomorrow is Jenn’s birthday. She will be 25, she’s so excited to celebrate her birthday in Africa. We’re looking forward to an exciting birthday celebration in the truck on the way to the youth conference ;-). She said she has really enjoyed the children in Zimbabwe. Today we visited two orphanages in the Chiredzi area, and she really connected with the young children and the girls. They were following her around and showed her their gardens and games they enjoy playing.

The longer I am here, the more I understand that this trip is merely a drop in the bucket of the ministry that is currently being done and the ministry that needs to be done in Zimbabwe. In Chiredzi, we are staying with the Pemberton’s who lead Hippo Valley Christian Mission. They have been here doing mission work for three generations since the 1950’s and they have over 24 schools, 2 orphanages and hospitals that they have been a part of starting. They have also planted numerous churches and currently support the entire salary of nine local pastors. They have made a large splash in the bucket, and continue to impact the Kingdom in major ways. As I write this blog post I am looking at a proposal of ways they can cut their budget over the next year in order to make ends meet. You have all supported me generously, and if you wish to support this mission I plan to send money back when we get back to the states.

Chiredzi, Zimbabwe

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:03:00 +0000

It has been a full week so far. Saturday seemed to be the real day of rest. We had an opportunity to go and visit a missionary couple (Dan and Mary) here working on agriculture development called farming God's way. Their primary purpose is developing discipleship and training Zimbabweans to use their resources with faithfulness. They teach a method that is not revolutionary in its approach, but gives a higher yielding crop (by 5-10 times) to the Zimbabwean people.

In the evening we spent time at a lake visiting with students Ephraim impacted in his ministry at the University. I am now learning how much Ephraim has impacted this country in his ministry. The students he taught are now in influential positions in the Zimbabwean government and private sector.

On Sunday we all went our separate ways to different churches. Jenn stayed on the Zimbabwe Christian College campus and taught children's church at Harare Church of Christ. Joel went to the church I preached at on Friday in Budiriro, Ephraim went to Greencroft Church of Christ, and I preached at Kuwadzana Church of Christ. It was a great Sunday and we all had positive responses, and one new believer came to Christ! I am still unable to upload pictures, so I will have to describe the location I preached. It is a new church plant, and they are working on their first church building. They currently have the foundation finished, but need to buy the materials. The materials to finish the building will cost the people at least 30,000. I was amazed at the sacrificial giving of the people raising over $500 dollars for the building above and beyond the regular offering (this amount is even more amazing after I found out that most families do not make more than $150 a month per income).

I preached under a covering without walls, that was just tall enough for me to fit under, I am the "Murungu Mukuru" The big white man. There were just over 250 packed into this small shelter. I continue to gain encouragement from the vitality of the Zimbabwean worship services. Everyone is dancing and laughing, while they are praising the Lord. I am working on my dance moves, but am not so good! Jenn is the one who is really making progress when it comes to dancing.

Today, we left in the morning (7am), to head for southern Zimbabwe (Chiredzi). We made several stops along the way, but the scenery was amazing. The African country side filled all of us with awe. We stopped by Ephraim's elementary school and were able to provide them with school supplies and soccer balls. The highlight of the trip was visiting Ephraim's village. We were welcomed by the entire village of people dancing and singing and children chasing our truck. We could hardly get out of the truck because so many people wanted to greet us and shake our hands. They had waited for us the entire day, and had almost lost hope of our coming. They said when they saw us their hearts were renewed, and they were encouraged.

I believe we were the ones who were blessed most through the visit. It was a great experience! After the people greeted us, we were introduced and they introduced us to Ephraim's family. We were able to meet his mother, great aunt, uncle and many members of his extended family. Joel gave a great sermon to the people from Luke 15, calling them to be found in the love of their father in heaven. After the greetings and speaking, we shared tea, and gave them supplies we brought. The villagers loved the digital camera. I probably took a picture of each one of them at least 2 times. I would take the picture, then they would want to look at it. Every time they saw themselves in the picture, they would break into laughter.

The people were so filled with joy, even though they have nothing. The best trait of the Zimbabwean people is their smile. Even through the tough times, they are smiling! They never stop, and it was truly a blessing to me.

