i found this tight article that i had to throw your way... it compares the modern church (what most say they are today) with the emerging church (what i wish we were today & strive to be tomorrow). this looks specifically at evangelism - i'd love to get your feedback on this one... enjoy!
Modern Church
Evangelism is an event that you invite people to.
Evangelism is primarly concerned with getting people into heaven.
Evangelism is focused on pre-Christians.
Evangelism is done by evangelists.
Evangelism is something you do in addition to discipleship.
Evangelism is a message.
Evangelism uses reason and proofs for apologetics.
Missions is a department of the church.
Emerging Church
Evangelism is a process that occurs through relationships, trust, and example
Evangelism is concerned with people's experiencing the reality of living under the reign of his kingdom now
Evangelism is focused on post-Christians.
Evangelism is done by disciples.
Evangelism is part of being a disciple.
Evangelism is a conversation
Evangelism uses the church being the church as the primary apologetic.
The church is a mission.
(www.FutureMargins.com)
8.26.2003
8.25.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"The man that believes will obey; failure to obey is convincing proof that there is no true faith present. To attempt the impossible God must give faith or there will be none, and He gives faith to the obedient heart only." (Man the Dwelling Place of God, 33).
define obedience: __________________________________________________________ .
now, OBEY! (...and faith will follow... )
l8'er
"The man that believes will obey; failure to obey is convincing proof that there is no true faith present. To attempt the impossible God must give faith or there will be none, and He gives faith to the obedient heart only." (Man the Dwelling Place of God, 33).
define obedience: __________________________________________________________ .
now, OBEY! (...and faith will follow... )
l8'er
8.23.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"The secret of saintliness is not the destruction of the will but the submergence of it in the will of God. The true saint is one who acknowledges that he possesses from God the gift of freedom. He knows that he will never be forced into obedience nor wheedled like a stubborn child into doing the will of God; he knows that these methods are unworthy both of God and of his own soul. He knows he is free to make any choice he will, and with that knowledge he chooses forever the blessed will of God."
"I am happy to do your will, O my God." Your teachings are deep within me" Psalm 40:8.
not that we're trying to be "saints" (including you, Luis) but rather to be fully submitted to God's perfect will... then, if HE calls us a saint for it... so be it!
:D>
"The secret of saintliness is not the destruction of the will but the submergence of it in the will of God. The true saint is one who acknowledges that he possesses from God the gift of freedom. He knows that he will never be forced into obedience nor wheedled like a stubborn child into doing the will of God; he knows that these methods are unworthy both of God and of his own soul. He knows he is free to make any choice he will, and with that knowledge he chooses forever the blessed will of God."
"I am happy to do your will, O my God." Your teachings are deep within me" Psalm 40:8.
not that we're trying to be "saints" (including you, Luis) but rather to be fully submitted to God's perfect will... then, if HE calls us a saint for it... so be it!
:D>
8.22.2003
happy FRIDAY everyone!
hey, i was recently putting together a "MUST READ" book list for my life & ministry and i thought i'd throw it your way... i recommend ANY/ALL of these titles:
BOOKS:
General -
Knowlege of the Holy & Pursuit of God - both by A.W. Tozer
Total Forgiveness - by R.T. Kendall
Waking the Dead - by John Eldridge
The Screwtape Letters - by C.S. Lewis
Fear and Trembling - by Soren Kierkegaard
Principles of Prayer - by Charles Finney
More Than a Carpenter - by Josh McDowell
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - by Gene Edwards
Youth & Postmodern -
The Message: Remix - by Eugene Peterson
God Whispers - by Margaret Feinberg
I AM RELEVANT - Various authors
Adventures in Missing the Point - by Brian D. McLaren & Tony Campolo
The Emerging Church - by Dan Kimball
The Post-Evangelical - by Dave Tomlinson
Postmodern Youth Ministry - by Tony Jones
hey, i was recently putting together a "MUST READ" book list for my life & ministry and i thought i'd throw it your way... i recommend ANY/ALL of these titles:
BOOKS:
General -
Knowlege of the Holy & Pursuit of God - both by A.W. Tozer
Total Forgiveness - by R.T. Kendall
Waking the Dead - by John Eldridge
The Screwtape Letters - by C.S. Lewis
Fear and Trembling - by Soren Kierkegaard
Principles of Prayer - by Charles Finney
More Than a Carpenter - by Josh McDowell
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - by Gene Edwards
Youth & Postmodern -
The Message: Remix - by Eugene Peterson
God Whispers - by Margaret Feinberg
I AM RELEVANT - Various authors
Adventures in Missing the Point - by Brian D. McLaren & Tony Campolo
The Emerging Church - by Dan Kimball
The Post-Evangelical - by Dave Tomlinson
Postmodern Youth Ministry - by Tony Jones
another new feature to the blogsite: word of the week
this week's word is...
