Christmas gathering...

Merry Christmas friends!

This Sunday we are gathering at 9 a.m. at the home of Jerry & Ruth Vanden Bosch.
We’ll keep our time together to an hour; so you can plan on leaving by 10 a.m. or thereabouts.

As for the first Sunday of 2006, the details are still emerging. Plan on an afternoon or early evening gathering…

Christmas blessings to you and your family!!!
randy

two lockers away.

The old man sits two lockers away. Most every day after my workout at the YMCA there he is. We have shared a few words, but today we shared nothing but the same row of lockers.

Today I did not feel much like talking. I should have felt like talking. Today he had just begun to change into his workout wear when I came back from the gym. Today he had ‘long johns’ as grandpa called them. It took him a short eternity to take them off one slow leg at a time.

I kept thinking. I kept wondering why I allowed this kind of silence between us. Yet, today I did not feel much like conversation. And after three or four minutes next to one another I realized. I realized that two people can go through life next to one another, and yet it is entirely possible that their lives never intersect.

It was a sad realization. Knowing that too often we are so self-absorbed. Knowing we fail to reach into the lives of others around us. Today I wanted to talk. I could not.

Tomorrow I will hope for better of myself. I can almost hear Jesus say. Who is your neighbor.

Experience Christmas Tonight

"God is Where the Pain Is"
An experiential worship gathering hosted by His House Christian Fellowship at GVSU (Allendale).

The gathering will open around 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 6 in the Grand River Room (Upstairs) in the Kirkhof Center on GVSU's Allendale Campus. The event is open to all.

The focus of the 10 stations is oriented around the idea that Christmas shows us that God did not abandon the world to pain, but entered into the pain of the world. (this is a set of stations I developed two years ago, plus a few new ones developed for this gathering, but all the work is being done by GVSU students this time!)

“The gospel of Jesus the Messiah was born, then, in a land and at a time of trouble, tension, violence, and fear. Banish all thoughts of peaceful Christmas scenes. Before the Prince of Peace had learned to walk and talk, he was a homeless refugee with a price on his head. At the same time, in this passage and several others Matthew insists that we see in Jesus, even when things are at their darkest, the fulfillment of scripture. This is how Israel’s redeemer was to appear; this is how God would set about liberating his people, and bringing justice to the whole world. No point in arriving in comfort, when the world is in misery; no point in having an easy life, when the world suffers violence and injustice! If he is to be Emmanuel, God-with-us, he must be with us where the pain is.”
-Tom Wright, “Matthew for Everyone” pp.14-15

prayer tonight...

Friends of Kathy and I from the D.C. area, Mike and Stacy Stavlund, have been married for twelve years. They have been trying to have children for the past ten. They've encountered many pains along the way. But they are now pregnant and expecting twins this spring. It's been a long journey...

They had a serious scare on Friday with mom and the babies, but today was a bit brighter. Please join us in prayer for the twins as well as mom and dad.

eat responsibly

One more day until many of us will find ourselves staring at tables and countertops full of food. Let's practice self-control as we eat this weekend. Being grateful doesn't mean eating yourself sick. Enjoying food involves savoring it, not cramming as much down as we can until we have to regret it.

God hates gluttony. It's like one of the six, no seven, things that God hates. Why? I think it is because eating is supposed to be about sharing, and making sure everyone has enough. Gluttony is all about eating and eating without any concern for anyone else. It's about eating without any self-control. It's about eating far more than your share, while someone else gets far less than their share.

Enjoy delicious food. Give thanks that you have what you have before you. Remember that in many parts of the world, even parts of the US, millions of people will have little or nothing to eat. Don't go getting a guilt trip about having a big spread of food. Instead, realize our responsibility to share (with the people around us and the people around the world). Make sure everyone has enough; that no one gets less than their share. Don't eat the last piece of pumpkin pie when you've had one or two aready.

Give thanks.

Eat responsibly.

How We Preach

I've been having several conversations with people about Water's Edge lately. They have gone a little like this:

"So do you do the preaching at your church?" they ask.

"Actually, we don't have sermons," I reply.

I notice a strange, confused look on their face.

Beneath the strange look is a struggle for words.

