tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55971774172485394842012-01-18T10:32:04.692-05:00May we not perpetuate the long continuation of worthless mirages, but may we enter into the real, authentic spaces of rebirth, renewal, restoration and redemption.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.comBlogger1861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-4693168945372798882012-01-18T10:25:00.001-05:002012-01-18T10:32:04.700-05:00

Over the past year a small group of adults have been adventuring through the book of Isaiah.  I have been amazed at what I have seen through out this study. Isaiah was an amazing person who penned an extraordinarily brilliant message for his people; that is still just as relevant to people today. His people had grown cold towards the ways of righteousness.  Sure they practiced their religion

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-1627739460496502012011-06-11T09:15:00.001-04:002011-06-11T09:35:54.395-04:00

Among my church family we are studying the book of Isaiah. You may ask how did you choose that book... Well, as we were coming to a close of our previous bible study, we asked the question what would you like to study next.  And someone offered the suggestion of studying Isaiah. I took the opportunity because I have been intending to study this book for quite a while. Yet my other studies and so

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-70290316250412808562011-06-09T00:26:00.000-04:002011-06-09T00:27:47.707-04:00

First blog from an iPhone. For some reason the ui does not let me type in content box. It let's me type in the title box and even the tag box. It seems that content must be copied and pasted into the content area. Perhaps it means that I type via word processor or notes and then copy and paste it into the content box. I watched about ninety percent of the keynote provided by apple. The new osi5

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-19147930326030474862011-04-22T08:00:00.002-04:002011-04-22T08:00:01.945-04:00

Continuing with "Church Unique" by Will Mancini.Part I = Recasting VisionIt seems that key to this part of the book is to discover what must be broken in order to move ahead.Perhaps this section seeks to answer the question of what barriers are hindering a local congregation from fully engaging and benefiting from God's unique design and mission he has created this specific congregation to

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-89468257928784279012011-04-20T15:32:00.002-04:002011-04-20T16:09:02.684-04:00

Here are a few quotes from Will Mancini's book, "Church Unique":"Everyday, local churches step either closer to or further away from becoming the movement that God designed them to be" (xxii)."Until leaders not only embrace uniqueness but celebrate and leverage it, they will miss out on God's best for their ministry" (xxv).The crucial issue [for growth] is not the central theme of the strategy [

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-52878115233843525602011-04-05T15:31:00.004-04:002011-04-05T16:10:26.117-04:00

As I read the scripture for today's Ashes to Fire devotion (Week 4, Monday), I couldn't help but stop and ponder Romans 7:7 (the Message). "Apart from the succinct, surgical command, "You shall not covet," I could have dressed covetousness up to look like a virtue and ruined my life with it."Question: Do I dress up covetousness to look like a virtue?Isn't it a virtue to want good things?Isn't it

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-4342929881588056012011-03-24T10:02:00.001-04:002011-03-24T10:04:10.857-04:00

HEAVEN TOUCHES EARTHHeaven, in a sense, comes to earth, touches earth and people are reconciled…The outcast is accepted, cherished, valued, loved.The thirsty, empty, broken are given a valuable place in community being filled, being healed.The alone are alone no longer.Do you see the picture that John is painting?What would this place, this people, this city be like if the alone were no longer

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-75890311623442952462011-03-23T11:41:00.008-04:002011-03-23T12:14:08.273-04:00

As I was reading the 'Ashes to Fire' devotions for today, I couldn't help but notice that the scripture is leading to a particular understanding of God's justice.First, I remembered that in yesterday's devotional (Psalm 61) God shares his open invitation to all people.Then, I observed that in Psalms 72 God is showing his kind of justice... Caring for those caught in unjust systems that keep them

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-5232181301655816412011-03-22T13:32:00.004-04:002011-03-22T14:13:27.025-04:00

Week 2: MondayScriptures: Psalm 56 - Ever felt like you were kicked around; having your name smeared into the ground?The Psalmist struggles with the emotional gamut of disenchanted to angry to once again placing his trust in God. Perhaps a Psalm that you can relate to...Jeremiah 1:1-19 - God tells Jeremiah, "Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish; and then start over,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-11580007318048663552011-01-14T13:08:00.004-05:002011-01-14T13:30:17.373-05:00

I'm following along with Ryan Riddell's 30 Days of Homelessness. A few friends and pastors are supporting by not shaving for 30 days... through the month of January.Check out what Ryan Riddell is doing by going to 30dayshomeless.tv.Our hope is to raise awareness and support for homeless people. So often our society pushes people to the edges; treat them poorly; walk on the other side of the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-41537601776928084192011-01-13T16:03:00.010-05:002011-01-13T16:58:35.977-05:00

Soren Kierkegaard, a Christian philosopher, developed an analogy called "The Theater of Worship'. Kierkegaard's 'Theater of Worship' consists of what every theater consists of... Actors, Stage and an Audience.Kierkegaard asks, "So in the 'Theater of Worship', who are the actors; where is the stage; and who is the audience?"Many would respond with what seems to be obvious. Of course the stage is