The night ended with us giving rides to Ephraim's family who had walked miles to see us. I rode in the back of the truck with Joel and Jenn while the sun was setting. It was a breathtaking view, that was un-capturable on the camera. All I could do was stare and dream. I now know why these people have so much joy.

It is currently 1am, and I need to get to bed. Tomorrow we are preaching at the local high schools and then we are helping in the baptisms of 70 students! Keep us in your prayers, and keep the people of Zimbabwe in your prayers.

The Day of Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 06:12:00 +0000

Hello Friends, we are in Zimbabwe and doing well. The first two days were filled with travel. We flew 29 hours to make it to Harare! Yesterday (Day 3), Ephraim said we would have time to rest, and I preached twice (and I'm wondering what a work day will look like ;-). Joel and I were asked to preach in Chapel, and I was asked to preach a revival service in Budiriro Church of Christ last night (Joel will preach there on Sunday). We also had a chance to sit in on classes at Zimbabwe Christian College where we are currently staying. We also visited the University of Zimbabwe (the lartgest University in the country). In the afternoon we traveled around the capitol city of Harare and viewed the sites, and passed Mugabe's personal residence and office.

Last night when I preached, I preached through a translator. Though most people in Zimbabwe speak English, it is hard for many to understand my American accent, and I have been told I speak too fast. A man named Timba translated for me. He is a great friend of Ephraim, and is a wonderful man. I enjoy the conversations we have had in the last few days, he lived in California for 2 years working for a CPA firm. He has been informing me of the severity of the economic situation here. He said there is a 12% employment rate in Zimbabwe (that means 88% are unemployed), I am unsure how people are surviving due to the fact that those employed make very low wages, and the cost of living is not much lower here than it is in America (at least from what I have seen the food costs are not much lower). I witnessed a group of people standing around the Bank downtown yesterday to withdraw money. Since they are using US Dollars, they often run out, meaning people no longer have access to their funds. This leads to long lines at the banks and a general distrust for the banking system (I was told that due to the instaility of the banking system many people are now keeping their money in their homes).

My sermon last night was on Isaiah 60:1-3, "Muka Upenye" (Arise and Shine) was the title. It was an amazing service; we danced, sang and praised the Lord (I enjoyed the drums, maracas, and African horn). It is such an encouraging experience to see the people of God worship our creator from the opposite side of the globle.

I had troubles with my memory card reader, so I don't have any photos for you today. I hope to update you with pictures another day soon. Thank you for your love and support. Please pray for Ephraim, he has a very sore throat, and is going to preach tomorrow.

Learning a few words in Shona

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:24:00 +0000

Bri and I visited the Tshuma's (Ephraim's family) on friday for dinner. We worked on simple vocabury for the trip. The national language in Zimbabwe is Shona. I thought I would share what I'm learning with you.

Words in Shona:
(all "A" sounds are long, all I's sound like long e's)
How are you - mkdini (sounds like mockadini)
I'm fine how are you - tadipo mkdinio
We are fine - tinofara (singular, dinofara)
What is your name - Zita rako ndiyani (silent n)
Water - mvura (sounds like vura)
Good morning - mangwanani
Good afternoon - masikati (sounds like - mos e cot e)
Good evening - manheru (sounds like - mon hairoo)
I am full - ndaguta (n is sillent)
Thank you - datenda
Very much - zvikuru (sounds like shukuru)
Food - chikafu (sounds like cheek-a-foo)
You're welcome - zvakanaka (sounds like shakanaka)
Sit down - garapasi
Jesus is good - jesu wakanaka
Its good to be here - zvakanaka kuvapano
God is good - mwari wakanaka
Holy Spirit - mweya mutsvene (second word sounds like muchanae)
Come here - huya pano
You - iwe (sounds like - e way)
Bye - sarai zvakanaka
Travel well - famba zvakanaka

Zimbabwe Update

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:07:00 +0000

I am thankful, you all have been an encouragement in many ways. I am blessed more and more by your generosity. One problem has appeared, and it is a good problem. With the money that has arrived or is currently on its way, I have nearly raised $4500. That is $1000 over the amount I was aiming for. Our group is currently praying over the best Kingdom uses of these funds. We are encouraged that with these resources we will be able to meet more and bigger needs. Please keep this in your prayers.