I jump in and help avert the unspoken "huh?" "Our teaching time is more of a conversation, a dialogue."

"Oh." Confusion gives way to mild shock.

"Yeah, so I usually, facilitate the conversation, but not always."

"Oh." Mild shock gives way to either suspicion or interest.

"We think that people learn best when they have a part in the learning. We think that the Spirit speaks through more than just one person's perpective, so we try to listen to each other and hear what God wants us to be learning.

"Sometimes I or someone else will have a teaching that is more monologue, but most of the time everybody gets involved. In fact, most of the time I will have three or four main insights that I will want to be sure I share, but I will not have to even mention them because someone else comes up with it on their own."

"Huh. Cool." or "Huh. That's different."

I think we really have developed an ability to learn together. I think that the next learning edge for us is to learn to listen to and identify what the Spirit is saying through the group as a whole--to notice the threads that the Spirit is weaving through our learning conversation. The next edge after that, I think, is to identify for each other the particular application(s) in our actual situations to a degree that happens now only occassionally.

For instance, let's say Steph is having a problem with someone at work, and we're talking about Jesus' teaching to love our enemies. So she invites the group to help her identify the particular actions she can take to do what Jesus taught.

Or let's say we're going through Mark 13 (which we are), and we hear something in our conversation that challenges us as a group--you know, how we are supposed to BE the church. So we talk about specific actions we can take to embody what we're learning.

So it is situational training in how individuals and groups become like Jesus. It is group discernment about what God is calling us to do in response to what we learn, to what we are involved in, or to where we find ourselves at that particular place and time.

I love our dialogical preaching/teaching/learning. I am grateful for people who have taken responsibility for themselves and for each other. Let's keep pressing the learning edge, listening for the Spirit through the people around us, and responding by doing what we hear.

Emerging Churches

Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger have been working on this book for the past five years. It was supposed to be released early this summer I think, and it is finally available. Ryan called me in late 2003 and we had a nice 90 minute conversation about Water's Edge. Some bits of that made it into the book, so it will be interesting to see how it comes together. My copy is in the mail via amazon.

It has been getting some pretty good reviews. But don't take my word for it, get a copy and see for yourself.


Randy has been the lonely blogger here at the Meditatio. I've been blogging over at thedive. For those who care, I'll try to put a little bit more here.

Ever expanding cosmos...

So, I've had this thought for the past few weeks. If I am a follow of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I am following a God who by his very nature creates. He created the universe, and he continues to create. We see the world changing; we see shooting stars, and we are told that the universe continues to expand.

If God creates by his very nature, it shouldn't come as a surprise that he continues to create and expand the cosmos. So, what if creation always is expanding? Always.

What if God continues to create space and planets and matter long after we realize the fullness of the kingdom (after wars and rumors of wars have ceased)? What if we always have new places to explore -- forever. What an exciting God we are learning to follow. A God who has created all things, and will continue to create all things. A God who loves without reason, and a God who has amazing grace in the midst of his infinite power.

And to think that tonight there will be more stars in the sky than last night. And there will be more stars and planets to explore tonight... and what if God never ends this process. I'm excited to follow this kind of God.

Ryan & Holly Sharp joined our family this weekend for a brief 21 hours... a house concert: good food and drinks, good conversation and excellent music... all within the context of the kingdom. Mmmmm good.

Lunch recently with some friends -- communion over good food and drink and plenty of time to enjoy the presence of one another... me (Randy), Ande Daley, Rob Wondergem, John Raymond, Doug Pagitt...
......................................................and thanks for picking up the tab John.

Just a few reflections tonight. After a good day of keeping the family going, I'm taking a few minutes to eat some exotic Lay's potato chips, drink a good Bell's Oberon mocrobrew, and I'm listening to Ryan Sharp's "the Cobalt Season."

Kathy and I know Ryan and Holly from the past three years at the emergent gathering in Santa Fe, and they are currenlty on the road. They'll be in West Michigan on Nov. 12 & 13; Ryan's doing a show (likely in our house) on the night of the 12th. If you want to be invited, drop us an e-mail. I'm so excited that they'll be hanging with us for a few days.