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-56328789560526599162011-01-08T08:13:00.000-05:002011-01-08T08:13:31.962-05:00

Dayton's News Source :: Top Stories - Local Pastor Lives Homeless For 30 Days

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-61050802393631077682010-09-04T10:03:00.007-04:002010-09-04T10:58:20.668-04:00

Well, this is from the Lectionary readings for this Sunday (September 05, 2010). The Gospel passage comes from Luke 14. According to Luke, Jesus says, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes,even life itself--such a person cannot be my disciple."'Hate your father, mother, wife, children, brother and sisters, event life itself?'HUH

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-48236000069794069782010-08-28T13:52:00.003-04:002010-08-28T16:01:39.781-04:00

I'm just posting a little of my research and search for media about forgiveness.I am looking at Matthew 18. Matthew once again is a genius in putting his gospel together. Everything fits together like a glove (and even that parts that seem not to jive our purposeful and present meaning). In this chapter we begin what will call a section on relationships. Matthew can be viewed in five teaching

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-42470578244384432962010-07-17T14:43:00.002-04:002010-07-17T14:43:43.368-04:00

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-78364139141033818172010-07-14T15:06:00.003-04:002010-07-14T15:49:07.113-04:00

Continuing our journey through Brian McLaren's book 'A New Kind of Christianity,' we are now entering the 12th chapter. Brian jumps right to the questioning as he asks which Jesus should we follow?He points out some of the diverse versions of Jesus that have been materialized through history and recent times.Here's a quote as to the vast expanse of Jesuses many people choose to follow. "

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-15754188980046517042010-06-28T09:38:00.003-04:002010-06-28T10:00:48.152-04:00

Once again Brian McLaren in his book 'A New Kind of Christianity' takes some time and energy to digest. As we enter part three of the book we ask the God question. Brian holds nothing back and begins with one of the toughest questions about God, "Is God Violent?"For any who have read the Old Testament and those who have heard certain interpretations of the book of Revelation would most likely

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-79161508376129314162010-06-22T16:33:00.003-04:002010-06-22T17:19:28.795-04:00

Continuing my postings on Brian McLaren's Book, 'A New Kind of Christianity.'It's a deep book; heavy in philosophy. Being honest I am at times finding Brian to be beyond my comprehension level. Yet I recognize parts of what I think he is trying to say... So here are a few of my humble musings.1. (Mostly from Part I) We often read the Bible from the viewpoint of the Greco-Roman perspective,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-60239850582306135132010-05-29T13:42:00.003-04:002010-05-29T14:28:25.995-04:00

So which way have you been taught to read the Bible? Frontwards or Backwards?I don't want to give a way too much of Brian's work... you need to get a copy of his book...But he suggests that many of us have been trained to read the Bible backwards? That when we read portions of the Bible we see it through what we have already learned about that text.For example, when a person reads John 3:16 (a

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-76521511073037287802010-05-24T14:20:00.003-04:002010-05-24T14:54:32.541-04:00

The Yost family is back from our central Ohio Cabin adventure. I can honestly say that this is one vacation where I wish it could have lasted longer. Spending time with Evan and Shonda was a real joy... and at times filled with conflict... Like when Evan wanted to play football out in the rain; and Shonda and I insisted he stay in and find something else to do. Five out of six days were rained

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-73351496813532896372010-05-10T09:07:00.003-04:002010-05-10T09:37:08.288-04:00

As I reread this chapter, I must appreciate Brian's search for humility and an historical foundation for the need and mode of change.During this chapter we hear from adventurers who set sail on the Mayflower. Some new and expanding aspect of faith would be opening up to them as moved forward on this journey.The following quote captures my imagination:"We are not reassessing for the purpose of

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-64844115155666164512010-05-10T08:50:00.003-04:002010-05-10T09:06:24.541-04:00

During this chapter of Brian McLaren's 'A New Kind of Christianity', I couldn't help but notice that each of his ten questions had a secondary main question... 'So we ask...'1. Is there a discernible plot-line of the biblical library, and if so, what is it?2. What is the Bible and what is it for?3. Why does God seem so violent and genocidal in many Bible passages?4. What accounts for the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-7974480248628877852010-04-30T08:24:00.006-04:002010-04-30T08:56:28.680-04:00

At this point I have read the first three chapters. I enjoyed Brian's sharing of the various ways of looking at history. One with Phyllis Tickle's Great Emergence and the other with Harvey Cox's The Future of Faith. In the Great Emergence, Tickle explores the idea that about every 500 hundred years the church goes through a major rummage sale and this century marks the advent of one of these

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-40464667938811751632010-04-28T14:26:00.004-04:002010-04-28T15:55:49.866-04:00

Long time and little posting...It seems that inspiration for writing has dwindled as inspiration for speaking, teaching, and leading Bible studies has gone up. Any way, I am going to take some time posting through Brian McLaren's Book 'A New Kind of Christianity.' How much I post will depend in part on how quickly I am able to go through the book. My aim is to have at least one post per week.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-84314669484341260772010-03-31T13:34:00.001-04:002010-03-31T13:34:55.921-04:00