Schedule:

Here is a brief run down on the schedule of our trip. We are leaving the Tri-cities Tennessee on Wednesday, March 24th at 11am. We will arrive in Harare, Zimbabwe on Thursday, the 25th around 9: 00pm! We are planning to spend the day on Friday recuperating and adjusting to the time changes (we will also attend chapel service at the College where we will be staying. Saturday the 27th, we don't have all the details worked out, but we will attend a welcome party. Sunday the 28th the entire team will split up and preach in different churches throughout Harare, I will preach at Kuwadzana Church of Christ, Joel (from Arizona) at Budiriro Church of Christ, Ephraim (who I attend school with and is a native of Zimbabwe) will be at Greencroft, and Jenn (from Arizona) will attend services with one of us (our team now only has 4 members).

On Monday, the 29th we are leaving Harare and headed to the South East of the country to Chiredzi. In Chiredzi we will have the opportunity to preach to Elementary and High School students in schools that are affiliated with our churches and do work in an Orphanage. There are about 80 children who are living in two related children's homes. On our way to Chiredzi we will pass through Ephraim's village to see his family and visit his people. While working in Chiredzi we might get a chance to go to a national park to view some wild

On the Thursday the 1st of April we will then go to Mutare for the Youth Convention/Conference. Our activities in Mutare will be around the Youth Conference. The Mutare people will show us around the city, etc. I am scheduled to preach twice at the conference, and will also take part in testing the students over the book of Romans. We will leave Mutare on Monday morning (the 5th of April). We will spend Monday traveling back to Harare and packing, then we leave on Tuesday the 6th.

We really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Stories in Genesis

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:34:00 +0000

Jordan Lowry, playing his rendition of Genesis 29.

On Wednesday nights at church we've been going through a series for a healthy part of a year called Stories in Genesis. We spend a week on each chapter and this week we're studying Genesis 33. The premise of the week is built upon the ancient practice of oral story telling. The art is being revived in America today and is becoming known as Orality. Every week we learn a story together and then discuss how that story changes us. Each week we have a story teller (who tells the story in their own creative rendition), then a scripture reader (who reads the story directly from the bible), and we ask three simple questions:

What Did we learn about God?
What did we learn about the Characters?
How do we apply this to our lives?

To end we recap the story together and close in prayer. This may sound too simple and far too redundant, but it is effective. It has impacted our church and has given us all a great excuse to learn the Bible, and teach it in a way we all understand, through stories. Check it out.

Plane Ticket - Update on Zimbabwe

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:52:00 +0000

Thank you all for your help and support. I have been overwhelmed by your generosity. I now have $1750 in support that has arrived or is on its way. The plane ticket looks like it will be less than we planned. We thought they would cost $2500, but it looks like they will be closer to $1800. That means I am very close to having enough to buy the ticket.

Plans are coming together nicely for the trip, we had a conference call with the team to get to know each other better, and hammer out the details of the trip. We are all a little nervous about preaching in another country through a translator, but we are looking forward to the opportunity. My friend Ephraim from Zimbabwe has continued to encourage us.

I am going to get my vaccinations the beginning of this next week, I'm not a big fan of needles. I think that goes back to my experience getting tested to see if I was eligible for a bone marrow transplant when I was two. The traumatic part was when they put me in a straight jacket to take my blood. I guess I was a wild child ;-)

I could use your help with something. I am putting together a test for the students in Zimbabwe. This test will be over the book of Romans. If you get a chance, read through the book of Romans and write down a question for each chapter you read. Then post them on the blog.

Thanks for your support, keep seeking the Kingdom!

Beautiful Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:03:00 +0000

from my back porch

It is only 20 degrees but I couldn't help but sit outside and read for awhile this morning. I read this passage of scripture. Mark 4:26-29

²⁶He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.²⁷Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

It reminded me that God is working in my life and your life even when we didn't see it, even when we didn't understand it. A seed has been planted within us, and it will grow, until the day of harvest. It also reminded me to continue watering, and cultivating the soil. Without that water and fertile soil, the miracle of growth is severely stunted. Thats just a reminder for me to continue seeking God, in prayer and in his word and surrounding myself with people of glad and sincere hearts.