Tonight I am incredibly thankful. Thankful for two great kids, a supportive wife, a water's edge gang that is willing to rethink church and in the process they are following Jesus in amazing ways. I have an e-mail from Australian friend Malcolm Hawker in my inbox and another from George Hunsberger. (what's not to love)

George has become a great mentor and friend over the past two years, and for those of you who don't know him -- he's likely one of the most knowledgeable Leslie Newbigin scholars on this planet. He spent time with Leslie, and he wrote his doctoral disortation on the man's work... (here's his book on Newbigin)

I'm grateful for my seminary mentor, Craig VanGelder, who pointed me toward the ways of the kingdom, a deep passion for the gospel that challenges the status quo, and who pointed me toward the Gospel & Our Culture Network as well as George...

Tonight I am grateful. Grateful for those who have gone before and grateful for those with more experience who pull us along. Grateful for the life of Rosa Parks who died today. Grateful that my understanding of the gospel keeps exploding in its size and scope. Grateful that Jesus and the kingdom are bigger and fuller and more encompassing than anything I imagined five years ago. Grateful for God's grace. Grateful for friends who believe good food and good drink is communing together. Grateful for you who read this stuff too.

Shalom.

Jim Trick will be leading us in worship this Sunday night, Oct. 23. He is a worship leader, song writer, and speaker worth taking time to hear. 5 p.m. for food / 5:30 p.m. for worship @ the water's edge space.

Pizza party in New Mexico w/ Andrew Jones...

God is good! We had the opportunity to spend this past week in Glorieta at the emerent village 'gathering.'

We got an extra treat as Andrew & Debbie Jones showed us how they throw pizza parties... Andrew has stories of how pizza parties have grown into churches... amazing to hear how the Spirit is leading people into kingdom life!

I shot a video of Andrew explaining how these pizza parties work; of course there is a bit of good theology in his explanation... If you want a copy, I'll e-mail it your way, but you'll need a fast connection.

Thanks to the Jones family for feeding 7o people with homemade pizza's this past Wednesday night! You guys are the real deal.

I'll be posting some more thoughts about this past week in the near future. blessings.

liberal or conservative?

Yesterday I posted something on someone's blog, and they responded with something like, "All of these emerging church people are really just political liberals."

Regardless of where I find myself at any moment on the political spectrum, here's something that amazes me: I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. The person who labeled me as a liberal is also a follower of Jesus. YET, he used political terms to define my biblical position on specific things that are of importance to me and to the ways of Jesus.

In other words, it was important that he label me in order to minimalize my position... I am beginning to believe that Christ followers in America will have a very limited ability to be heard by society unless we are willing to suggest that the ways of Jesus (and the kingdom of God) are not embodied by one political party.

And labeling other Christians as liberals or conservatives does nothing to speak honestly about our cause.

Sunday MORNING for breakfast...

This coming Sunday morning we are gathering in the morning instead of at night. We'll be meeting at the home of Jessica (in Holland).

Time: 10 a.m. for breakfast with worship following. Take something to share --> we like to eat well. :)

Directions to Jessica's house:
address -- 7 West 29th Street.

To get here from Hudsonville, take Chicago Drive toward the Lake.
Chicago Dr. becomes 8th street.
At Central Avenue turn Left.
At 29th Street turn Right.
My house is on the corner (right) of 29th and Central directly across from Lakeshore Vineyard Church.

As for parking, it would probably be easier for everyone if people carpool, but you can park on the right (North) side of 29th street.

Million Dollar Baby

Watched the movie tonight... powerful. Real powerful.

Travis Swierenga always says that people are messy. He's right.

And the more we get to know people, the more we want to protect them. We want to pretent everything is o.k. when they may not be. We'd rather not face the truth and really work on fixing or improve problems.

I think that's partly why McLaren has taken so much grief. He cares so deeply about the church, and he knows things are a mess. Perhaps they have always been a mess, but at least he's not pretending that it's not a mess.

Over the past months I've noticed the brokenness of relationships within my own life, and they don't just get better no matter how much I wish it. Real fixing takes hard work. Real hard work.

