The Emergent Dyslexic

Are You Racist???

2008-03-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

Racism is a huge subject in and throughout the world. Many people sit around coffee tables and water coolers asking themselves if they are racist. Have you ever wondered whether you are racist? Well, I am going to give you a test. Follow the link below and watch the clip and answer the questions. I hope you find out your answer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cebo_kI_BOo

Extraordinary Reality

2008-02-24T02:17:00.000-08:00

Exegesis of Colossians 3:1-4
Extraordinary Reality

This passage of scripture is very meaningful to me and has had great significance in my life. As I began to look at this passage of scripture and dissect it for the exegetical aspects, a great thought came to my mind. I began to contemplate the wealth of the Lord versus material wealth, which helped me understand this passage in a greater context. I realized that when someone inherits a large sum of money or wins the lottery, those people are never the same again. Instantly, these individuals are changed by their newfound wealth. Some people quit their jobs, some buy a new house, whatever it is that they do, one thing is for certain, they are affected physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In the same attitude, this should also be true when we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our lives should completely change physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says that the old is gone, and everything becomes new. However, it is clear that this is exactly the issue Paul the author of Colossians is struggling with in regards to the Colossian church. This then becomes the motivation, the cry of the author’s heart and the call to action that begins our journey into one of the most significant and life-changing passages of scripture ever pinned, Colossians 3:1-4. Therefore, Paul, wrote the Colossian Church to warn them of their reversion to their worldly practices and false teachings they were embracing and were beginning to adapt into their daily lives. He calls the believers back to the origin of their faith in Christ through the appeal to live in an extraordinary way that is reliant upon living out and placing their faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.

To fully conceive this passage and the thesis of this paper we will first outline the general idea of the passage. Secondly, we will explore certain aspects of the letter that will reveal the background and contextual thoughts within the book. Lastly, we will uncover the passage specifically looking at the features that can help us clearly understand the author’s meaning.

Beginning in Colossians 3:1-4, it is clear that Paul comes forth immediately to exhort and encourage the Colossian church in how to practically live out the life of a Christ follower. He is calling them out, relating to their sense of direction and telling them directly how to live an extraordinary life that will glorify and honor Christ. This passage gives instruction and support on how to do such things. In addition, this passage helps the Colossians understand that their life is not revealed nor should it be lived for this life, but rather for the eternal life that is to come.

It is imperative that we understand the historical framework surrounding this letter of Colossians and that of our passage. Doing so will help us to further grasp the significance of our focal scripture. Colossae, a city of ancient times, is located on the outer southern bank of the Lycus River inside modern day Turkey, formerly the “Roman province of Asia” (Vaughn, 812). Therefore, this municipality was near Ephesus some 100 miles to the east. Within this city, lay a new church that was established in A.D. 52-55 through the ministry of Epaphras who was a fellow worker of the Apostle Paul. Paul did not found the church in Colossians; however, the establishment of the church was closely connected with his Ephesian ministry that is recorded in Acts 19. Though Paul did not launch the church, it is true that through his direction, the Gospel was preached throughout Asia and the people were ministered to by many of Paul’s fellow laborers (O’Brien, 148). Many of the believers here were thought to be Gentiles who were in opposition to the Lord through idolatry and sinful acts (O’Brien, 148). Although they had been opposed to the Lord through their actions, we see in Colossians 1:22 how Christ changed their hearts through his death and made them righteous in His sight (O’Brien, 148). (Vaughn, 812; Obrien, 147-148)

In reference to the authorship of this letter, the writer’s identity has led to some question. The first distinct dispute over a Pauline authorship of modern times came from a man by the name of E.T. Mayerhof in 1838 who expressed thoughts from Colossians that were not conducive to former previous Pauline thoughts. Furthermore, he professed that there were “evidences of disputation with the second century Cerinthus and a dependence on Ephesians” (O’Brien, xli). However, the evidence of a Pauline authorship for this letter “comes not only from within the letter but also from the witness of many early Christian writers” (Vaughn, 812). This letter then was believed to be written during one of Paul’s imprisonments. It is probable that he was actually in Rome at the time of the writing, which would date the letter around A.D. 62 in which he was first imprisoned in Rome. A strong argument for this being the place and date for the letter is what O’Brien says in which he bases this conclusion on Colossians 4 in which it is suggested that the church was in direct communication with Paul. This lines up with the Roman imprisonment found in Acts 28:30 (O’Brien, 152). (Vaughn, 812-813; O’Brien, 152)

The occasion of the letter involved the testimony from Epaphras in Rome, in which he reported many encouraging things, however, he also relayed to Paul that the church had been invaded by heretical teachings that threatened the health and being of the church. As for the implications of the teaching, the letter does not state the direct issues that were involved. Because of this, it is difficult to decide what the true nature of the problem was. The unknown origins of the false teaching does not leave us questioning what the outcome would be if it was allowed to flourish. We can see that it would be detrimental, would threaten the gospel message, and would lead the Colossian believers into spiritual oppression. While we do not know for sure what the issues were, by studying the many passages in which Paul addresses certain issues and situations, we can see that it might have something to do with some type of ritualistic spirituality. Thus, these issues are believed to have been causing some type of heretical problem that was becoming problematic within the churches walls. (Obrien, 148; Vaughn, 813)

It is then believed that this letter surrounded the issue of false teachings from a group of people who were calling the Colossian church to flee from faith based living and take up the “beliefs and practices of their Jewish and pagan neighbors” (O’Brien, 148). Possibly, because of the youth and misunderstanding between Judaism and Christianity, the Colossian church became susceptible to being held captive by manipulators of the gospel. The majority of believers in the Colossian church were gentle converts that had been known for their pagan traditions and opposition to the Lord (O’Brien, 148). Therefore, Paul developed this passage in the desire to instruct the Colossian believers on not only the inward, but also the outward practical expressions of their faith in Christ (Vaughn, 832-833). (O’Brien, 148; Vaughn, 832-833)

Therefore, the purpose of the Colossian letter can be seen in its desire to articulate Paul’s special relationship and concern with the church. This was to advise them not to return to their old lives and habits, which had left them hopeless and in opposition to the Lord which is referenced in Colossians 3:5, and to counter the heretical teachings that endangered the church at Colossae. The false teaching was, no doubt, Paul’s major distress as he made an appeal for a deeper and closer relationship found in Christ. Thus, Colossians addresses many major issues that include Christology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology (O’Brien 150-151; Vaughn, 814; O’Brien, 150-151).

Having defined the historical setting behind this letter and passage, it is to our benefit to look at the environment that this passage was birthed in. This will help us to gain tremendous perspective on the passage and can lead us to understand the full measure of Paul’s thoughts leading up to its writing.

It is clear that one of the focal reasons for the writing of the Colossian letter was to address the reversion back into the sacrificial and religious practices that were being taught through the false teachers. Paul, therefore, addresses these difficult issues in 2:6-23. These issues do affect our focal passage in 3:1-4 because for the church at Colossae to understand how to live in the future, they need to learn of their dysfunctions and misconceptions in their past and present. This is the goal Paul has in addressing them in chapter 2. Beginning in verses 6-7, Paul first exhorts the Christians to continue in their faith in Christ. Following in 2:8, Paul begins to address the warning not to become a hostage or slave to the false philosophies that were permeating throughout their fold. Verses 9-15 initiate the validation of the warning that is based upon the foundation of who Christ is as fully God and fully man. Proceeding on to 2:16-17, Paul then addresses a second warning by coming against the issues of legalistic behavior and works performed to attain favor in God’s sight (830). Paul continues his strike against the false teachings, in verses 18-19, by issuing a third warning as he deals with the premise of worshiping angelic beings. Lastly, in verses 20-23 Paul issues his fourth warning concerning “asceticism-the imposition of man-made rules as a means of gaining favor with God” (831). In the same respect, he calls for the believers to continue in the death of ritualistic values that corrupt the gospel” (Vaughn, 814-815, 827-831).

After addressing these difficult and misleading issues, Paul turns from warning them against the false teachings and begins to lead the believers in how they should live their lives. In turn, Paul wrote the passage in 3:1-4 in hopes of admonishing the Christians in Colossae to live for a life rooted in Christ and not on worldly ideas, actions, or rules (Vaughn, 833).

The final phase of our exploration is to look at our focal passage and uncover the truths, thoughts, and imperatives that Paul passes on to this church. This will cover the insights of the literary aspect as well as the overall meaning that lies within the scripture of Colossians 3:1-4. Furthermore, we will look at Paul’s desire to help the church in Colossae realize their life in Christ is to be lived in an extraordinary way, understanding that their religious acts do not supersede their faith in Christ and that they need to rely upon Christ’s death and resurrection in order to accomplish God’s vision for their lives.