A Modern Day LamentLoosely Based on Lamentions 5Remember us God. Remember all we’ve been through. Study our plight, the black mark we’ve made in history.Lord, I think of the way we’ve treated the natives of this land, how we stole from them and gave them the worst end of the deal; how we treated them and their culture as though both were worthless.Yet you love them and us.Lord, I think of how

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-12430222725813828662010-03-24T14:48:00.004-04:002010-03-24T15:14:42.665-04:00

What's different about this poem?It's housed as a prayer.It's interesting that it seems elusive in defining what the author is praying for.The first statement simply asks God to remember. Remember what we are going or have gone through.It's not until verse 21 that the author gives a little more insight.He prays that God would cause us to turn towards him and that God would turn towards us."

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-19577261850784275102010-03-18T20:04:00.001-04:002010-03-18T20:06:44.321-04:00

Living breathing disciples.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-41241980820670709192010-02-25T12:11:00.004-05:002010-02-25T12:28:08.814-05:00

Acts 10... God opened the gate for the entire world. Even those whom we often classify as dirty, or no good.God opened Peter's heart to a sliver of God's radical inclusion.For Peter this was awkward, scary, unnerving, uncomfortable, out-of-the-ordinary, against his best judgement, against the grain, it was something he just wasn't supposed to do, he would most likely receive criticism for this

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-73094219654059081342010-02-05T13:03:00.002-05:002010-02-05T13:07:05.251-05:00

Found a site that is seeking to put an end to human trafficking. Check it out at www.love146.org.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-6548069722469111242010-02-01T11:48:00.001-05:002010-02-01T11:48:47.396-05:00

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-1246839476905240872010-01-31T15:19:00.001-05:002010-01-31T15:20:49.667-05:00

The New Rose, Phylis Tickle, The Great Emergence.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-38144834772679426362010-01-28T16:25:00.000-05:002010-01-28T16:26:01.586-05:00

betty kapple said,January 26, 2010 at 6:43 PMtwo things i have always feared the most are death and cancer.in april i was diagnosed with terminal cancer.in october i was told that i sould live 2 months if i do nothing.something i wrote to my sister in an email in november:i am facing death either way. and i need to look it in the eye and come to terms with it.shortly after that one night i was

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-30454190896523542892010-01-28T11:51:00.005-05:002010-01-28T13:57:02.415-05:00

Lots of things have happened in the past decade... In May of 2000, Shonda and I were married, bought our first car, Shonda graduated from Clarion and I was serving as a Pastor at Oil City, serving with the music and youth ministries.In August of 2001, Shonda and I moved to Kansas City where I went to seminary (NTS). We experienced with the world the collapse of the World Trade Towers. I began

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-802002353183627542009-12-10T12:00:00.002-05:002009-12-10T12:01:51.906-05:00

Check it out at New Scientist.So think about it for a moment... how might this change our perspectives about planet earth?

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-49444271304885683102009-12-05T16:17:00.003-05:002009-12-05T16:38:02.300-05:00

This Christmas, Shonda and I trying to do more to represent the true meaning of Christmas. It is a struggle. One thing we decided to try was that we wanted to help a family who is in need. We hooked up with a program in our area to provide a child with a Christmas gift, who may not be getting anything, perhaps job loss or other type of hardship.The strange thing is that of three gifts

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-42618990309355989732009-11-30T21:35:00.006-05:002009-11-30T22:36:43.662-05:00

It's hard to believe that this book was written in 1971. Henri really makes some compelling points and helps to make sense of the world we find ourselves in presently. Some of his 'prophecy' has come true. Perhaps a futurist who looks at our values that we have today and projects them out into the future. What is so compelling and I am only have way through it is that he has named me in his

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-85050328720118745312009-11-19T17:07:00.002-05:002009-11-19T17:10:49.456-05:00

Hey, I found a website that's pretty cool. Check it out... 24-7 Prayer. There's a video which kind of describes what is going on, you will probably want to check out a few areas. I don't have much time to post as of late... Anyway, hope you all are having a great day.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-5139379234081785612009-11-02T11:58:00.003-05:002009-11-02T12:07:04.519-05:00

I found an article that speaks about hell houses. I've had people question me as to why I've never taken my youth groups to 'hell houses'. They challenge me saying that we need to evangelize and get people saved because they are going to hell. Well, I found a post that helps to point out a few reasons why I have avoided them and discourage their use as evangelistic tools. Check it out here.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-33545982153289392862009-10-29T11:20:00.001-04:002009-10-29T11:22:31.976-04:00

October 27, 2009A Christian Memorial Dayby Jenny WilliamsIsaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6; John 11:32-44Where I live, remembering and honoring the dead is celebrated annually in May. Over Memorial Day weekend, families flock to cemeteries, flowers in hand, to decorate the graves of loved ones who have passed. In many cases out-of-town relatives come in for this ritual. It’s a pretty big