Now for my coffee...keep seeking the Kingdom!

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:33:00 +0000

Friendship Banquet Valentines day 2010

Last Sunday we got jiggy with it, at the youth put on a great spread for the church. Thanks to all who were able to make it!

Jordan playing soul sister

Jordan provided the live music! (watch a video of him playing)

the girls how cute (and they said they didn't want a picture taken)

Jasper and Katherine Cross (Jasper is a WWII Vet)

Zimbabwe 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:39:00 +0000

I am going to Zimbabwe to help lead The National Youth Convention and preach in local Zimbabwean churches. The Convention is a meeting that brings together young people from different parts of the country. There will be preaching, teaching, fellowship, sports, etc.In the past people have come from as far as Mozambique to be part of the gathering. This year they are running on the theme “A Purpose Driven Youth”, and they are studying the book of Romans. I am in charge of coming up with the study material and questions for the youth in their small group time. I will also preach, teach, council and lead prayer times.

The convention will be held over Easter weekend, starting on the Thursday preceding Good Friday and ending Monday, right after Easter. I am going with a team of six comprised of people from Arizona and East Tennessee. We will tentatively arrive in Zimbabwe on the 26^th of March and leave on the 5^th of April. The first Sunday we are there, we will all get the opportunity to preach in different churches in Harare. The people of Zimbabwe need a lot of encouragement considering the many difficulties presented by the current state of their government and economy.

How do you read the Old Testament

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:02:00 +0000

How do you as a Christian read the old Testament? I know many Christians and pastors who have a slew of highlighting in their New Testaments, but if you turn the pages back there isn't much sign of attention in the pages of the Old Testament. So I have a few questions and I would like to hear your honest feedback.

Did Christ come to start a new religion? If so, why? If not, why? (Passages to consider in this question, Matthew 5:17, 2 Cor 3:5-6 Rom 7:22 Rom 7:12 Rom 3:31. Rom 10:4 1 Tim 1:5 Eph 2:14–15 Col 2:14)

Do you think we can understand Jesus (his ministry and death) apart from the Old Testament?

What is the role of the Old Testament in your church?

*Please feel free to answer all of these or just some. I will respond to your answers so keep checking back.

Change

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:06:00 +0000

It's time to elect a new president. We have been given a couple options, both parties are working hard to distance themselves from the current administration and they are both proponents of Change. Obama has been talking about how his administration would change the current way of doing business, he wants to work for the middle class. McCain is the original maverick and wants to change how the party system works, wanting to cross party lines. We have to go to the polls in less than a month and vote for one of these men who claim their way is the way to bring change today.

When we truly look down to what the parties are planning to change, it merely comes down to a few tax laws, how we are going to deal with the war in Iraq, a few policies concerning how we deal with "pork barrel ear marked bills", etc. I don't want to down play these politicians and I encourage you to go out and vote November 4^th, but the change we need today is not going to come from either of these politicians. I believe the change we need is going to come through you, the people. It isn't a change of policy or a change of politics or a change in the way you vote.

I believe the only person who ever lived on this earth that can bring change is Jesus Christ. He came and gave a way to change our heart, a way to change a person from the inside out. Have you ever tried to change someone? It isn't something we can do, no matter how hard we sometimes would like to try. Often we try to control people when we try to change them, the difference in what Jesus did is he decided instead to love us, free us and serve us sacrificially (even with his own life). He doesn't want to make us all into mini clones of each other, instead he calls us to stop living the ways of this world. He wants us to live as he lived, and love as he loved, which includes loving our enemies.

He came to bring a new Kingdom a new administration into the world, a kingdom which is unlike any kingdom or nation that has ever been on this earth. The nations on the earth today and in the past tend to try and control the people through fear and propaganda. Even in the great nation of America we are ruled by fear, for example if we don't pay our taxes we will be audited by the IRS and what is scarier than that! As well as through propaganda which is easily spread throughout the world today through television, internet, books, etc. Essentially the nations of this world like to hold power over the people, which isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to running a country (I especially like the laws that ban people from killing me). The power of the Kingdom Jesus talked about came from a different source. The source of this new nation comes from loving people and serving them, encouraging people and raising them up. When the main power of the worldly government comes from controlling people the power of the nation Jesus talked about comes from people lowering themselves and lifting others up.