My guess is that sometimes we don't like sanctification much because it's hard. We don't really want to become better followers of Jesus because we will have to show our colors. We'll have to show our brokenness, and we'll have to show our passion for the ways of Jesus rather than the ways of this world.

Life is too short even if we have eternity; let's get on with the ways of the kingdom my friends.

Please.

No. Really.

McLaren, Wittmer, Dobson...

So, Brian began the conference with these words, "My whole life is committed to Jesus as Lord." For those of us who still really question Brian's motives, what word within that phrase don't we understand enough to be disalarmed or disarmed?

While I much appreciated all three of the presenters, the audience frustrated me a bit. McLaren, Wittmer, and Dobson were all thoughtful, passionate about the gospel and the people of God, and respectful of one another. They could have been more adversarial, and yet they chose to show a mutual respect for one another. Above everything said on Monday, their examples of humility was refreshing and an example for all of us who were present.

On the other hand, as someone sitting in the middle of the second row, I could easily hear the 'ooohs' and 'aahs' of the audience. It was as if people felt the need to pick sides. I sensed: Either you are for or against this emerging church thing. Either you are for our way of approaching the biblical text or you are against us.

Really? Is this what God has called pastoral brothers and sisters to be? We are either for or against one another based on the writings of McLaren, Dobson, and Wittmer? The frustrating irony was that these guys were not the people who were trying to drum up the ranks to choose sides. It seemed more like acid reflux. Some of those within the audience couldn't help themselves.

This past week has given me enough theological reflection for a month; so I'll be writing more over the next couple of weeks, but two thoughts stand out for me.

Professor Wittmer suggested that "sometimes the emerging church goes too far to make its point. I just don't think we need to go so far to make the point."

Steve Argue, in his refections on the Monday's conversation, suggests that people 'fear.'

While I can and should hear what Wittmer is saying regarding 'go[ing] too far to make a point,' here is what I fear:

I fear a church that doesn't want to go far enough with its parctical (lived-out) theology. It wants to be safe. It wants to embrace an orthodoxy that is true as it attempts to be faithful. Yet, as it exists in the center of society as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, it increasinly fails to speak and live at the margins of society.

While we once (1900's) embraced female missionaries traversing the African nations and connecting with the leper colonies, we have largely failed to traverse the AIDS communities, the homosexual communities, and the racial barriers within our own neighborhoods. Right here in West Michigan.

For me to hear brothers with different skin color tell me that Grand Rapids is a racist place... that breaks my heart. I can not pray the words, "Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" enough. I can not allow my life to be a shell that allows those things to continue as I have expereinced them.

My children must know that the priorities of Jesus are different than what we have previously promoted. While my children will undoubtedly know brokenness and pain, they must also see that reconciliation is possible between people of different skin colors. They must also see that there is room in the West Michigan churches for the 'lepers' among (whoever they may be).

If we are not willing to live the kingdom life along the margins, we may as well simply hope for a God that gets our butts into heaven and expects nothing more of us. While our theology must remain biblical, we must be willing to face our fears and address our own brokenness.

The brokenness of my own attitude toward people with AIDS, people with different sexual orientations, and people of different skin colors have moved to the top of my priority list. While these are different issues, my heart breaks for my own attitudes that need serious adjustment. Am I afraid? A bit. But not too much either. If I REALLY believe in a sovereign God, then what is to fear? Either we are going to increasingly believe in the stuff we are smoking (aka gospel) or we are not.

God go with us!

Tonight we celebrated with Lighthouse Village as they moved into their new (to them) building. May the Spirit be among you friends!

Water's Edge Meets at the Lighthouse

Sunday, September 11, "we are gathering with another faith community, Lighthouse Village, to celebrate as they move into a new building (new for them).

Since they worship at 5 p.m., we will gather at out space at 4:15 p.m. and travel together to their facility.
[It is located at 1110 Monroe - just south of Leonard on the east side of the street.]

Food: They are similar in nature to us; they like to eat. So, consider taking some finger food to share. For those going, let’s consider stopping somewhere after their gathering for dinner together.

Side note: Nursery is provided too!"
(via Randy)

Is this the plight of the poor in America?

