Both the epistles to the Philippians and Colossians pivot on hymns seeped in Paul’s Christology. The hymn in Phil 2:6-11 focuses on the unexpected nature of the Messiah who fulfills the prophesies of the prophets while the hymn in Col 1:15-23 focuses on the divinity of Christ and his preeminent status before all things in heaven and earth. Surrounding the two hymns, Paul’s exhortations for new patterns of life and he and his fellow servants’ Christ-template narratives call the “faithful brothers and sisters in Christ”1 in both Philippi and Colossae to a new way life.
Read more...At rather the last minute -- Tuesday evening before Ash Wednesday -- I decided that I was going to abstain from social media for Lent. This decision was prompted by others on Facebook giving up the same and, since I hadn't figured out what I was giving up -- or taking on -- yet, I decided I would give up social media to start with and then add on something "real" once I figured out what that was. So, on Tuesday night before going to bed I updated my statuses letting people know what I was doing, removed Facebook and Twitter from my phone and iPad, and turned off all e-mail notifications. In my mind giving up social media was a simple task and not really worthy of the season where my intentions are self-reflection with an eye towards better emulating the mindset of Messiah Jesus.
Read more...If I were to ask someone on the street to describe what a god was like what answers do you think I would get? Powerful, Can do whatever he or she wants, All seeing, Mighty, All knowing, King, Sovereign, Clothed in glory, Surrounded by angels, Supreme, etc. I think the term god makes people think back to the Greek gods of Mt. Olympus or the Norse gods of Valhalla. These were gods who had the power to control the seas, make people fall in love, punish those who went against their will, build up nations, and tear down nations that did not properly honor them. These gods required only that you give them the respect they deserved; a burnt offering for your good fortune or a feast thanking them for victory in battle. In return you, your city, and your nation would be blessed and prosper.
Read more...Almighty God, who in your mercy provides all things for our goodwill and maintenance, pour out your blessings upon the farmers, harvesters, distributors, roasters, and all others who participate in the manifold tasks required to provide your people with that most useful beverage, coffee, that we, your church, might continue to reap the benefits of this beverage for the glory of your kingdom and the sake of your only son, our savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
This afternoon I have the great honor of speaking on behalf of the Metro Nashville German Meetup Group. Melanie founded our group in January of 2010 and was our faithful leader until her other life responsibilities required that she turn the reigns over to me in 2011.
I remember the first time I met Melanie. It was back in February 2010 at a little Mexican restaurant here in Hendersonville. From the first moment she was welcoming and wearing her always-infectious smile. We only had about eight people at that first meetup, but Melanie created such an atmosphere that we all spoke as old friends.
Read more...Luke 2:29-32 (KJV); Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Isaiah 57:1-2 (ESV); The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their bed who walk in their uprightness.
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