The exhortation of the book is initiated by Paul’s repetition of his earlier comments that the believers did not only die with Christ (2:20), but that they have also been raised from the dead along side of him as well (2:12). It is important to note that verses 1-4 culminate the “doctrinal section” of the letter based upon the fact that these verses resolve Paul’s earlier comments on the “philosophy” of the false teachings in 2:8-23. This passage truly escapes those previous teachings and offers a divine solution (O’Brien, 159). “Chapter 3:1-4, like the earlier short section chapter 2:6, 7, serves as an important bridge passage in the epistle, drawing together themes previously mentioned (2:11, 12, 13, 20), at the same time setting forth the theological foundation (the ‘indicative’) for the exhortation (the ‘imperative’) that follows” (Obrien, 159). It is clear that Paul is not specifically targeting the counterfeit words that the false teachers addressed to the Colossians; however, the difficult circumstances that they ignited seem to still be on the horizon. In fact, the diametrically opposing sentiments of Paul’s positive comments versus that of the negativity found within the false philosophy seem to show that he desires to alienate the entire argument all together (O’Brien, 159)

Thus, the opening words have great significance within the frame of this chapter. There are some differences within the translations of the biblical text. These would be important to note before moving on. In verse one the NKJV states, “If then you were raised with Christ” and the KJV states, “If ye be risen with Christ.” One can see that these two translations differ from the majority of other translations. The mood here is subjunctive and poses a theoretical approach within this beginning phrase. “The Greek text has ei, the particle of a fulfilled condition, followed by the indicative mode. It is, ‘In view of the fact, therefore, that you were raised with Christ’” (Wuest, 217). Thus, it is clear that Paul is encouraging believers to seek that which is above in an attained manner, rather than in a theoretical approach (Wuest, 217).

Having noticed the literary inconsistencies within the translations we can move forward. Therefore, looking first at “Then” or “therefore,” this connecting word moves the letter from the doctrinal section to the exhortation and practicalities of the book. Consequently, we see a definite connection between the theological principles in 1:1 and 2:1 to the encouragement to live a right life in 3:1. Furthermore, the opening words play an imperative role because this phrase moves the text from a summation of the author’s previous statements about the false teachers and a solution to the problem in chapter 2. It then moves in the direction of stating what the believers should do as he calls them to a new start in their walk and life with Christ. “So the “ouv (therefore or then)” indicates that what follows is connected with the train of thought that was previously developed (the similar function of the conjunction at Rom 12:1; Eph 4:1)” (O’Brien, 158).

In addition, the introduction in verse one “you were raised with” is significant to and highlights the previous mention of “you were raised with” and “he made you alive together with” which is detailed in Colossians 2:12, 13. This phrase also arranges for the call in 3:12 to “put on the new man.” Continuing in verse one we come to the next significant phrase, “set your hearts on things above.” During my study of this phrase, one of the important words here is “seek” (Col. 3:1, NKJV) or “seeking” (Col. 3:1, NASB). One of the reasons I feel as though this word carries weight is based completely upon the authors’ motivation and instruction to the recipients within the church at Colossae. In this passage, it is clear that he is trying to invade their hearts with the thoughts of Christ and thus, desires them to seek Christ out rather than focusing on their works as they had done. Ultimately, the author with this word shows that he is calling them to action and pleading with them to live differently than they had in the past. In fact, as you will see later, there is an even greater emphasis than just on the act, to seek.

Many of the translations use the word “set,” which is in verse one, however, the NASB and NKJV use the word “seek” or “seeking.” This word “seek” comes from the transliterated Greek word “zeteo.” The actual translated meaning is “to seek,” which is defined “to seek in order to find; to seek a thing; to seek [in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into; to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after; to seek i.e. require, demand; to crave, demand something from someone” and in general this term means to continue to seek (http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/grk.cgi?search=2212&version=nas&type=eng; MacArthur, 128). The word “seek” and the concurrent meaning are found throughout the NT and was used 112 times, in 16 books. The use of this word is mostly throughout the Gospels, specifically in John 32 times and Luke 24 times. In retrospect, this word is only found once in each of the following books: Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Timothy, Hebrews and Revelation.

Looking in the Hebrew, this word is “Xqb,” and the transliterated word is a verb “baqash,” which is defined, “to seek, require, desire, exact, request (Piel); to seek to find; to seek to secure; to seek the face; to desire, demand; to require, exact; to ask, request; to be sought” (http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cginumber=01245&version=nas). Throughout the Old Testament, this term was used 215 different times. The majority of the use is found in 1 Samuel 24 times and in Psalms 26 times. In contrast, the least use of this word in the Old Testament is one time in the following books: Leviticus, Ruth, Job, and Amos.

Here, this verb “seek” “implies persevering effort” (Hendriksen, 140). While the author desires the audience to continue to seek and look, he is not necessarily speaking to that action. Rather, he does not want them to simply find something; however, he desires that they “obtain” the object (Matt. 633; 13:45). Therefore, it is clear that while the act to “seek” has significance, the true imperative is not on seeking but rather on what one is seeking. Thus, “a precise rendering would be, ‘the things that are above [place forward for emphasis] be constantly seeking.’ Seeking to obtain is a common activity, but seeking to obtain the right treasures is not nearly so common, and therefore requires emphasis” (Hendriksen, 140). This term “seek,” implores the readers “to look upward so as to receive clear direction for their conduct. The present imperative shows that a continuous ongoing effort is required, something that would not occur naturally” (O’Brien, 160). Paul uses this term “as a direct command only here (it turns up as an indirect one at 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 10:33; 13:5; Philippians 2:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:6), so its force may be to provide a positive counterpart to the false teacher’ energetic activity in ‘seeking’ visionary experiences” (O’Brien, 160).

The next phrase that has some grammatical issues to discuss is verse one, “seated at God’s right hand.” Some translations use “EOTW”, which is attached to “seated at God’s right hand,” however this should not be the case, doing so would make “a periphrastic tense, but separated from the participle by a comma; there are two dependent clauses” (O’Brien, 161). This phrase eludes to Psalm 110, in which the “Christological interpretation of this psalm, which was common in the early church, to speak of Christ’s session at God’ right hand and so to define further the realm above which is to be the goal of the Colossians’ striving” (161). The phrase in which Christ is ascended at God’s right hand was taught early in the Church. This expression is seen throughout the New Testament (Acts 2:33-35; 5:31; 755; 56; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3; 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22; Rev 3:21). Paul’s use of verse one, on considering the things above, is to teach the Christians to desire and set out for the “heavenly things” where Christ is (Vaughn, 833). The desire Paul wants to convey to the believers is that their purpose and outlook on life should be found in the confines of their relationship with Jesus. In addition, Paul wants them to understand that the vow they made in Christ overrules every earthly idea, thought, or desire (Vaughn, 833). In the end, the opening words of this passage are extremely important because Paul is taking the focus from the religiosity that the church had previously been engaging in and exposed the reality of what their life should be focused on which is Christ Jesus, who died for them so that they could have relationship with the Lord (O’brien, 159-160).

The first two verses have been noted throughout time to be similar in nature. However, there is an important difference to point out here. In verse one, setting the heart on things that are above, seems to be an expression of the practical race of the Christian existence. In verse two, though, setting one’s mind on things above may actually describe the internal character of the person. Paul’s intention in this connotation was derived from a desire for the Colossian believer to keep one’s mind centered on the eternal perspective of life rather than on an earthly focus (Vaughn, 833). The reference to earth is very significant here because in Genesis 3:17 the earth became the destination that sin took place in and continues to be “cursed” to this day because of the transgressions of man. Therefore,

"it is understandable that the earth should be regarded as the primary setting of fallen creation; cf. Lincoln, Dimension, 204-207, who further claims that Paul’s opponents were positively obsessed with ‘the things above, ‘ and the apostle by using this term outclasses his opponents on their own ground, not completely disparaging their concern with the heavenly realm but rather redirecting it, at the same time exposing its false premises about Paul turns the tables on his opponents ‘by taking over spatial terminology in order to point to the exclusiveness and completeness of Christ…For Paul there could be no going beyond the one in the supreme position in heaven at God’s right hand” (O’brien, 161).

It is clear that Paul is directing the Colossian believers to assert themselves with who, what, and where the Lord is. In addition, this is where their life should reside, in the heavenly realm rather than in the earthly nature. Paul, therefore, is encouraging the believers to leave behind the previous atonements of a fallen world and focus on the divine avenue of Christ that is “above.”