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-33363160831135280912009-10-16T09:26:00.001-04:002009-10-16T09:27:42.562-04:00

Deep Church: Reflection #1 - Emergents Like to ProtestToday I started a series on my blog looking at Jim Belcher's new book Deep Church which offers a third way down the divide of the emerging and traditional church debates. Sorry I haven't posted here in a while, but I thought this might be relevant to our conversations.Are those in the emergent church simply true Protestants, protesting against

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-4348357639372999462009-10-05T10:03:00.002-04:002009-10-05T10:05:31.893-04:00

It's amazing what the new technology in these things is sweet.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-36311098867477778472009-10-01T10:14:00.002-04:002009-10-01T10:27:39.108-04:00

Do we co-operate with God? (Moltmann)September 11th, 2009Do we co-operate with God? Yep. Even Paul says. It’s not that god has NO hands but ours. But God gives us the ability to respond and we have responsibility to do so. He wants us to come of age and not to act like little children waiting for God to do everything. And Calvin would agree with this.hHmmm... it sounds a lot like a problem

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-3435115875029933882009-10-01T09:52:00.002-04:002009-10-01T10:04:38.712-04:00

McLaren writes:On your question about the God worshipped by Christians and Muslims, here's what I would say:1. Do all Christians hold exactly the same concept of God when they worship? For example, does the concept of God held by Prosperity Gospel Pentecostals differ greatly from that held by double-predestinarian Calvinists? Does the concept of God held by a pacifist Mennonite differ greatly

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-6547091170769784212009-09-24T11:18:00.001-04:002009-09-24T11:20:03.805-04:00

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-88167677666476630092009-09-15T16:33:00.002-04:002009-09-15T16:41:40.554-04:00

Wow... so a 'gospel' with a god-man born of virgin and raised from the dead was nothing new or out of the ordinary. Say what?This 'gospel' claim was common among the religions during the time when Jesus was born, resurrected and as the church was being born.So what makes Jesus' gospel truly good news... check out this video...What do you think?

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-78139099071636811632009-09-12T18:44:00.002-04:002009-09-12T19:48:29.440-04:00

I'm currently reading Frank Viola's book Reimaging Church. It's definitely a challenging read, but worth it. It's a constant stretch towards becoming the kind of people that God has created us to be. Here's a quote from Hal Miller which Viola uses to begin his 7th chapter "Church Practice and God's Eternal Purpose."Americans see the isolated individual as the source of all moral virtue and

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-80188706848201692492009-09-10T03:15:00.003-04:002009-09-10T03:42:33.572-04:00

Well, it started out good... I fell asleep... but at about 2am I awoke. Not being able to go back to sleep, what do you do with this time?I started perusing the web... starting at www.vimeo.com. Well, I didn't go far. I began by searching the word "covenant". And I was surprised when one of my favorite authors popped up. And I began to listen to several interviews and messages from Shane

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-25285593839530203672009-09-05T13:15:00.002-04:002009-09-05T13:24:57.593-04:00

Derek Webb continues to write thought provoking songs. And others have been adding video to bring a visualization of the impact of his songs. Here is one that I did not feel that I could show during teaching this weekend because it is visually explicit (especially for children who may be present). So I am posting it here on my blog. View at your risk...The message this weekend is continuing

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-20154078473274061272009-08-25T10:50:00.003-04:002009-08-26T11:51:05.766-04:00

So far I am only a few pages into this book. It hasn't really revolutionized my thinking yet, but Frank Viola does present some interesting challenges for those who find themselves in 'institutionalized' church communities. So what is an 'institutionalized' church community... well, I am still working on a good definition, but the bottom line is the idea that many modern churches are overly

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-17831895328538626152009-08-19T15:27:00.002-04:002009-08-19T15:32:05.799-04:00

For years the modern church has measured success on things like attendance, offerings and for some baptisms.But these fail to speak to the depths of what God would see as really important. So there are folks who are beginning to ask the question, "how should we measure what we do as a church community?" What things should we celebrate?Paul writes an interesting post on his website.Check it out

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-14171742655992719502009-08-15T21:05:00.003-04:002009-08-15T21:29:28.712-04:00

For many years I have studied, thought about, tried to live by what Jesus said was the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:34-39).To be honest, it's hard to keep focus on something so simple. And it is so easy to try to relativize such a commandment.So instead of saying, "Loving God, Loving neighbor," we change it to, "Loving God, Loving people."So what difference does it make?Jesus talked about

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-87456793941197989802009-08-11T10:01:00.003-04:002009-08-11T10:41:27.693-04:00

The Kingdom Experiment is a great 'uncurricullum' for groups of Jesus followers who desire to be challenged in their spiritual journey.Without giving to much away, it is a book of 'Kingdom Experiments' based on the 'Beattitudes' found in Matthew 5."And Jesus began teaching, saying, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'"Several possible experiments:Fast either