In this country 80% of the people claim to be Christians, though it seems like most of us are still living the ways of the world. Most of the people that claim to live as people of Christ have lost the art of following Christ (i.e. living the way he lived). We are trying to climb to the top of our world and make as much money as we can and have as much control as we can, but we don't realize that this wasn't the way Jesus Lived. The way this nation is going to change is not through a government change, not through a new policy or a new president it is through you. Change will occur through you living out this radically different kingdom Jesus called us to live. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr. maybe this country needs extremists of love. Lift up your mantle and follow Christ, he has come to set you free and bring you salvation.

God’s Blood Promise

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:13:00 +0000

I was in my Old Testament class last semester and we talked about Genesis 15. This passage describes the promises God made to Abraham (a that time Abram). This passage starts out much like many Ancient Near Eastern Treaties. Suzerain Countries (large powerful countries such as Egypt) would take on a new vassal country (lesser country) and promise them protection if they would pay homage. The exact terms would differ, but we see transactions such as these between Solomon and lesser countries such as edom later on.

When the two countries would make the treaty the vassal would cut animals in half and lay the pieces opposite of each other, sometimes on flat land and sometimes in trench for the blood to pool. The Vassal would then walk between the two slaughtered halves and promise that if they broke the treaty they made they would have to pay the penalty with blood, they would have to be cut in two.

A strange twist occurs in the biblical account. Abram sets out the animals and then falls into a great sleep. Then he hears the words of God and sees a smoking pot and flaming torch pass through the halves of the carcasses.

I think this story emphasize how great God's character is. If Abram had walked through the carcasses and later broken his promises or the faith he had put in God he or his sons would have to pay the penalty. Instead this fire (representing God's presence) passes through. Instead of the vassal/Abram taking the burden of the penalty the suzerain/God takes the burden of the promise.

Since we know that Abrahams descendants didn't stay faithful to God it makes me wonder if God or his son ever paid up? Isn't Grace Beautiful!

Text below (staring in verse 9)

9 So the LORD said to him, "Bring me a heifer, a goat and
a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon."
10 Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and
arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in
half. 11 Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them
away.
12 As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep
sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. 13 Then the LORD said to
him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not
their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 14 But I
will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out
with great possessions. 15 You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be
buried at a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come
back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure."
17 When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a
smoking firepot with
a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. 18 On that day the LORD
made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from
the river [d] of Egypt to the great
river, the Euphrates- 19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites." (NIV)

The Kingdom of God?

noreply@blogger.com (Derek Murphy) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:52:00 +0000

The masterpiece “Nightwatch” painted by Rembrandt has continually been a favorite throughout the ages. The painting is known for its contrast of light and dark. After the famous painting started to age a protective layer of varnish was placed over top the art work each generation in order to keep the original vibrancy. As a result the painting continually became duller with each layer. In the 1970s chemists were able to remove the layers of varnish without harming the painting. With the removal the original brightness and freshness of the painting was restored. Though the original color was breath taking there were some who said, “This is not my Rembrandt anymore.” They had become familiar with looking at the painting through the varnish and were distressed by the energetic original color.[1]

Varnish had a job in protection of the masterpiece paintings of old. Today we have the ability to return back to the first masterpiece of Christianity painted by Christ himself. It might be that the church has looked through the varnish of history and tradition too long feeling comfortable with the true look of the foundation of Christianity. What was it that Christ taught? What followed him in the teachings from his disciples? These are pressing questions to relate to the church of today. When Christ is brought in contrast, Christianity might be a dull representation of what Christ was actually teaching in his ministry. The reality may be under the depth of religious varnish.
The gospels especially Matthew and Luke show what occupied the mind of Jesus. Whenever he spoke, words about a kingdom would often flow. Jesus wanted his disciples to understand their need for the kingdom. He wanted them to understand that that need for the kingdom was the greatest need in their lives. The kingdom is so central to the Christian life that a person has to be willing to give up everything to take part in it, like a man who would sell all he owned to purchase a field in which a great treasure lies (Mt 13:44-46).