This week Sunday, September 4, Water's Edge, is gathering at the Vanden Bosch home for breakfast INSTEAD of our evening gathering.

Breakfast begins at 10 a.m., and we'll conclude with a time of worship... their home is located at 4372 Shady Oak Court, Hudsonville (Use Mapquest.com for directions.)

Experiencing God's vacationland on Friday... yes, this is where I believe God vacations... as we canoe across Lake Louise in beatiful Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada)

Today I had quite the day... mostly good stuff mixed with experiencing broken relationships and broken life around me. As we try to embody the kingdom in the small parts of the world where we find ourselves, I found myself crying out and praying these words tonight...

"Lord God, make me an instrument of your peace."

I believe that peace embodies more than just being calm, or a lack of war, or sensing a degree of wholeness... if it is really shalom, it can only be attained by living within kingdom boundaries... and it seems more Christlike than ripping on people or pointing out sins or being more holy than the sinners... Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Ramblings...

--> On Saturday night with the sun long gone down, my three year old son falling asleep on my lap as we sit on on a beautiful Michigan beach, I say, "Jaden, who made the stars?" He perks up almost instantly, looks up, and clearly states, "God."

Funny how we often keep kids from the communion table. At water's edge, we don't. I am thankful for this. I think my boy (or God's boy) is getting this kingdom stuff as he lives among people serving the king. For those of you in Jaden's life, thanks! It means more than you know.

--> Today I saw an incredibly violent accident. Two cars collided at 50 m.p.h. Two 17 year old girls in a Cresida and one 30 something guy in a day old (no kidding) BMW. Three people could have been killed, but all three walked away. The Spirit allowed me to be available to witness the crash, call 911, and console a few young ladies until a dad arrived. I was honored to be part of those 30 minutes... today I was reminded that the kingdom is at hand. Someone should have been seriously hurt.

--> On Sunday night at our gathering we had two guests. The Kingma's (Jim and Karen if I remember correctly) joined us. They spoke into our lives, gave us great energy to continue re-imagining church and the ecclesiology that too often limits our ability to be missional. They also prayed! They layed hands on us, and they prayed for the few of us who are part of this goofy group of people following Jesus in slightly different ways. Kingma's --- if you read this --- thanks! You were voices of encouragement from the heavens. No kidding.

truth = perspective + relationship + reality

Randy's on target to point out the obvious 'truth' that the scriptures are all about things that happened to people and how God made ways for people to know and experience God and to learn how to live--to really live--as part of the rest of creation. I think the issue of truth is important, but not in the ways that I've heard that it was important in the past. This may help point out part of the problem in the conversation between those who are coming from a more modern/enlightenment/foundationalist perspective and those who are coming from a post-modern/post-enlightenment/post-foundationalist perspective--we're not talking about the same thing when we say 'truth.'

For me, truth used to be something you could possess. It was propositional, absolute, and undeniable--it was there for me to stand on. Truth was like Gibraltar. I saw postmodernity (through the eyes of watchmen of modernity) as quicksand. If postmodernity thought there was truth at all it would be like warm Jello: slippery, slimey, oozey. These ways of thinking and talking about truth objectify truth--they make it into a thing.

I think now that truth is like holding someone's hand. I remember the first time I held Torie's hand. Actually, a fonder memory is the first time we almost held hands. It was thrilling. So much mystery, so much fear and trembling. So much love (really wanting the best for her) and desire (wanting to be loved by her). We were walking back from the fireworks show over Lake Michigan and there were sparks flying of the tips of our fingers as they brushed against each other with each stride. We didn't take hold. We brushed knuckles.

We held hands the next day, and got married six years later.

When I hold Torie's hand, I experience someone who is there--really there. I don't have to recite a mantra, "She's there. She's there. She's really, really there." I'm not hung up on proving to everyone--or even myself--that she's there beside me--not a rock or a foundation or a pile of quicksand, but a living, breathing, growing, relating person.

When I hold Torie's hand, I hear what she's saying to me when we talk--or not. I don't know what she's thinking until she tells me--and even then there is often misunderstanding, miscommunication--but the more I know her, the more I can pick up on unspoken communication. My perspective on what she is saying is shaped by a long history of experiences as I learn how to better interpret the spoken and unspoken ways of communication. We get better at it, but I find that I am still often wrong about what she's feeling and thinking about--and so we talk more and understand each other better.