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-25104608472032545912009-08-02T13:34:00.002-04:002009-08-02T14:01:23.949-04:00

Check out Second Corinthians 1:3-11. This is an awesome passage which tells us some pretty awesome things about God and the kind of people that we are called and formed to be.Paul is writing to the church that meet in the city of Corinth. One of things that we can know is that this city was once a heap of rubble. But an emperor commissioned for the city to be rebuilt. The city ends up being

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-2500538573877380212009-07-30T10:17:00.004-04:002009-07-30T10:45:53.145-04:00

So, if I were to ask you to imagine a kingdom, what do you imagine?...In my past... when I heard 'kingdom' I thought of King Arthur's court. Knights, jousting tournaments, armor, shields, swords, damsel's in distress, dragons and beautiful scenary. Beautiful scenary that includes large castles and walls.This next video asks a similar questions and relates it too God's mission and his

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-41251433100584317912009-07-28T19:03:00.003-04:002009-07-28T19:12:49.948-04:00

I once heard a story about viewing the sky. I believe it was told by Brian McLaren."A person was in the hospital, she was battling cancer. She was asking questions about life, God, life after death, if Jesus is who he says he then what does it all mean.So the person who was comforting her, asked her if she could see the whole sky from out her hospital window.No of course not.What if you looked

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-33269235844738141642009-07-26T14:36:00.004-04:002009-07-26T15:29:19.602-04:00

Crazy things are happening at Emmanuel in DuBois PA this morning. All I can say is that God is at work.This morning we baptized four people at Emmanuel (Ed, Barb, Denny and Josh). And took in one new member (Ed). This picture is a symbol, one it's shows that 'pot' that was used, which was commissioned at New Hope as a pot designed to help meet needs in our community, little did I know that it

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-2541869398620912802009-07-24T18:27:00.002-04:002009-07-24T20:46:00.316-04:00

I've been leading Emmanuel for about 3 weeks. Over this time I have heard a lot of conversation about a desire to grow and a desire to see the unsaved come to Christ. I, also, just got home from the Pittsburgh Nazarene missions convention. Of course, there were conversations there through the speakers about reaching out to our lost and hurting world. It's interesting that I came home and began

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-89145801051875601692009-07-18T11:11:00.004-04:002009-07-18T11:43:20.051-04:00

In the process of moving--packing, loading, driving, loading, unpacking (which isn't finished yet)--I've felt a little lost and without inspiration... my blog was left abandoned for days with only the occasional, "Hey, we're moving blogposts." But to be honest, I didn't have anything else within me to write or post. I felt empty and listless, beyond any real thoughts. I think I have just

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-5655325509674500052009-07-16T11:27:00.002-04:002009-07-16T11:33:55.875-04:00

It's been awhile since I last posted... I have been going through internet, blogging withdrawal... I hope to reestablish a healthy addiction tomorrow when the cable guy (or gal) comes to hook us up.Here's a video from WorkofthePeople that fits with this weeks lectionary texts intitled One Cross, One Body .

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-91611339382168520372009-07-08T16:08:00.002-04:002009-07-08T16:11:29.165-04:00

Hey, just thought I would give an update... Shonda, Evan and I are now moved in to our new home in Dubois, PA. We have a ways to go to get everything unpacked, but we're getting it done.We don't have internet yet... thank goodness for public libraries for free wi-fi.Look forward to posting more soon.PS... Evan and the cats - Ibi and KC - are adapting well... and Shonda and I are enjoying a great

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-67802726423413045192009-07-02T12:10:00.003-04:002009-07-02T12:25:27.485-04:00

Boxes are everywhere. If you haven't heard yet. The Yost family is moving to DuBois, PA.Why you might ask?Ben accepted a call to pastor Emmanuel Nazarene in Dubois, PA. We are looking forward to some exciting steps in our journey as we join with the Emmanuel congregation. Shonda is excited to be going back to God's country and the beautiful forest laden hills of Pennsylvania. Ben is excited

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-73687581076501953132009-06-27T13:34:00.002-04:002009-06-27T14:00:20.067-04:00

I'm very thankful that we will be using a moving truck. Anyway, earlier this week I accepted a call to pastor Emmanuel Nazarene in DuBois Pennsylvania.I'm excited, a little anxious, starting to pack, having a garage sale (today), and looking forward to some awesome relationships with great people in DuBois.So when is the big day?We're packing the truck on July 6th... driving and unpacking on

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-47338293006839955312009-06-23T10:17:00.006-04:002009-06-23T10:59:27.564-04:00

View Larger MapI had the opportunity to speak in Macedonia (Ohio) this past weekend. It was pretty cool. The church had chosen to meet at a local park instead of in the building. Therefore, the atmosphere was different than usual and it felt good being outside. The sun was shining, with a nice cool breeze (sometimes a little chilly under the pavilion).So I was left with the grand decision of

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-42115638799282563112009-06-19T12:03:00.002-04:002009-06-19T12:10:18.894-04:00