In regards to verses three and four, there are some grammatical and translational issues to discuss. First, in verse three, the words “you died” are used in reference to Paul’s statements in 2:20. He said, “you died with Christ from the elemental spirits of the universe,” “and picks up ideas expressed in chapter 2:11-13 (‘you were circumcised… in the circumcision of Christ…you were buried with him’), at the same time providing the basis for the imperative in the exhortatory section (put to death,’ 3:5)” (O’Brien, 158). The use of “you died” in the Greek is apethanete, which is “an aorist indicative, referring to a past fact” (Wuest, 218). “You died”, “that is, so far as your spiritual being is concerned, you died to, that is, were separated from the former life and everything of an evil nature that pertained to it” (Wuest, 218; O’Brien, 158; Wuest, 218). In verse four, there is a translation issue that should be noted and discussed in regards to the use of “your life.” This is found in the ESV, NIV, and NLT. In the NKJV and KJV, the use is “our life.” The Word Biblical Commentary has some interesting notes on the issue that I feel are pertinent to quote.

“Throughout Colossians there is some doubt about the correct reading between the first and second person plurals (cf. 1:7; 2:13 and this text). Here it is possible that “nuwv” (“our”), which is supported by B D H K 326 syr cop etc., was altered by scribes to “uywv”, so as to bring it into line with the second person pronouns throughout verses 1-4. However, the reading “uywv” (“your”) has considerably stronger manuscript support including p46 and good representatives of both the Alexandrian and Western text types. Accordingly, if “uywv” (“your”) was the original reading the change to “nuwv” (“our”) may have been due to faulty hearing or because the copyist wished to maintain the point that Christ is the life of Christians generally and not simply of those at Colossae. On balance it seems more likely that the reading “our life” was the original text and was altered very early to conform to the second person style of this section of the letter” (O’Brien, 157).

While it is unclear what the reality is, one can see that the use of “your” here has the ability to include Christians as a whole, rather than just those at Colossae (O’Brien, 157-158).

In verse three, Paul is once again reiterating the sentiments that he claimed in 2:11-12. It is clear that Paul desired to emphasize that the believers in Colossians are no longer living within themselves, but rather they have been put to death with Christ and buried along with him as well. Therefore, the life that they live should not only be rooted in Christ but lived as Christ would because they are dead in sin but alive in Christ (Galatians 2:20). What is left has been filled with Christ and should be lived in accordance with his mind, thoughts, and actions and not their own (Hendriksen, 141). Therefore, a similar thought is announced in verse four, in which Paul relates that “though the world will never be able to see the closeness of the inner relationship between believer and Lord, the outward expression of this inner relationship, the glory, will one day become clear to all” (Hendriksen, 142).

Furthermore, this verse reveals several important aspects to the extraordinary life Paul was calling the Colossian church to live. First, in regards to this part of the verse, “Christ who is your life,” reveals that while Christ and the Colossian believer are not one in fundamental nature, they are connected and Christ is their foundation and reason for life. This phrase, “Christ who is your life” is relevant and can be understood by other meaningful biblical passages.

“Because I live you too will live” (John 14:19); “(We are) always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10); “It was the good pleasure of God… to reveal his Son in me” (Galatians 1:15, 16); “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20); “My little children, with whom I am again in labor, until Christ be formed in you” (Galatians, 4:19; “But we all… are transformed into the same image from glory to glory as from the Lord the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18); and “for to me to live (is) Christ, and to die (is) gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Therefore, Paul tells the Colossians at the culmination of Matthew 24:36 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, they will be “manifested with” Christ. They will be set free from the earthly bondage of this life and will appear with Christ in glory. Ultimately, in verses three and four Paul uses terminology that seeks to dissolve the believer’s selfish ambitions and ideas. The desire is that one would be obedient to living the life Christ has called them to live and not the life they may have previously desired to live. Paul calls them to live within the death of Christ, but be united in mind and spirit of the resurrection (2:20, 3:1; 833). Paul emphasizes that what is in opposition to God should, therefore, be in opposition to our lives (2:20-23; 833).

This passage while connected to Paul’s encouragement to the Colossian believers, also has a modern message for the believers of today and tomorrow. Thus, in breaking down this passage through the eyes of the hermeneutical principles above, one can see how important it is to focus upon the tenets of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Paul clearly points out that the life lived in accordance with the world’s measure of salvation is lost, thus, we should live rooted and built up in who and what the Lord did for us through Jesus on the cross. Thus, compelling all believers to take up the call to action that Paul relates to the Colossians, live in an extraordinary way that is reliant upon living out and placing their faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Bibliography

Bible Study Tools. Crosswalk.com. 8 Dec. 2004 http://www.biblestudytools.net/Lexicons/NewTestamentGreek/grk.cgi?search=2212&version=nas&type=eng

Hendriksen, William. New Testament Commentary Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1979.

New American Standard Bible. New York, NY: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1977.

New King James Version: Scofield Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1982; NY: Oxford University Press, 2002.

New Living Translation. Wheaton, ILL: Tyndale Publishers, 2004.

NIV Study Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. O’Brien, P.T. “Colossians, Letter to the.” Dictionary of Paul And His Letters, ED. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin. Downers Grove, ILL: InterVarsity Press, 1993, pp. 147-153.

O’Brien, Peter T. Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 44, Colossians Philemon. ED. David A. Hubbard, Glenn W. Barker, Ralph P. Martin. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1982.

Vaughn, Curtis “Colossians.” Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, ED.Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger III. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994, pp. 812-842.

Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament, Volume One, Mark-Romans-Galatians-Ephesians and Colossians. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1973.

Ted Haggard Update: What Can You Say?

2007-08-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

Ted Haggard Opens Himself Up for Criticism Once Again!

I cannot believe what I read today from Fox News about the former pastor and author Ted Haggard. After the difficult and tumultuous circumstances that left him and his family in shambles, he now proclaims that he needs more money to support him and his wife as they go to school. What can you say about this? I am not sure; however, I know that in real life when you make mistakes you must pay for them. They are called consequences! In real life when you desire to get a better education you sometimes have to work your way through. Therefore, Ted you might have to deliver some pizza's or scan some groceries. That is what full-time students do! I am amazed honestly, that this man believes that he should be able to live off the coin of others when he is able bodied and can work. It is inconceivable and in my opinion reprehensible to be asking for money at this juncture. Am I saying that because of what he did? Not at all! My point is this is the real world, my wife and I had to sacrifice so that we could attend school and pay our bills, so why should he and his wife be any different. GIVE ME A BREAK! I guess it is time to do some tent making Ted! Get some respect bro, and stop asking people for money!

Lastly, I would like to comment upon one last thing which is in regards to his past financial state. WHERE IS THE MONEY!!!!!!! My goodness, I know hundreds of people who could live several years on the 338,000 dollars he received in 2006. That does not even include speaking engagements, his salary from the organization he led, or his the funds from his books. You have to be kidding me! Plus, he has a 800,000 dollar house? NICE! Seriously, there are people in cities across America who cannot feed their children or their wives. However, you have the audacity to ask for money when you have a college education, many resources, and assets that you could sell. The bed was made, and while there is forgiveness, you have to lay in it. Pick yourself up, shake off the dust, lean on Christ and go drive a truck! This is Christ's version of TOUGH LOVE!

Disgraced Pastor Ted Haggard Asks Supporters for Cash
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Rev. Ted Haggard, who left the megachurch he founded after admitting to "sexual immorality," has asked supporters for financial assistance while he and his wife pursue their studies. The former New Life Church pastor plans to seek a master's degree in counseling at the University of Phoenix while his wife studies psychology, he said in an e-mail sent this week to KRDO-TV in Colorado Springs.

The couple and two of their sons planned to move Oct. 1 to the Phoenix Dream Center, a faith-based halfway house in Phoenix, where Haggard and his wife would provide counseling, the e-mail said. "It looks as though it will take two years for us to have adequate earning power again, so we are looking for people who will help us monthly for two years," the e-mail said. "During that time we will continue as full-time students, and then, when I graduate, we won't need outside support any longer."

Haggard left the 10,000-member New Life Church late last year and resigned as head of the National Association of Evangelicals after a former male escort accused Haggard of paying him for sex. Mike Ware, an overseer for New Life Church, told The Gazette of Colorado Springs on Friday that it was premature of Haggard to release the statement without first consulting the overseers. A New Life spokesman did not immediately return a phone message left late Friday by The Associated Press. Haggard received a salary of $115,000 for the 10 months he worked in 2006 and an $85,000 anniversary bonus before the scandal broke, The Gazette reported. Haggard's severance package included a year's salary of $138,000, and he collects royalties on his book titles, the newspaper reported. El Paso County records show Haggard's home, which has been up for sale, has a market value of $715,051.

Now You Know Why That Happened To You!

2007-08-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thought You Were Smart? These Guys Are Entrepreneurs.