IRREFRAGABLE
irrefragable \ih-REF-ruh-guh-buhl\, adjective:
Impossible to refute; incontestable; undeniable; as, an irrefragable argument; irrefragable evidence.
Sentence: the truth of God's Word is irregragable!
you're wiser today!
this week's word is...
IRREFRAGABLE
irrefragable \ih-REF-ruh-guh-buhl\, adjective:
Impossible to refute; incontestable; undeniable; as, an irrefragable argument; irrefragable evidence.
Sentence: the truth of God's Word is irregragable!
you're wiser today!
8.21.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"We must do something about the cross, and one of two things only we can do--flee it or die upon it"
(The Root of the Righteous, 63).
you all know that i love & do my best to live by Galatians 2:20. Check out how the Message captures the heart of this verse: "Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
again, enough said...
"We must do something about the cross, and one of two things only we can do--flee it or die upon it"
(The Root of the Righteous, 63).
you all know that i love & do my best to live by Galatians 2:20. Check out how the Message captures the heart of this verse: "Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
again, enough said...
8.20.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"Whatever a man wants badly and persistently enough will determine the man's character." (The Root of the Righteous, 116).
so, how bad do you want God?? more than your next breath? more than your next meal? do you IM Him more than anyone else on your "buddy list"? do you fall asleep talking to Him and wake up praising Him? do you find yourself daydreaming about Him? do you chat with him in the car, the shower, the hallway, the lunch-line, etc??
if such pursuit determines our character... we better step up the chase, huh?!?!
i'm runnin'...
"Whatever a man wants badly and persistently enough will determine the man's character." (The Root of the Righteous, 116).
so, how bad do you want God?? more than your next breath? more than your next meal? do you IM Him more than anyone else on your "buddy list"? do you fall asleep talking to Him and wake up praising Him? do you find yourself daydreaming about Him? do you chat with him in the car, the shower, the hallway, the lunch-line, etc??
if such pursuit determines our character... we better step up the chase, huh?!?!
i'm runnin'...
8.19.2003
Here's a quote that I stumbled upon tonight that really hit me hard...
"The problem with Christians today is that no one wants to kill them anymore." Soren Kierkegaard
... so, what effect does your "Christianity" have on humanity & hell? does hell even know your name? we don't seek to be hated ~ we SEEK JESUS! ... and for this, we gladly give our lives!
...
"The problem with Christians today is that no one wants to kill them anymore." Soren Kierkegaard
... so, what effect does your "Christianity" have on humanity & hell? does hell even know your name? we don't seek to be hated ~ we SEEK JESUS! ... and for this, we gladly give our lives!
...
TOZER TODAY:
"The character of God is the Christian's final ground of assurance and the solution of many, if not most, of his practical religious problems. Some persons, for instance, believe that God answered prayer in Bible times but will not do so today, and others hold that the miracles of olden days can never be repeated. To believe so is to deny or at least to ignore almost everything God has revealed about Himself. We must remember that God always acts like Himself. He has never at any time anywhere in the vast universe acted otherwise than in character with His infinite perfections. This knowledge should be a warning to the enemies of God, and it cannot but be an immense consolation to His friends."
God can & will do miracles today - it's His nature; His character - His Son proved this! "Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. " 1 John 5:10 (The Message)
Be confident of this truth and comforted by the reality the HE still is HE!! oh, yes!
smile!