Check out Christy's latest post. It looks at this weeks lectionary readings and seeks to see the connections, asking questions and sharing explanations about suffering and God's resolution.I also enjoyed this song from Flyleaf - Fully Alive (click here for video version on youtube)Fully Alive-flyleaf lyrics(extended) Lyrics - From www.flyleafonline.comTelling Layla's story spokenAbout how all

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-31705666629771260092009-06-16T16:42:00.002-04:002009-06-16T16:50:26.137-04:00

Television commercials annoy me. They're always telling me my car isn't sporty enough, my breath isn't fresh enough, my armpits aren't dry enough, my investments aren't secure enough, my teath aren't breight enough, my beer isn't filling enough, and my insurance company isn't cheap enough--and that I'll be cooler, happier, hipper, more popular, pain free, and handsome if I just chew their brand

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-66095013925357848972009-06-11T08:27:00.008-04:002009-06-11T09:35:39.526-04:00

I'm rereading this book by Steven James called Story. Steven James tells a modern day parable:I heard a story about a king whose brother tried unsuccessfully to assassinate him. As punishment, the king imprisoned his brother in a room with a window facing the sea. The room had a normal-sized door that a normal-sized person could walk thorugh. They must have built the room around the guy,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-45680460065473491212009-06-09T09:19:00.004-04:002009-06-09T09:30:25.554-04:00

Yesterday, I posted about Spiritual Awakenings, those times in our lives when a new revelation about God, his kingdom, his church, his way is revealed to us. Many times if we take the time to consider these spiritual awakenings they often point to something that we are called to embody in our daily lives. However, we rarely implement these 'aha' moments. As part of the conversation of the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-32366242504487235492009-06-08T14:33:00.004-04:002009-06-08T15:01:09.586-04:00

Just a meandering thought:A spiritual awakening, not just for the self, but for community. Something worth pondering a little longer. Often times, I think we long for that 'aha' moment alone. But maybe the 'aha' is meant to happen in connection with community. Risk of integrating our spiritual awakenings... How many times have we experienced a spiritual awakening, a new way of living,

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-62294949750479215542009-06-02T10:08:00.002-04:002009-06-02T10:14:39.459-04:00

PEP - Man on the Street from workofthepeople.com.If we don't believe in change what is the use?What about redemption?What do you think?

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-54095842745308358322009-05-28T09:49:00.002-04:002009-05-28T10:00:53.955-04:00

Hey everyone, I just wanted to give a brief update on what I've been reading/listening too.Listening too... A podcast from Frank Viola in regards to his books 'Pagan Christianity', 'Reimagining Church', and 'From Eternity To Here'. Just as a guide Pagan Christianity is a book that deconstructs much of modern thought and bad habits that the church has found herself with... it's not the end of the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-80734552442552719952009-05-24T09:20:00.002-04:002009-05-24T09:42:46.712-04:00

Just a brief intro: I'm a part of a community of people who are part of every kind of people group (Asian, African, European, White, Indian, . . . and the list goes on and on). This group of people have a faith in a deity who revealed himself in a person Jesus Christ (fully human and fully divine). And this deity revealed himself as Creator or Father of all that is, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-40375481931312743602009-05-21T08:55:00.004-04:002009-05-21T12:15:06.789-04:00

I heard mention of this group meeting near Youngstown, OH, and just stumbled upon their website. It's called "Be the Change Project". I hope to make it to one of their meeting in the near future, though I live about 45 miles away.Anyway as I was perusing the site, I came across a blog posting that relates to questions I have been asking.It seems that today most church communities are founded

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-43885233104536700632009-05-20T08:18:00.000-04:002009-05-20T08:19:14.326-04:00

I find meaning in this song. I have been in a time of 'in between'. I have been waiting for the right moment, or the right word from God. Waiting for things to fall into place. It's funny because I don't find myself as superstitious, but it seems that this practice of seeking God's will is sometimes that. This song helps with those times. It asks the question, "what am I going to do while I

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-51065808641077282522009-05-19T10:25:00.002-04:002009-05-19T10:43:42.464-04:00

"We don't have a mission... the mission has us."Missio Dei - God's mission of putting the broken and separated back together again.Our hope is to take part in God's mission of what I like to call creation redemption.So what is redemption...To redeem... take that which has been rendered worthless and make it worthwhile again... for example... we take aluminum cans and glass bottles in... on some

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-48425925526027128382009-05-18T11:00:00.003-04:002009-05-18T11:26:48.162-04:00

I've recently been thinking a lot about prayer. I can say that I have been through several prayer transformations. At one time and I suppose even still, my prayers are selfish. Asking God for something for me. Sometimes these were really good things, sometimes they weren't so good. But I found that God answered few of these prayers. And sometimes he gave me something that I thought I wanted

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-85398848254297980982009-05-11T15:47:00.003-04:002009-05-11T16:13:05.695-04:00