I had read about this story last week in which people were ruining lives for only 20 bucks. You thought you were smart? Get on this stock, I am sure it is going to take off. Yea Right! Anyway, interesting read and falls in line with all the other "punks" on the web trying to ruin peoples lives. The wonders and perks of the Internet, don't you just love it?

Web Site Offers to Ruin People’s Lives for $20 a Month
“The Times”

A service offering a complete "revenge package" in which people can destroy the financial status and relationships of their enemies at the click of a mouse is being offered over the Internet.
For as little as $20 a month, customers of the confidentialaccess.com Web site can make the credit ratings of people they dislike plummet, and even have them suspected of fraud.
Victims' bank accounts can be shut down remotely and all their essential utilities cut off.
Fake e-mails and text messages which purport to come from someone else, such as the victim's spouse, can be sent containing false accusations of affairs or sexual liaisons.
[Editor's note: At one point Monday morning, the front page of http://www.confidentialaccess.com/ had been replaced by a lengthy ad offering content optimization on RSS feeds.
What appeared to have been the original front page later reappeared, with "revenge" services no longer offered, but many other fraudulent documents such as fake driver's licenses and bank statements still available.]
The new "revenge" services are the latest example of the harm the Internet can cause individuals.
A British House of Lords committee report published last week described criminality on the Web as so bad that it was like "the Wild West."
The Web site, which also offers to create perfect "novelty" copies of any documentation necessary to enable the customer to gain revenge, promises its services "can create mayhem."
"CA [Confidential Access] can make it so someone couldn't even get an ice cream cone on credit again," the site promises.
One way of doing this, it explains, is to apply repeatedly for credit using the victim's name and multiple addresses, leading inevitably to a red flag from Britain's Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (Cifas) or similar agencies.
Credit is then stopped until an investigation by Cifas decides whether the subject has been the perpetrator or victim of fraud.
CA offers further ideas of how to use its services.
"Create some false payslips [paychecks] and send them back returned to the victim's employer and watch them lose their job," it advises.
"Destroy a person's bank account using our novelty bank statements. Bank accounts are like gold dust now; return[ing] a novelty bank statement with their details back to the bank works for killing someones [sic] credit card account.
"Watch your victim cry when all his/her accounts are closed."
The Web site states that even accounts on eBay, the auction Web site, and PayPal, the Internet payment system, can easily be sabotaged.
Many of its activities may be illegal. Senior police sources said confidentialaccess.com, which is apparently hosted on a Singapore-based Internet server but run by Britons, is under investigation by more than one force.
The operators, who claim also to have bases in Hong Kong, Dublin and Boston, offer to fabricate a large range of documents, ranging from U.K. driving licenses, car-ownership papers and Ministry of Transport certificates to tax forms, paychecks and bank statements.
Most items are priced at a few hundred dollars but basic membership, which entitles customers to many of the "revenge" options, costs $20 a month.
Payments can be made either over the Internet or directly into a British bank account in the name of A.J. Smith.
Once the money is received, items are dispatched within a week or two.
The Web site boasts of the ultra-genuine appearance of its fakes, which are also intended to be used by customers to acquire credit from banks.
The Web site operators even offer to register customers on the electoral rolls to a variety of properties with which they have no connection.
Verbal and written references for non-existent employment records are also supplied.
The Web site's forum pages are full of glowing testimonials from satisfied customers who have apparently used CA products.
The Sunday Times obtained a fake British driving license for $600 using a bogus name and the photograph of one of the FBI's most wanted terrorists — Adam Yahiye Gadahn, aka "Azzam the American," who has been accused of being an Al Qaeda operative.
His picture appears on the fake license, complete with a realistic-looking hologram and markings, next to a false name.
Confidential Access claims to be offering legal services, but the identity of its operators, who use the name the Caxess Corporation, is hidden behind untraceable phone numbers and P.O. box numbers that lead to offshore courier companies.
The Web site subscribes to the revenge ethos in other ways too.
On its forum, its site administrator displayed a letter from a fraud investigator for the Royal Bank of Scotland in which he requests that the Singapore server take down the site because it is breaching trademark law.
In response, the site's operators have posted the man's home address, together with the name of his partner, and suggested that subscribers post excrement through their letterbox.
Other CA members suggest deflating his car's tires, instigating a credit inquiry on him and even "paying him a visit."
Sources at the Royal Bank of Scotland confirmed that the man, whose identity is being protected by The Sunday Times, has received threatening phone calls.
A bank spokesman said the site had recently been reported to the police.
Richard Clayton, a Cambridge University researcher on Internet security and adviser to the House of Lords science and technology committee, said, "I have never come across a site devoted to offering revenge in this way before.
"The only similar thing is one or two of the extreme right-wing Web sites which list addresses and suggest people go and beat up political opponents."

2007-08-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Since I have been in Reno I have had the opporntunity to speak many times at a drug and alcohol treatment facility in downtown. I also counsel on Thursday mornings and really enjoy it. I am uploading a recent message I did on God's plan for your life. This was a great time and many people prayed to receive Christ and answer God's mission for their lives. I hope you take a minute and watch, I think you will be blessed!

Rick

Do You Like Your Pastor? If Not Blog About Him and He Will Go!

2007-08-22T03:14:00.000-07:00

Coming To A Church Near You, Pastor Handcuffed by His People!

Over the last several months, there have been numerous reports about large churches and the contentious state of the people in reference to the pastor and his actions. These things have played out on blogs and media reports throughout the country. All you have to do is just type in a few of these churches names and you will see what I am talking about. First Baptist Colleyville, Pastor Frank Harbour, Bellevue Baptist Church, Pastor Steve Gaines, and now Two Rivers Baptist Church, Pastor Jerry Sutton. These are only a few of the men who have recently come under fire for objectionable actions that have found there way to free blogs and the headlines of papers and news outlets all over the country. A growing phenomenon is if you do not like your pastor then blog about him. This idea has spread and is becoming more and more popular within the rank and file of church communities everywhere. It really does not stop there either.

If you have not heard of Wade Burleson and his infamous blog that has vaulted him to the front of the line within the Southern Baptist Convention then you need to catch up. Another name you may not know is Ben Cole. He is the sole owner of the Baptist blogger. This has been his avenue to personally chide and ridicule Dr. Paige Patterson of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has some very interesting ideas and commentaries about the workings that are taking place.

So the question that comes to our mind is, it right? Are all of these things glorifying and honoring the Lord? If not, should they be stopped? I am not sure what the answer to all of the questions that come up when discussing this subject. However, I do realize that without accountability and integrity your sins will find you out. I also realize that very rarely is a criminal falsely convicted of a crime. While he may have not committed that crime, had he committed others? Therefore, I ask myself, if he is not doing this, what might he be doing. Rarely, do people who are open, honest, and forthcoming challenged and accused of heinous or objectionable circumstances. It is clear within all of the cases above, that these men have not been above board and could at the very least, learn some lessons of character and judgment.

I have enclosed one of the recent articles about the Two Rivers case. It is a fascinating thing that this pastor was able to throw his daughter a wedding reception on the church’s dime and the governing board approved it. This is supposed to be OK just because the board approved it. It sounds as though the board needs a lesson in responsible money management and a stiff kick in the pants, if you know what I mean. This is the type of thing that brings problems, questions, and distrust within communities. What do they expect a blue ribbon for effectively misusing the church’s money? WAKE UP! What do you think??? Leave your comments!

Two Rivers Baptist Church members voice dissent, pastor seeks reconciliation By Michael Foust NASHVILLE, Tenn.
Aug 15, 2007

Multimedia & Links
http://www.tworivers.org/
http://www.trbcinfo.com/

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A faction within one of the more prominent churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville's Two Rivers Baptist, is seeking to oust Pastor Jerry Sutton over a series of allegations. However, Sutton says he is praying for reconciliation.
Sutton is a former SBC first vice president who finished third in the presidential election last year. He's also a former president of the Pastors' Conference and the author of "The Baptist Reformation," a history of the SBC's Conservative Resurgence.

The group has launched a website and is seeking to gather enough signatures -- which must be at least 10 percent of the membership -- to hold a church meeting to vote on whether to remove Sutton, the Tennessean reported Aug. 15. A two-thirds vote would be required, church members told the newspaper. The Associated Press has also reported on the conflict.
"Is reconciliation possible? Sure it is," Sutton told Baptist Press. "My prayer every day is, 'Lord, would you help me to know how to relate to people rightly?' ... When you give your life to Jesus Christ, you lose forever the right to decide who you will and will not love.'"

Peggy Lewis, a church member who is part of the dissident group, would not say how many signatures already are on the petition. The group has 12 leaders and hundreds of supporters, she told the Tennessean. "It breaks my heart because I love the church," Lewis said of the controversy, according to the newspaper. "I pray for him every day." Sutton said he's not questioning the group's motivation. "They love the church, and I know that for the most part their motive is to protect the church," he said. "... But going to the press has hurt the reputation of the church. Now, is it damaged irreparably? Of course not. But there's no biblical reason to take church conflict to the public."