"The character of God is the Christian's final ground of assurance and the solution of many, if not most, of his practical religious problems. Some persons, for instance, believe that God answered prayer in Bible times but will not do so today, and others hold that the miracles of olden days can never be repeated. To believe so is to deny or at least to ignore almost everything God has revealed about Himself. We must remember that God always acts like Himself. He has never at any time anywhere in the vast universe acted otherwise than in character with His infinite perfections. This knowledge should be a warning to the enemies of God, and it cannot but be an immense consolation to His friends."
God can & will do miracles today - it's His nature; His character - His Son proved this! "Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. " 1 John 5:10 (The Message)
Be confident of this truth and comforted by the reality the HE still is HE!! oh, yes!
smile!
8.18.2003
The Real Seven Wonders of the World
A teacher asked her students to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. The students cast the most votes for:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not turned in her paper yet. She asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. to love
hmmmm...
A teacher asked her students to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. The students cast the most votes for:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not turned in her paper yet. She asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. to love
hmmmm...
8.16.2003
ok, it's late and maybe this is just a bad idea but we're starting a new feature on the blogspot... drum roll please...
CHILLYISMS (original thoughts, quotes, studies, etc ~ from, well, me... yeah, i know, i'm NO tozer ~ hey, but neither are you!! so, enjoy!!) ... here's chillyism #1:
"new church - old church - whatever...
new way - old way - who cares...
you and I are the church -- if we want a better church, we
should look at ourselves and change whatever looks like us
rather than HIM. that simple process can change the entire world."
process & apply ~ I believe we can make things better than better!!
...
CHILLYISMS (original thoughts, quotes, studies, etc ~ from, well, me... yeah, i know, i'm NO tozer ~ hey, but neither are you!! so, enjoy!!) ... here's chillyism #1:
"new church - old church - whatever...
new way - old way - who cares...
you and I are the church -- if we want a better church, we
should look at ourselves and change whatever looks like us
rather than HIM. that simple process can change the entire world."
process & apply ~ I believe we can make things better than better!!
...
8.15.2003
i've spent the last few days with some amazing people!!
i was in chicago with pastor steve andres speaking for his discipleship program (IDT) and preaching for his incredible youth ministry (NXT)! i'm so honored just to breathe in God's presence let-alone be used by Him.
i also spent some great time with my brother, brian! man, i love him so stinkin' much!! we chilled together & then had phat seats at wrigley field for a cubs game (cubs win)!! brian is such a gift to me -- my best friend, armor-bearer, and tons more!
then, today, i got to hang with ian green! this guy is a true prophet of God and humble servant. there's more wisdom in one of his sentences than hundreds of spoken pages by most others. he's from england and impacts most of eastern europe for the Gospel. remember him & pray for his life & ministry!
yeah... i'm so blessed. what a great three days...
but, now i'm back with the world's greatest students (DV8) and my queen & princesses!! INSERT BIG CHEESY SMILE HERE:
did this blog bore you? it's ok... life's more than inspiring words and tozer quotes... IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIPS, CONVERSATIONS, LOVE ... it's about YOU! I'm grateful to anyone who reads this today! now, don't get all "spiritual" on me -- of course life truly is all about JESUS... I KNOW!
honored, humbled & happy,
chilly "oh captain, my captain"
i was in chicago with pastor steve andres speaking for his discipleship program (IDT) and preaching for his incredible youth ministry (NXT)! i'm so honored just to breathe in God's presence let-alone be used by Him.
i also spent some great time with my brother, brian! man, i love him so stinkin' much!! we chilled together & then had phat seats at wrigley field for a cubs game (cubs win)!! brian is such a gift to me -- my best friend, armor-bearer, and tons more!
then, today, i got to hang with ian green! this guy is a true prophet of God and humble servant. there's more wisdom in one of his sentences than hundreds of spoken pages by most others. he's from england and impacts most of eastern europe for the Gospel. remember him & pray for his life & ministry!
yeah... i'm so blessed. what a great three days...
but, now i'm back with the world's greatest students (DV8) and my queen & princesses!! INSERT BIG CHEESY SMILE HERE:
did this blog bore you? it's ok... life's more than inspiring words and tozer quotes... IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIPS, CONVERSATIONS, LOVE ... it's about YOU! I'm grateful to anyone who reads this today! now, don't get all "spiritual" on me -- of course life truly is all about JESUS... I KNOW!