The kingdom is not easily defined in short clear statements. When Jesus described the kingdom he almost always spoke in form of parable. At large the kingdom is the reign of God in the universe. The kingdom of God ushers an idea of giving over the will of self and deciding to follow the will of the king. We also know that the kingdom is the epitome of love, joy, peace, hope, sacrifice, humility and forgiveness. Jesus demands the citizens of the kingdom to live by the attributes that characterize the kingdom. They must be humble like a child not letting their self importance get in the way (Mt 18:3, 4). They must also be forgiving for why would God want to forgive anyone who is not willing to forgive others. Georgia Harkness summarizes the kingdom as, “our ultimate challenge and ultimate hope.” [2]

The kingdom occurs when God rules in the hearts of people, but the shear identity of the kingdom is not merely internal. The kingdom is wrapped up in the community. The kingdom is a collective body the kingdom is naturally a group of people.[3] The kingdom is directed toward a redeemed society of people. A redeemed society is one in which salvation is sought and found, not as one individual alone, but as an over expanding community of individuals.

Kingdoms of this world are sources of oppression, fear, war, greed, hate and depravity. God’s kingdom acts in complete opposition to the natural way of this world. The kingdom of Christ lifts up the oppressed and acts against the oppressor. The kingdom of Christ is not a neutral ground. God has sided with the ones who are poor, insignificant and unintelligent. He has sided with those who are the least in the world. He has sided with the people that have been bulled over by the world, the ones the rich have stolen from and walked upon. Jesus said that it is hard for the rich man to enter the kingdom (Mt 19:23, 24) and the prostitutes and tax collectors will enter before the pride filled, self righteous Pharisees (Mt 21:31).

Though the fullness of the kingdom is seldom preached in churches the church in America has become numb to kingdom terminology. The one who preaches the kingdom says “the kingdom is here” and “the king is at hand”, but nobody understands this proclamation as an actual threat to the normal way of life. The thought that the American way of life is doomed and destined for destruction never crosses the mind of the hearer. The proclamation of the kingdom never causes one to react by thinking there is a secret kingdom rising up and approaching the boarder and it will eventually conquer. [4]

Throughout history words of revolution lead to immanent death. Nations fear revolution. Even today there are power struggles, civil wars and revolutions all through the continent of Africa, in the Middle East and throughout Asia. For some reason in America today this language leads to nothing more than another sermon on Sunday morning. The one proclaiming this revolution is treated like a nice guy who is no different from the man down the road promoting the status quo. The message has fallen on deaf ears, but in reality the kingdom of self is heavily defended territory and will not be taken without a heated battle.

The kingdom is essential to the mission. Jesus told his disciples that the good news was the kingdom of God far before his own death (Mt 24:14). Jesus is part of the kingdom and the consummation of the kingdom, but there is so much more. The world has been waiting for a kingdom that is no longer after wealth, power, prestige and pride. The world no longer needs nations that only care for themselves hording the resources of this earth. The world is in desperate need of a kingdom of peace. The world is in desperate need of a new path to live and walk. The world has only seen what the prince of the world has shown it. The prince of the world only wants to steal kill and destroy, but the world needs an example of how to live life in complete abundance (Jn 10:10). The world is in need of a kingdom that has not been tainted and perverted.

The kingdom has the ability to reach the entire world like yeast spread throughout dough. It only takes a little yeast, but the impact is radical. Albert Schweitzer said, “As for humankind today the realization of the Kingdom of God here on earth has become a matter of survival or extinction.”[5] The kingdom of God is the only possible explanation of liberation from the world. The kingdom is the only way the world can be redeemed.

Please rise up and claim your citizenship in the kingdom promoting the kingdom and showing the world love through service so they can see the love of Christ and join His Kingdom.

[1] John Fuellenbach. The Kingdom of God: The Message of Jesus Today. Maryknoll. Orbis Books, 1995. 2.

[2] Georgia Harkness. Understanding The Kingdom og God. Nashville. Abingdon Press. 1974. 54.

[3] Donald B. Kraybill. The Upside Down Kingdom. Scottdale. Herald Press. 1990. 20.

[4] Eugene H. Peterson. The Contemplative Pastor: Returning To The Art of Spiritual Direction. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989. 27-29.

[5] John Fuellenbach. The Kingdom of God: The Message of Jesus Today. 5.