The church had a meeting in July where the allegations were addressed.
The website the group launched has crashed and still was down Wednesday afternoon. However, it previously had listed eight concerns: "steady decline in membership," "lack of accountability in finances," "poor stewardship of God's people," "authoritarian style church management," "rapid turnover rate of church staff in the past 10 years," "lavish lifestyle and receptions," "questionable allegations," "serious communication issues."

Some of the specific allegations have been made public. For instance, one involves a wedding reception for Sutton's daughter allegedly paid for by the church. Sutton, though, told BP the church paid for only half of the food, and only because staff members felt it was important to invite everyone in the church. Staff members wanted to help deflate the cost because of the large, open invitation list, Sutton said, adding that the budget and finance committee approved it. "The consensus was, 'You're the pastor, you don't have a choice '," Sutton said. "The follow-up question was, 'What can we do to make that work?'"
Once the reception's financing became controversial, Sutton said, a church member voluntarily reimbursed the church for the costs.

The petition drive to remove Sutton began in July, the Tennessean said, after Sutton and other church leaders asked that church trustee Frank Harris be removed from membership. Although a majority voted for removal, some members called the vote invalid because church protocol for such votes wasn't followed. Harris had been critical of Sutton and questioned some of the expenditures. Sutton and other leaders said Harris had been divisive.
"Anyone who voiced opposition to leadership was alienated and lost any ministries they may have had in the church," Harris told AP. He also said he believes the church has gone from a "people-led church to a staff-run church." Said Hutchings, " was a tough decision. There has to be submission and authority. It's OK to have disagreements. But Frank started taking his disagreements to and causing division in the body."

The church has two services: a traditional one and a more contemporary one. Members of the group seeking Sutton's removal tend to be "older, long-term members" and attend the traditional service, the Tennessean reported. Sutton said membership has "never been higher," although "attendance is off a little bit." The 2006 Annual Church Profile showed that Two Rivers had 6,829 members and an average of 1,573 primary worship service attendance. It also had 137 baptisms that year. "Those are issues we're dealing with," he said of attendance. "We know that because of the demographics in the city, we're having to change some of our ministries. And I suspect that some of the change is part of what is driving the conflict, quite honestly. The contemporary service is at the top of the list." The contemporary service is moving from the church's chapel to the larger worship center this Sunday, he added.
"Our guess is that within a year it will be running somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 people," he said. "The fact that it's not a traditional blended service I'm sure is a frustration for some people." Regarding the financial allegations, Sutton said the church undergoes an external audit each year and "always gets a clean bill of health."

Two Rivers has been in the national headlines three times in recent years for its hosting of Christian conservative rallies. Last October it hosted a pre-election "Stand for the Family" rally sponsored by Focus on the Family Action where James Dobson, Richard Land and other leaders spoke. In 2005 it hosted "Justice Sunday II," a rally highlighting court rulings on such issues as abortion and Ten Commandments displays. Dobson also spoke at the event, which was held three weeks before the confirmation hearing of now-Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Also, in 2005, "Hardball with Chris Matthews" hosted a program at the church focusing on religion's role in politics. Sutton said an official statement will be posted on the church's website later Wednesday at www.tworivers.org. The list of concerns by the dissident group can be viewed online www.trbcinfo.com.

So You Wanna Play In The NFL? Life after all the Glory!

2007-08-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

I finished reading this article below from the star telegram about players after the NFL. This is an amazing story and you have to feel some compassion for these guys. However, how should we feel? These guys make more money, just based on the minimum salary, in one year than many of us make in ten or twenty depending how long the player has been in the league. The minimum salary for players are:

Rookies and first-year players $275,000
Second-year players $350,000
Third-year $425,000
Fourth-year $500,000
Fifth- through seventh-year $585,000
Eighth- through tenth-year $710,000
Eleventh-year and longer $810,000

Now truly that is a lot of money, however, these guys are struggling and I understand that, but should they be struggling? If we are to make it after retirement don't we have to save and invest? We have to be responsible and plan for the future. These men have not and are now living with their wives and children in storage units? Amazing! Having said that, these men pay dues to the players union, they have paid a price to be taken care of and lastly, there is 1.3 BILLION dollars sitting aside to help them. While I think these men should have been more careful and more responsible, I have to ask myself what would I have done with 275,000 dollars when I was 21? Enough SAID! What do you think???

'Moose' wants NFL commissioner to stand up for those who can't
By JIM REEVES
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

IRVING -- There was a time when Brian DeMarco, all 6-foot-7, 320 pounds of him then, could sprint downfield from his three-point stance, pulling as the lead blocker in front of Bengals running back Corey Dillon, and bury whatever linebacker or cornerback got in his way.
I mean, BURY them, knock them halfway across the football field, and then zero in on whatever other unlucky defensive player who might get in his way.
On Monday, it took everything Daryl Johnston and Conrad Dobler had to help DeMarco out of his chair, so he could painfully, a slow step at a time with a cane helping him keep his balance, take his place at the podium.
It would be the second time in the span of maybe 10 minutes that I would see a grown man weep, and not just any grown men, but two of the toughest ever to play professional football.
Forget Michael Vick for a moment. He's being taken care of as we speak. This is the dirtiest story in the NFL, the one that commissioner Roger Goodell wishes would just go away, the one that NFL Players Association director Gene Upshaw prays you won't care about.
It's about how the league discards its players like so much used up pieces of meat. It's about a union that, if you believe what you hear, sold out the very players who built it.
That's why Upshaw and the Players Association began their own spin doctoring Friday, after word of Monday's news conference by Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund began to spread.
I got a phone call from a Players Association official, asking if I had any questions about the upcoming news conference I was scheduled to cover. I asked him to e-mail any information he had that might help me write my column. He did, sending a brief report on each of the players scheduled to speak at the press conference, explaining why their disability benefits had been denied.
The reasons were varied, yet similar. Didn't meet percentages. Can still work. Even the ludicrous claim that DeMarco has never filed for benefits (his file has apparently been lost).
"Think about that," DeMarco said. "I've been homeless three times in the last four years. You think I wouldn't apply for help if it was available?"
For four months, DeMarco, his wife Autumn and two children lived in a storage shed in Austin. They had one space heater and the children slept between them for warmth. Another time they lived in a vacant house. There was no electricity, so they used candles for light. The water was still on, but only the cold.
When Jennifer Smith of Gridiron Greats, founded by Ditka and a handful of other former NFL greats, arrived in Austin to help the DeMarco family, she found no food in the house. Not a cracker. Not a can of Vienna sausage. Brian and Autumn hadn't eaten in days, giving their food to the kids instead. They had 75 cents between them.
It's a staggering story, but unfortunately, it's not an isolated incident. According to an article in the September issue of Men's Journal magazine, tax records for 2006 show that of more than 10,000 former NFL players, only 121 of them receive disability.
Johnston's presence at Monday's press conference gave it even more credibility. As Smith pointed out, he's in a high-profile position as one of Fox's lead NFL analysts.
The system, Johnson said, is tragically flawed.
"It's a process that is set up to deny [benefits]," Johnston said. "The reason I was denied is that I can still work. That's not what this is about. This is not about holding a job."
A new bargaining agreement handed the overseeing of the disability and pension system to the Players Association a few years ago. Instead of helping the players, things have only gotten worse, with charges of conspiracy, corruption and fraud being tossed around among ex-players.
There is no spin doctoring here that can help the Players Association look better. There are too many severely injured players, too many surgeries, too many knee, and hip, and elbow replacements, too many spinal fusions, too many post-concussion syndromes and too little help coming from the very funds that are supposed to be in place to help these men.
Where's the money going?
"Good question," Johnston said. "There's supposed to be about $1.3 billion a year there that no one can seem to track. That's why there's speculation about fraud and corruption.
"These are hand-selected NFL doctors [who are denying benefits]. You can't bring in MRIs or X-rays. You can't bring in any information except text. What are we supposed to think?"
What's needed, D.J. said, is some consistency in the process.
"What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong," he said. "Whether you have a job or not shouldn't matter. What your economic status is shouldn't matter. Either you qualify or you don't qualify, and we have to get standards put in place that are level across the board."
If there's a white knight in sight, Johnston says it's Goodell, who has made a positive impression in a short time. His father, Charles Goodell, a Republican congressman, effectively ended his political career by speaking out against the war in Vietnam. Now the former players hope Roger Goodell will follow in his father's footsteps by taking up their cause and righting the obvious wrongs that are being done by the NFLPA.
"The people who are denying disability are the Players Association," Johnston said. "The owners have given them that responsibility. The NFL is still the NFL, and if we've got a guy in Roger Goodell, who I believe is who he is, then his power trumps the NFL in this situation.
"He gives us hope. And right now, that's about all some of these guys have to hold onto."
Once they were strapping young men, playing a game with incredible physical skill and ability.
Now they have been stripped of their strength, of their pride and of their dignity, many of them forced to grovel and beg to keep their families afloat.
Oh, their tears Monday were real. So, unfortunately, is their pain.
Jim Reeves, 817-390-7760revo@star-telegram.com

The Planter's Ultimatum

2007-08-20T01:53:00.000-07:00

Acts 29 Blog
I just took a look at a new article by Acts 29 entitled above. Take a look at it and take part in the survey if you are a church planter.