Hope for a Tree Cut Down is a new album that was put together by several churches in Washington. The album apparently developed out of a teaching from the The book of Job and a question that it asks, 'Is there hope?' 'Is there hope for a tree cut down? ...Yes. At the mere scent of water it will bud and grow green shoots' (see Job 14)Here are the lyrics to the song Broken by Tara WardYou are

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-77030968717576844632009-05-10T08:05:00.003-04:002009-05-10T08:43:26.663-04:00

As we continue our journey through Revelation, please take a moment to read the text, Revelation 1:9-20. Due to the cultural significance of this passage, I will divide this over three posts.As John continues to write, he takes the time to introduce himself. He speaks of who he is and his current predicament. In reference to himself he uses highly relational terms and of the kingdom (for

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-61204191565859161092009-05-04T09:32:00.002-04:002009-05-04T09:45:50.411-04:00

My church and I have been reading a book called, "Pagan Christianity", at first, I was a little bit skeptical. But as I read, I come to find that it relates to what I learned at Nazarene Theological Seminary as I studied church history, hermeneutics and worked to fine tune exegesis of the Bible and the culture in which I live. Another friend just finished reading a book called, "Becoming the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-89591808668368817262009-04-28T22:30:00.003-04:002009-04-28T23:07:22.236-04:00

On Sunday Wes Thompson at Canton South Nazarene talked about Miracles... praying prayers that we believe can really happen. I've been a follower of Jesus since I was a young child and have been a believer in miracles for all of those years (and I'll be the first to admit that I've had my doubts in the midst of those years).Yet, Wes hit the nail on the head... for some reason it is easier to

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-55995066408483085182009-04-27T11:00:00.005-04:002009-04-27T12:04:12.305-04:00

So what kind of job am I looking for?--A long term position in which I am a valued team member working to accomplish organizational objectives.In what field?--Well, I have large variety of skills, experiences and education.Skills:--Strong computer literacy skills, able to troubleshoot, excellent Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excell, Access, Outlook). Able to install basic

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-49268305134115722872009-04-22T22:49:00.002-04:002009-04-23T00:27:46.289-04:00

I'm not really sure what to say. It's rough, it's humiliating, it was almost expected. So what did I do? Just didn't make enough sales.It's hard to be angry at the messengers... they really didn't have a choice in the matter. The company, with the stock market decline that hit hard last October, lost about 27 million dollars in projected sales. Who's to blame?Sales reps... So the company

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-80956651774587882522009-04-19T19:07:00.004-04:002009-04-19T19:35:22.486-04:00

This is an image of the words and topics that are found in my blog. You can check out wordle and create your own.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-11068363278674075202009-04-18T11:08:00.004-04:002009-04-18T18:10:51.152-04:00

The focus for the next few 'Journeying through Revelation' blogs, will be over Revelation 1:9-3:22. It can be broken down into 8 sections, outlined below.I. Beginning of John Vision - Rev. 1:9II. Letter to the Church in Ephesus - Rev 2:1-7III. Letter to the Church in Smyrna - Rev 2:8-11IV. Letter to the Church in Pergamum - Rev 2:12-17V. Letter to the Church in Thyatira - Rev 2:18-29VI.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-32551647447371095632009-04-14T10:47:00.003-04:002009-04-15T19:37:17.589-04:00

Thanks for commenting Lin-nay-uh and John on my previous post. You are right I definitely wanted to present the idea that everything is spiritual and God who is spirit creates physicality.I had also hoped to convey hope in the truth of resurrection. That on Saturday, we see the world as 'half empty', broken, and decaying... but on Sunday the resurrection of Jesus teaches us something about a

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-14102720510478850312009-04-11T16:03:00.005-04:002009-04-15T13:34:49.909-04:00

Today, I participated in two committal services at the cemetery (I'm a Family Service Representative who seeks to make sure everything goes smoothly as a family transitions from the funeral home to the cemetery and lays their loved one to rest). It was sunny which helped but it was still chilly. As I was standing outside of the committal chapel, I was feeling the chill of the brisk breeze. The

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-52053119962410328402009-04-08T08:23:00.002-04:002009-04-15T13:34:49.910-04:00

I don't do this often but I really enjoyed this from Brian McLaren's blog...Thoughts on Holy Week from Fr. Richard Rohr (as posted by Brian D. McLaren)...I suscribe to Richard Rohr's daily meditations ... here's one very appropriate for this week:Question of the day:How do I stand against hate without becoming hate myself?We would all agree that evil is to be rejected and overcome; the only

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-72382949942522933472009-04-05T08:52:00.002-04:002009-04-05T10:13:18.840-04:00

The Sixth Sunday in Lent is Palm Sunday. In many ways it's a celebration, but it also marks the moment where we are the most confused.See the Disciples believed Jesus was the Messiah. He was the One sent from God to bring Israel back to it's former glory, but this time it would be more glorious because it would be an infinite reign. Throughout this next week excitement is on the rise, the

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-40392719186632110442009-03-31T21:37:00.004-04:002009-04-05T10:13:18.840-04:00