honored, humbled & happy,
chilly "oh captain, my captain"
8.13.2003
here's another TOZER TODAY:
"I think that most Christians would be better pleased if the Lord did not inquire into their personal affairs too closely. They want Him to save them, keep them happy and take them to heaven at last, but not to be too inquisitive about their conduct or service. But He has searched us and known us; He knows our downsitting and our uprising and understands our thoughts afar off. There is no place to hide from those eyes that are as a flame of fire and there is no way to escape from the Judgment of those feet that are like fine brass. It is the part of wisdom to live with these things in mind." (That Incredible Christian, 105-106)
"...HE'S LOOKING INTO MY HEART, INTO MY HEART..."
live with this in mind... hurry, time's ticking away!
"I think that most Christians would be better pleased if the Lord did not inquire into their personal affairs too closely. They want Him to save them, keep them happy and take them to heaven at last, but not to be too inquisitive about their conduct or service. But He has searched us and known us; He knows our downsitting and our uprising and understands our thoughts afar off. There is no place to hide from those eyes that are as a flame of fire and there is no way to escape from the Judgment of those feet that are like fine brass. It is the part of wisdom to live with these things in mind." (That Incredible Christian, 105-106)
"...HE'S LOOKING INTO MY HEART, INTO MY HEART..."
live with this in mind... hurry, time's ticking away!
8.12.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything." (The Pursuit of God, 127)
...so, ultimately, the question is: WHY? our motives determine our ministry and reveal our heart. i believe that the many, many (far too many) defeated-looking, yet faithful servants of our King remain pathetic and discouraged as a direct result of motives. the WHY of what they do is undetermined or unrealistic. if we do anything to get noticed, to relieve guilt, to prove ourselves, to please "man", etc... ugh -- what a waste! we serve a KING who is worthy of our very best 24/7! when HE is the focus, our work IS sacred!
check your motives, my friend. ask yourself the WHY questions -- better yet, ask the Holy Spirit! He'll be more honest.
this is WHY i spend time doing this blog-site...
consumed with Christ ~ living a sacred adventure...
chilly
give me your thoughts: chillydog1@yahoo.com or IM: chillydog1 (aol)
"It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything." (The Pursuit of God, 127)
...so, ultimately, the question is: WHY? our motives determine our ministry and reveal our heart. i believe that the many, many (far too many) defeated-looking, yet faithful servants of our King remain pathetic and discouraged as a direct result of motives. the WHY of what they do is undetermined or unrealistic. if we do anything to get noticed, to relieve guilt, to prove ourselves, to please "man", etc... ugh -- what a waste! we serve a KING who is worthy of our very best 24/7! when HE is the focus, our work IS sacred!
check your motives, my friend. ask yourself the WHY questions -- better yet, ask the Holy Spirit! He'll be more honest.
this is WHY i spend time doing this blog-site...
consumed with Christ ~ living a sacred adventure...
chilly
give me your thoughts: chillydog1@yahoo.com or IM: chillydog1 (aol)
8.10.2003
ok, i'm back from WAR WEEK --- what an incredible adventure of faith! Friday night is truly unexplainable - so, I won't try to explain it... sorry.
but, around 250 received Christ this week and DV8 had a part in leading 191 of them to our awesome savior!
now, back to Tozer...
the following is one of my ALL TIME favorite quotes!
TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
oh YES!!! IF you will only dare to live with this kind of understood BOLDNESS, the devil would be tremblin' every second that you're awake! I'm calling YOU out! are you up for the challenge?!
I thought so!
strength & honor!
captain...
but, around 250 received Christ this week and DV8 had a part in leading 191 of them to our awesome savior!
now, back to Tozer...
the following is one of my ALL TIME favorite quotes!
TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
oh YES!!! IF you will only dare to live with this kind of understood BOLDNESS, the devil would be tremblin' every second that you're awake! I'm calling YOU out! are you up for the challenge?!
I thought so!
strength & honor!
captain...
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