The Planter's Ultimatum
Nearly every church planting network and assessment center uses some form of Ridley's list of characteristics for an effective church planter. While I normally decry cut and paste articles, we get numerous questions from potential church planters asking if they should plant a church. When I set out to plant a church, I examined a list of characteristics from Malphur's book to discern God's call to plant a church.

Determining God's call and a readiness to plant a church is crucial. It demands ruthless self-examination by yourself, by a trusted friend, by someone who supervised you and by those to whom you ministered. Read Ridley's list and rate your characteristics. Get three others to do the same on you. Tally your score at the end.

Ridley's 13 Essential Characteristics of an Effective Church Planter
1. Visioning capacity
being a person who projects into the future beyond the present
developing a theme which highlights the vision and philosophy of ministry
persuasively selling the vision to the people
approaching challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles
coping effectively with non-visioning elements
not erecting artificial walls or limits either overtly or subconsciously
establishing a clear church identity related to the theme and vision
believing in God's capacity to do great things
Visioning Capacity Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

2. Intrinsically motivated
having a desire to do well and a commitment to excellence
stick-to-itiveness and persistence
having initiative and aggressiveness without the negative connotations
having a willingness to work long and hard
being a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing
having a high energy and vitality level; physical stamina
Intrinsic Motivation Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

3. Creates ownership of ministry
helping people to "buy in" and feel responsible for the growth and success of the church
gaining commitment of the people to the vision
establishing a congregational identity
avoiding stereotyping of congregation by imposing unrealistic goals for which it cannot claim ownership
Empowerment Ability Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

4. Relates to the unchurched
communicating in style that is understood by the unchurched
understanding the "psychology" or mentality of the unchurched
moving and functioning in the "personal space" of the unchurched without fear
quickly getting to know the unchurched on a personal level
breaking through the barriers erected by the unchurched
handling crises faced by the unchurched
Relating to the Unchurched Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

5. Spousal cooperation
having an explicit agreement regarding each partner's respective role and involvement in ministry
having explicit rules regarding the use of home as an office
evaluating the consequences of ministry demands upon the children
functioning as a team through individual and collective action
having a strategy for dealing with strangers
modeling wholesome family life before church and community
agreeing upon and sharing the ministry vision
deliberately planning and protecting private family life
Spousal Cooperation Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

6. Effectively builds relationships
responding with urgency to expressed needs and concerns of people
displaying Godly love and compassion to people
getting to know people on a personal basis
making others feel secure and comfortable in one's presence
not responding judgmentally or prejudicially to new people
appreciating and accepting a variety of persons
spending quality time with present parishioners without overstepping them for new people
Relationship Building Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

7. Committed to church growth
believing in church growth as a theological principle
appreciating steady and consistent growth without preoccupation with the quick success factor
committing to numerical growth within the context of spiritual and relational growth (more and better disciples)
recognizing that non-growth is threatening and self-defeating
establishing the goal of becoming a financially self-supporting church within a specific period of time
not prematurely falling into a ministry of maintenance
seeing the church project within the larger context of God's kingdom
Church Growth Commitment Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

8. Responsive to community
understanding the culture of the community
identifying and assessing community needs
responding to community needs on a priority basis such that resources are most efficiently used
determining successes and failures of other organized religious attempts to respond to community needs
not confusing what the community needs with what the church wants to offer
acquiring and understanding of the character and "pulse" of the community
adapting the philosophy of ministry to the character of the community
Community Responsiveness Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

9. Utilizes giftedness of others
releasing and equipping people to do the task of ministry
discerning of spiritual gifts in others
matching the gifts of people with ministry needs and opportunities
delegating effectively in areas of personal limitation
avoiding personal overload by delegating effectively
not prematurely assigning ministry assignments before people are adequately equipped
not placing unwarranted restrictions on other's spiritual giftedness
Gift Utilization Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

10. Flexible and adaptable
coping effectively with ambiguity
coping effectively with constant and abrupt change
adapting oneself and one's methods to the uniqueness of the particular church planting project
shifting priorities and emphasis during various stages of church growth
doing "whatever" is necessary "whenever" necessary
Adaptability Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

11. Builds group cohesiveness
developing a nucleus group or groups as a foundation
quickly incorporating newcomers into a network of relationships
engaging others in meaningful church activity
monitoring the morale of people
utilizing groups effectively
dealing with conflict assertively, constructively and tactfully
Networking Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

12. Resilience
experiencing setbacks without defeat
riding the ups and downs (i.e. attendance)
expecting the unexpected
rebounding from loss, disappointments and failure
Resilience Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited

13. Exercises faith
possessing a conviction regarding one's call to church planting ministry
believing in God's action
having expectation and hope
having a willingness to wait for answers to specific prayer requests
Faith Score: ______1= rarely exhibited2= sometimes exhibited3= most of the time exhibited4= passionately exhibited
Readiness to Plant
Gather the scores from the four sources and add them up.
Self-Analysis: ________
Friend: ________
Supervisor: ________
Ministry Recipient: ________
Total: ________

Score above 180 = Ready to Plant
Score between 180 and 161 = Can be ready to plant after working on weak areas
Score above 160 and 141 = Proceed with caution and after serious examination of weak areas.
Score 140 and below = probably not ready to plant. Find the lowest scores and reexamine your life. Look for specific discrepancies among the four results.

Dr. Charles Ridley (A leading pioneer in church planting assessment), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

I'M Back

2007-08-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Well I have been away for a little while. It has taken some time to get moved into the new environment in Reno! LOL Anyway, I am doing well and look forward to blogging much more!

I hope everything is going well for all of you as well. Look for some upcoming articles and video messages of me speaking. Drop me a line!

Rick

Up for Discussion

2006-09-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

Who were the Judaizers, how have they affected the Galatian church, and why have they seemingly irritated Paul? How does understanding the Judaizers help us understand Galatians 1:9?

When discussing who the Judaizers were it is important to understand that there may be several individual meanings. According to the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, it originally meant to live as a Jew. This of course is not the term used within the Galatians context; the use is in a derogatory sense in which there is some type of deception taking place. The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters says, “In Galatians 2:14 It probably means to become a Jewish convert and to keep the Law” (pg. 513). The Judaizers were a religious sect of people who proclaimed to be Jewish-Christians who continued to follow the law but also tried to convert Gentiles to do the same. “They had doubts as to whether Gentile Christians could be regarded as full members of the people of God if they did not conform to the requirements of Torah” (pg. 512). In view of this and in the context of the Galatian church, you would no longer live as a Christian free from the law, but rather take up the law in the effort to fulfill it. It would include the physiological aspects, including circumcision, along with all of the Jewish customs and traditions.

This was to be the main issue for the writing to the Galatian church. These opponents to the Gentile Christians permeated the church and tried to deceive them that they would never truly have eternal life without fulfilling the regulations of the Mosaic Law (pg. 327). The Christians in the Galatian church were converting to this new Gospel that they were being taught. In turn, instead of living faithfully to the gospel, preached by Paul, they were turning to this gospel preached by the Judaizers (Galatians 1:6-9). This had angered Paul because in their desire to “gain a sense of belonging to God’s people” (Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, pg. 327) they had abandoned the one and only true Gospel and became negative and bitter toward Paul (pg.327).
In considering the Judaizers beliefs, one can more fully realize and understand the implications of Galatians 1:9. One can see now how they tried to manipulate and mislead the church in Galatia to adhere too something other than the cross of Christ. Paul strongly condemns this because of how severe the implications are.

What does Galatians 2 say about Peter? How does this compare with what is known about him from Acts 10:1-18?

Galatians 2 proclaims Peter to have been a hypocrite because of his actions when certain Jewish leaders arrived at the church in Antioch (pg. 330). The Dictionary of Paul and His Letter states;
“According to Paul, Peter gave in to their demand because he feared those who were circumcised, namely the Jews. This probably means that he became concerned about the detrimental effect that his table fellowship with the Gentiles would have on the mission of the church in Jerusalem to the Jews. If non-Christian Jews in Jerusalem heard that Peter was eating with Gentiles, they might not only turn away from the witness of the church but also become actively hostile to the church for toleration such a practice” (pg. 331). Galatians 2 also shows how Peter’s actions helped to divide the church and persuade others as well.