There's so much that can be picked apart in this analogy by those who care to, but for me, to reduce truth to abstract statements is not only unhelpful and unsatisfying, it is unreal. It may even be a form of idolatry--replacing a mysterious relationship with God with propositions one can place respectfully on a shelf (think about how 'absolute truth' can become an idol...). We all trust something and/or someone--maybe even many 'someones'--so let's just be honest about it get busy living.

As you brush knuckes with Reality, may sparks fly between your fingertips.

experience = biblical truth

Don't quote me on that title; I simply wanted to be provocative. My experience does not really equal the stories of the Scripture, but they are similar. They share the same story.

Adam and Eve learned to walk with God after the fall; Abraham was faithful. God walked with his people. Fast forward. Mary and Joseph were faithful. Twelve disciples became seventy who became thousands, and the were faithful; and the story of God with his people continued.

Fast forward. I have a Bible from my grandmother's great grandpa. I am the fifth generation to have that Bible. The story of God with his people runs deep in my family. It runs very deep.

So, I am reading D.A. Carson's book on the emerging church, and he's critical of those who suggest experience is of great value and perhaps even trumps the Bible.

Pause.

I'm about ready to pull my fricken hair out of my head. Why does this disturb me so much?

IS not the Bible a collection of stories of God with his people that have endured generations? Were these events as recorded in the Bible not experiences of Adam, Eve, Abraham, Deborah, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Peter, Paul, and John?

Did not God reveal himself through his creation, through the life of his Son, and through the writers of every page of the Bible? Yes, yes, yes.

These are stories. These are truths. These are the experiences of God with his people. Do we not believe that the Spirit of the living God continues to guide his people?

To suggest that experience and the truth of the Scriptures are different things is to tell God that he no longer reveals himself to his people. I wonder how generations learned of God when they could not read? I wonder what I would believe if it were not for the life of four incredible grandparents who lived the kingdom of God before my very eyes.

I lived into the story of God with his people as it was revealed to Andrew & Gert and Rhine & Gert by their parents and grandparents and generations before. I was born into the story of God.

So, to suggest that experience is something that is held above biblical truth is absurd. Biblical truth always enlightens experience as we move forward. Likewise, the living Spirit of God enlightens our lives when the Bible doesn't have clear answers.

To suggest that our experience is of little value questions the ability of the Spirit to direct God's people. It questions the very sovereignty of God, and it suggests that my story is worthless unless it adheres to the text in exactly the same manner as the biblical theologian who foregoes the experience of the Spirit with his people.

So, at the end of the day, who is more faithful? Perhaps this is a confusing and frustrating argument for you, and that is half of my point. At the end of the day, does God embrace us or not?

At the end of the day, people such as Carson can beat us up, but it's really only God's faithfulness that he's calling into question. Really.

(Don, I wish you would have returned some phone calls before you wrote that book.)

Fireflies in the night...

Last night I finished mowing the lawn in the dark. It was an adventure to guess where the weeds were growing that needed trimming. As I finished the lawn, the fireflies began to come alive. They flickered as if they were lighting the way for the entire neighborhood.

Tonight I went to the funeral home for a friend who was overcome by cancer cells earlier this week. His name is Matt Ringerwole, and he now lives in the perfect presence of God. Seven months from a well trained Navy man body to his last breath.

I don't get it. I see the kingdom in fireflies, but then I see pain in the eyes of a sister who has lost her only brother to cancer. I want to believe that the kingdom of God is at hand. I do beleive. But then I wonder if just hoping to get to heaven is an easier option to believe...

... help me out here. I need your assurance...

Andrew Jones recently spoke about emergence... Phil Goodacre has some great notes that are worth a minute of your time.

A small piece from the notes:

A definition of ministry was presented that seems so simple, but is really quite profound:
1. giving gifts
2. telling stories
3. throwing parties
4. making friends

Read more by clicking here.

~ On another front, Joel and I have been quite absent from this blog over the past two months. First, our blog had technical issues, and then we have been busy with job changes as well as several trips. We'll be posting more over the summer.