As I post, all I can say is that each day is part of an epic journey. In the last few months, my wife and I have borrowed season one and now starting season two of the X-files. Personally I love sci-fi; I'm not quite sure why, maybe it's just the inner nerd or geek leaking out a little bit. But what I enjoy about the x-files is the journey of Scully and Mulder. Each day, each case, each

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-58302273353850796322009-03-25T12:34:00.003-04:002009-04-05T10:13:18.840-04:00

Today's thought comes from Psalm 107. It's amazing the goodness of God. During the season of lent we participate in longing for rescue. Rescue from what? Hunger? Thirst? Trouble? Distress?Bondage? Depression? Bitter Labor?Oppression? Calamity? Sorrow?I wonder how many of us can relate. We've been there. I know that I have. But during this season of Lent we await for Holy Week -- From Palm

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-91204921210220035012009-03-15T10:12:00.003-04:002009-04-05T10:13:18.841-04:00

In the Bible the book of Exodus records God's rescuing act of salvation for a people who were abused, enslaved and treated as less than human. God's first step is to work through humans to save humans. We sometimes refer to this as horizontal grace. Vertical grace is grace given to us directly from God; however, horizontal grace is grace that is mediated from one person to another. So God

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-16261471814521743822009-03-12T13:29:00.002-04:002009-04-05T10:13:18.841-04:00

Well, I realize that this is a few days late. Two things were happening that kept me from posting over the weekend. The first was work. We had a Sell-A-Thon at my job... I work for a cemetery. I care for families in both preneed and atneed situations, providing the service of helping them to make their final arrangements. Hey, don't knock it. It is something of great importance. Everyday

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-43877600000610063722009-03-01T08:29:00.003-05:002009-03-01T10:07:55.471-05:00

Lent is a period of forty days between Ash Wednesday and Resurrection Sunday (often called Easter). What is interesting about this period is that the Sunday's in Lent are not counted as part of the forty. Why might this be? Sunday's in Lent are days of celebration amidst a period of fasting. Sunday's are days to break from the fast. Each Sunday is like a glimmer of hope. Our fasting

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-42054280286113731042009-02-25T17:56:00.004-05:002009-03-01T10:08:26.390-05:00

Please take time to reflect on my coming posts regarding Ash Wednesday, the Season of Lent and Holy Week.Over the next six weeks churches throughout the world will be taking time to reflect on Jesus' and our journey towards the cross. During this time many people make sacrifices of sorts--often called a Lenten Fast. Some traditions give up certain foods or activities. But the important thing

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-23284859291704676882009-02-19T09:29:00.005-05:002009-02-19T09:45:29.938-05:00

I encourage you to watch this video and check out the blog from which I borrowed it. It tells a story about supply and demand... especially in how our continually growing 'need' for oil (for energy) effects our economy.When I hear words and messages of warning like this, I begin to wonder what would happen if we were able to break our addiction to consume more and more.I'm not going to proclaim

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-84773802579217985622009-02-18T13:10:00.004-05:002009-02-18T13:34:31.007-05:00

Imagine… a slave girl living in Egypt asking her father why he’s got a bandage on his arm. He tells her he was beaten by his master that day. She wants to know why. He explains to her that the quotas have recently been changed and he’s now required to make the same amount of bricks as before, but he has to get his own straw. He tells her that he’s been falling behind in his brick production

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-54918989681783818562009-02-15T10:53:00.004-05:002009-02-19T09:00:17.624-05:00

THE TEXT:4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-89681038979186033912009-02-09T19:37:00.002-05:002009-02-09T19:42:11.062-05:00

When we talk about economic recovery, what do we think about? Well, I would pose that most people would think about things returning to the way they used to be. Brian McLaren challenges us to think differently. Check it out here.

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-85523217554517075532009-01-24T11:30:00.003-05:002009-01-24T12:18:59.384-05:00

I was perusing the internet this morning and came across Tony Jones' website. This video (in the multimedia section) caught my attention. In fact, I can relate with this man's disillusionment with the church of today. So many things about today's church is so anti-Christ-like. I wish I could explain this feeling a little better. I suppose you may understanding a little better by watching

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-3880996983726396442009-01-17T16:26:00.006-05:002009-01-18T11:31:32.927-05:00

As I begin reading the Book of Revelation many questions come to mind. So instead of trying to tell you what I think, I would rather begin by sharing my questions. And I welcome the questions that you might have as you read and seek to understand the text. I have chosen to use Today's New International Version of the Bible. I would also recommend reading a few other versions for insight. You

Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698226578970021141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5597177417248539484.post-54819153344956066032009-01-14T21:30:00.006-05:002009-01-14T22:20:52.992-05:00

Just finished reading Phyllis Tickle's "The Great Emergence." Although, it doesn't feel as though she is adding anything new to the emergent conversation, she definitely brings things into a cohesive and comprehensible form. I enjoyed her explanation of how the emergent/emerging conversation came to be and where it is going. However, it really wasn't untill the last chapter that set my mind

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