In Acts 10:15 God dealt with Peter on the issue of the dietary customs and revealed to him that Jews and Gentiles were equal and that he should eat with his Gentile brothers. However, even the revelation from the Lord in that dream was not powerful enough to persuade Peter to turn away the demands of the Jewish leaders. Peter knew what was right in his heart but was afraid to stand his ground and obey the Lord.

Interacting with Gal. 3:15-25, describe the purpose of the Law.

According to the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, it is impossible for the law to have successfully fulfilled the promise God gave to Abraham (pg. 332). In turn, this illustration used by Paul refutes the idea that the Galatians had in experiencing the “promised blessing” through the law (pg. 332). Paul goes on to explain that it was only through the seed of Christ that the promise would be fulfilled (Galatians 3:16-18). This then nullifies the “Jewish national boundaries as the limits of the inheritance of the Abrahamic blessing” (Dictionary of Paul and His Letters pg. 332).

The purpose of the Law discussed in verse 19 was due in part to making transgressions known. Even though sin originated before the giving of the Law by the Lord, it was not always understood as being that (Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, 725). The Law was in place so that sin would be recognized and understood until the coming of the “Seed” (Galatians 3:19) in which Christ would pay the price for sin and nullify the need in fulfilling the Law.

Discuss the identity of the “Israel of God” in Galatians 6:16.

The Israel of God according to the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary are, all “who adhere to this gospel; all who believe the Gospel have an obligation to continue walking in it; and these, and these only, are the true Israel” (pg. 746). I my opinion I believe that it is saying peace and mercy even to those who are Jewish Christians. I do not share the ideology that this scripture in any terms vacates the idea of Israel being an independent group of people and that now the Church is Israel. I believe that Paul has been rebuking the Jewish believers for coming in and trying to persuade the Gentile believers to begin following the Law and so he wanted to make sure and tell those Jewish Christians that followed the rule that there is peace and mercy for them as well. I believe based on my prior statements that the Israel of God are those who are now called Messianic Jews, the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob.

2006-09-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Was sitting doing my final for one of my classes listening to Power FM when Lighthouse from Audio Adrenaline came on and it reminded me of all the old times I spent with my old crew from the radio show I used to be part of. Just want to give a shout out to my bros, my good friends Louie Olivarri (with Christ in Glory), Jon Blundell, Rick Walker, Brian Oakes, My old Pastor and friend Ted Blair. We have talked about getting back together for a reunion tour and starting the video show back up. The website, L21 is still up thanks to Brian Oakes. You can check it out even though there isn't really any new info. To live in the past is futile, but to remember the past is the ability to grasp at the memories of the heart.

The Famous One's Checking Me Out...

2006-08-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

I always appreciate when the famous come check out the infamous. Check out Power Talk every Sunday night on 89.7 or on the website @ Power FM It's a great show most of the time! Also Sunday night Mr. Walker is putting on his very own show that will be on A&E @ 3:30pm. Another chance for him to show us his
metro sexual side. Way to go girlie man

Faith is the Foundaition of Galatians

2006-08-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

Recent assignment; Citing specifics, how would you summarize what Galatians says about faith?

Let me begin by saying that Paul's initial correspondence with the Galatian church was over an issue of faith and in what they placed their trust in. In Galatians 1:6, we can see that Paul was "astonished" that they were abandoning the grace that they found in Jesus Christ (NIV). Paul goes on to say in 1:7-8, that there are people who are trying to confound the truth of the Gospel of Jesus and to distort its legitimacy (NIV). The gospel that was presented and first accepted by the Galatian church was the truth of faith in Jesus, in which He died, was buried, and rose again. However, they are now falling away into the hands of another. Those hands are that of the Judaizers, who are imploring the church to find justification through the law rather than through faith in Christ Jesus.

This leads Paul to expound upon the doctrine of justification by faith alone, in Galatians 2:15-21. Paul begins his address to those who are “Jews by birth,” making the distinction that the privileges they have by birth and the understanding of religion they have is insufficient to attain righteousness in the eyes of God (Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, pg.718). Paul goes on to say, in verse 16, that Jews also are only “justified” by their faith in Christ, not so by observing the law (Galatians 2:16). Here Paul desires to bring about the truth that the gospel that is invading the Galatian church is rooted in a belief in which justification is void because it is not grounded in faith.

As Paul continues, his desire is to remove the heresy that has invaded the Galatian church and replace it with the beauty that is found in faith, which should be placed in the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice. Paul will continue in chapter 3 to remove the idea that observance of the law will impart justification. He uses Abraham as the basis of his statements, in verse 6, by quoting Genesis 15:6 and making the delineation that Abraham was justified by his faith. He continues his argument by linking another Old Testament passage, Genesis 12:3, with verse 8 (Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary, pg.722). Ultimately, Paul links the Old Testament with the Gentile believers through the picture of Abraham. His desire is that the Galatian church would realize that faith is the common denominator that links all those who are in communion with God together.

In conclusion, Paul’s obligatory denunciation of justification found in the law is directed to bring the light of truth into the increasingly darkened area of the church by shining the beacon of faith. Galatians represents faith as the key to a relationship in knowing the Lord. Without this key, one is unjustified and without excuse, thus proving, that faith is the foundation and the heartbeat of knowing Christ.

Wrong Decision That Incision Freakin Hurt!

2006-08-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

Well I had the surgery. I am not sure I made the best decision by doing this. I am hurting like HE double hockey sticks! The Doctor said I would not need any pain medicine because they drip some sort of painkiller on the nerve they dissected. Well that is a bunch of CRAP!!! It was good that he prescribed me some heavy narcotic because this is killing me. Anyway, I have to have some big ole bandage on until Tuesday and then a boot. He tells me no showers until I get the boot. UH, my wife is not really going for that one! Well thanks to those of you who prayed for me. I am going to have to do the same thing on the right foot in a couple of weeks, havin fun in my neighborhood!

Incision Decision

2006-08-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

I have an interesting day lined up, thought I would go have a little surgery today. Going under the good ole knife. Sounds fun doesn't it. I am so excited! I am having a procedure done to alleviate some very bad pain in my foot. I thought it was going to be a simple procedure, a little local anesthesia but I found out yesterday we are getting the real deal, the full general intubation, AWESOME! Anyway, on a serious note, I would appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts. Well I hear the surgeon sharpening the tool as we speak, talk to you on the other side.

Podcasting

2006-07-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Who is it that you pod cast? I am in the process of listening to the Desiring God pod cast that has been made available free of charge which is AWESOME! Several speakers including; Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller, David Wells, and none other than the Great John Piper. A great resource that I would encourage you to check out. I also have just started getting the Denton Bible Church pod cast that is extremely coveted by my wife. I also just subscribed to the DTS Issues of God in culture pod cast that sounds great. I also of course would suggest getting all of the Village pod casts you will not regret one minute, that is fo sho! Matt Chandler will make you cry right after he makes you laugh uncontrollably. We have been at the Village for almost a year and it is awesome truly!

Mark Driscoll's Criswell Theological Review

2006-07-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

If you want some great reading on the Emergent Church and to get some clarity check this article out from the Spring Criswell Theological Review. If you read my post on the Resurge Conference a couple of days ago you will remember me talking about a conference I went to that Mark Driscoll spoke at. In the beginning of the article you will notice him reference this. I really enjoyed the article and believe that Mark is a great communicator of the conversation and can help us all move with grace in the topic. You may want to also check out the interview with Brian McLaren. Brian McLaren is one of the more out spoken ideologists on the Emerging church debate and always has some interesting things to say. I encourage you to check it out!

Psychology @ 2:00 AM

2006-07-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

So what are you usually doing at 2:00 in the morning? Well I can tell you that I am up doing my Psychology class homework because I waited till the last minute. You know that brings me to an issue I have been having with myself, procrastination. Procrastination is an attitude of the heart. I struggle with it in some of the things I do. I read a book not long ago that talked about procrastination and how it can corrupt your life and divert you from who you were called to be. You may say this is extreme but I think it is somewhat true. I was talking with a friend of mine yesterday and we were talking about how years ago we had so much passion for Christ. We would meet at our church every Saturday afternoon around 3 or 4 o'clock to pray and then around 8 or so we would make some sandwiches. We then went out to downtown Dallas and hung out with the homeless, fed them and talked to them. We would then head over to deep ellum and stay until the wee hours of the morning. Now I won't tell you that we made a lot of great relationships or even saw a ton of people come to Christ but we had PASSION! I feel that sometimes I am missing that passion. My friend and I went on to talk about my pastor Matt Chandler, who btw is one of the greatest speakers and above all else, expositors of the Word. He can make you laugh hysterically one second and cry the next. God has inspired him and given him ways to communicate the Word like no one else. Having said that, I told my friend how listening to Matt can drive me to tears and stir my heart. I also told him I want my relationship with Christ to be where it was before, in which I was so sensitive to the Holy Spirit that I would weep over my sin and the love of Jesus. I want that life back, the one that is slave to Christ and His ways rather than mine. What about you? What was your greatest time in the faith? Where do you want to be?

Resurge Confrence

2006-07-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

If you are an emergent freak check out the great confrence speakers and messages at The Resurgence website This is a great blog from Mark Driscoll and several of his friends and planter's as well. I first learned of Mark Driscoll back in 97 or 98. A ministry called Fire by Night in which I was involved in went to a conference in Sana Cruz California. It was held by the Leadership Network, a small institution at the time. The conference addressed generational ministries that worked towards influencing GenX. Mark came and spoke and I couldn't believe that this 28 year old guy had a Doctorate degree in philosophy and was saying things I had never heard. He was philosophizing about post-modernism and the implications. It was my first understanding of the world we now live in. I understood the mentality but did not realize the philosophical terminology that lied beneath the ideology. It was refreshing and eye opening. I admire his ideas and mentality. I do not agree with all of the outward expressions of his mentality but I believe he definitely is a man who lives with his mission in bed with him. Check it out!

My Weekend

2006-07-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I had a great time as I took my wife to the Praisefest 2006. We had a great time! Sat on the front row next to some crazy people. My wife was so excited that she got to touch Mac Powells hand from Third Day. I acctually think she cut it off and has framed it. They were great but I liked Mary Mary alot. They rocked!

WHAT IS THIS?

2006-07-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here is an assignment I had to do...
Read the article and tell me what you get out of it
Here is what the article said and here is what I got out of it.

The Journal of General Psychology, 2004, 75/(4), 325-327
Movement, Attention, and Perception
Guest Editors' Introduction
JAY PRATT
Department of Psychology
University of Toronto
MARTIN H. FISCHER
Department of Psychology
University of Dundee, Scotland

THIS SPECIAL THEME ISSUE of The Journal of General Psychology presents several studies of the relationship between movement, attention, and perception. These are three established areas of research within experimental psychology,
each aiming to understand basic mechanisms of human behavior. The psycholo-gy of movement addresses the choice, planning, and control of actions (e.g., Rosenbaum, 1991; Schmidt & Lee, 1999); the psychology of attention deals with our ability to select relevant over irrelevant inputs (e.g., Pashler, 1998); and per-ception research explores how we use the selected information to identify objects
and establish a coherent representation of our environment (e.g.. Palmer, 1999).

These representations, in turn, provide the basis for the selection and control of movements, thus completing the perception-action cycle (Neisser, 1976). By adopting the analytic method of scientific investigation, researchers in each field have developed its range of standard experimental manipulations: Attention and perception researchers typically manipulate stimulus attributes but seldom vary an observer's response demands. Motor control researchers, in turn, compare different movement tasks without manipulating perceptual inputs. The idea is to iso-late and explore a process or representation of interest when any contributions from
other sources are minimized. Without question, this analytic approach has led to substantial insights into the basic mechanisms of human behavior. Recent developments in our understanding of visual processing in the pri-mate brain have cast some doubt over this established approach. Converging evi-dence from both healthy participants and neuropsychological case studies has
shown that our brains are tuned to process visual information in parallel for object identification and for the control of actions (Goodale & Milner, 2004; Milner & Goodale, 1995). This implies that there will always be multiple representations to guide our behavior, and that different behaviors will reflect different computations on the same visual input. The contributions to the present special theme issue reflect the methodological and conceptual implications of this insight. By studying the attentional, perceptual, and motor performances of healthy partici-pants as well as patients, the authors venture across traditional boundaries to show how movement, attention, and perception can influence each other in complexbut tractable ways.

Steve W. C. Chang and Richard A. Abrams sought to determine whether the effect of distracters on guided limb movements is restricted to situations in which the distracters compete for responses with targets. In a series of experi-ments, they show that simply attending to a distracter affects movements, even when no response is possible to the distracter.

The effect of distracters on goal-directed limb movements was also exam-ined by Ron F. Keulen, Jos J. Adam, Martin H. Fischer, Harm Kuipers, and Jelle Jolles. The focus of their experiments was to determine whether distracters cause more interference in the early or late stages of movements.

They found that the distance between a distracter and a target critically affects when interference effects will be found: early stage interference with large distracter-target separa-tion and late stage interference with small distracter-target separation. Fischer and Noemi Hoeilen show that aspects of an intended action can influence the visual selection process that will subsequently guide the action.

This finding makes sense from the point of view of task-specific visual processing and optimized coupling between perception and action.

A similar conclusion can be drawn from the study by Sara Forti and Glyn W. Humphreys, who report how the perceptual abilities of a brain-damaged patient are modulated by his use of a tool. This neuropsychological case study is an elegant demonstration of how, through clever experimentation, we can tease apart the elementary components of the coupling between perception and action.
Bernie Caessens, Bernhard Hommei, Bert Reynvoet, and Koen van der Goten investigate the relationship between number concepts and space.

By ask-ing participants to make two successive responses and manipulating their con-gruency relation, the authors clarify that the pervasive tendency in Western cul-tures to associate small numbers with left space and larger numbers with right space is a result of response selection.

Jim McAuliffe addresses an issue of long-standing interest to both scientists and sports fans: Do athletes allocate attention differently across the visual field than do nonathletes? In this study, volleyball players showed a greater ability to set their attention for specific object features than did nonathletes.

Jay Pratt and Ahrams document a new perceptual illusion: Humans seem to perceive upward movements as being slower than equally fast downward movements. This perceptual bias seems to reflect an obligatory consideration of the laws of gravity, as would be expected from embodied cognition and action.

MY RESPONSE

Rick Reynolds
Professor Gumm
Psychology
June 28, 2006
Week 2 WIGOOTA Paper

Movement, Attention, Perception

When you step into your car and begin driving down the street many times you never truly pay attention or perceive the motions that you are taking to arrive at your destination. But if you are driving down the street and a light that is green suddenly changes to yellow then to red you automatically see and perceive the motion that has just taken place. In this study researchers used different aspects of movement to understand the attention and Perception that they have.

This article written by Jay Pratt and Martin Fischer discuss the relations that exist between the ability to recognize one’s action and then to process it there after. As I understand the overall concept of the article, the researchers are looking to explore deeper the "basic mechanisms" of human conduct that arise in many different situations. The article mentions two specific types of researchers that manipulate certain aspects of the stimuli but allow for natural response to the manipulations. According to the analytic investigation method, the article explains it this way, "Attention and perception researchers typically manipulate stimulus attributes but seldom vary an observer's response demands. Motor control researchers, in turn, compare different movement tasks without manipulating perceptual inputs." These manipulations allow them to gauge the psychological response to the different aspects of manipulations and certain cognitive stimuli. The overall function therefore of the study, according to the article, is to observe the general significance when any of the foundations are diminished. Now the article goes on to cast doubt on the revelations that it so deemed valuable based on the facts that they believe that the "primate brain" actually has not only some type of reaction but multiple actions that may be observed and perceived. The author quotes a "neuropsychological case study" that says "our brains are tuned to process visual information in parallel for object identification and for the control of actions." The response of the study believes that there may be numerous reactions to the same "visual input" which may develop from dissimilar activities as the article states.

This article discusses briefly several different studies that specifically dealt with certain types of movement and then the responses that took place. The article actually lists seven different studies in which they try and prove their findings. The researchers tested different stimuli and people groups to come to a conclusion on who or what showed the most conforming results.
This article is very informative and quite intriguing to the mind. This article opened my eyes to the idea of multiple responses to the same visual concepts. I think that is somewhat similar to what happens to me when I read my Bible sometimes. I can read the same passages over and over again and come out with totally different meanings every time. This can be for several reasons: First it could be because the Lord has changed me and now I can understand something I totally missed before, or maybe I hadn’t changed but I actually perceived certain words I didn’t see in previous readings, or now I understand the historical context of a passage when before I only understood the practical context.

To be honest I was enlightened by the article in some ways but truly I was very confused and not sure I grasped fully the overall meaning. Sometimes it was very hard to comprehend some of the ideas in the article because of the lack of explanation and detail. The article in and of its self seemed to be a research study for me because I read it at least ten to twelve times and every time I perceived something totally different. I am not sure what that says to confirm or deny the validity of the article but I truly conceived much different ideas every time.

NEW BLOGSPOT

2006-07-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have changed blogging spots because I didn't like the last one.