Blessings.

Via Randy...

Hi Water’s Edge Friends,

THIS Sunday night, June 26, we are serving dinner to the Serve kids. We need to be serving the burgers and dogs by 5 p.m. Thus, we are meeting at 3:45 p.m. at the Hudsonville ‘ride share’ lot. If you would rather simply do directly to Gun Lake, the directions are below.

Ride Share Lot: located on 32nd Avenue on the west side of the road - between Burger King and US I-196 (highway).

Please let me know if you are able to join us.

Directions to Yankee Springs Recreation Area
FROM GRAND RAPIDS & Points NORTH (& WEST)
1. South on US 131 to Exit 61 (Bradley, Hopkins)
2. Turn Left onto M-179 (Chief Noonday Rd.)
3. Approx. 7 miles to S. Briggs Rd. turn-off
4. Headquarters is approximately .6 miles on right
5. Gun Lake Campground & Day Use Area entrance .1 miles further on right.
\http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.754071,-85.584869&spn=0.357468,0.682526&saddr=107+La+Grave+Ave+Se+Grand+Rapids,+MI+49503-4207&daddr=2104+S.+Briggs+Road+Middleville+MI+49333&hl=en
Next Sunday, July 3 - w.e. is meeting in the morning again. Breakfast is 10 a.m., and worship will begin around 10:30 a.m.

Blessings,
randy

Kids of water's edge eating ice cream on Sunday night -- Is life good or what!

Summer Schedule

On the First Sunday of the month, we will be meeting IN THE MORNING.

Arrive at 10:00am for breakfast nibblies, and we'll start our worship gathering around 10:32am or so.

The rest of the month, we're meeting a half hour later than normal. 5:00pm snacks & conversation / 5:30pm worship together.

I've told you. Tell your friends. Tell your mother.

Joel and I just got back from eight days (six for Joel) of exploring the creation of our Creator & the church in Costa Rica. Here's the sanctuary where we worshipped together on Sunday morning (& afternoon). I'll be posting more over the next weeks(s).

Ross, over at Less Travelled, has two amazing posts. The first is from May 6, 'peace,' and the other is from May 4 entitled 'weight.'

GO and read these two posts! Read them out loud. They sing. They are amazing. Be amazed at the goodness and talent and fullness of the Spirit-- amazing words written by a child of God.

!!!Click here!!!

justice and mercy...

I am afraid that we've become Republicans and Democrats and we've given up on biblical justice and mercy. Either it's too hard to really think through or we don't care. Or we think we're right because we believe that we are justified to completely fit within one of the political fortresses.

I hope I am wrong, but I believe we've bought into the idea that one side has it mostly right, and the other side has it mostly wrong. Once we buy the goods of whatever political party we end up with, then we can hear how hard 'our side' really works for justice and mercy.

It is justice and mercy for which they strive, but it's not from the perspective of the gospel. I want to see our hearts break for injustices; I want us to strive for the things of Jesus. I want us to care so deeply for life that abortion seems out of place for life within the kingdom and capital punishment and wars for the sake of nation building are also equally out of place.

... and it doesn't become simply a matter of finding new 'rights and wrongs' independent of the two dominant political parties. That wasn't Jesus point when he pointed out sins and brokenness. He also treated people, regardless of their sins, with great gentleness and respect.

Call these liberal ideas; call them conservative. Call them what you want. It's my belief that Jesus called the people who followed 'disciples.'

Ratzinger Quote:

"The church must renounce worldly principles and standards in order to accept the truth, and the way it must go will always lead to some form of martyrdom. It is important for us to realize that we cannot bring about unity by diplomatic maneuvers. The result would be a diplomatic structure based on human principles. Instead, we must open ourselves more and more to God. The unity that he brings about is the only true unity. Anything else is a political construction, and it will be as transitory as all such constructions are. This is the more difficult way, for in political maneuvering, people themselves are active and believe they can achieve something. But we must wait on God, and we must go to meet him by cleansing our hearts."

- Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger: spoken in 1995 to Johann Christoph Arnold author of Sex, God, & Marriage

Scripture Gets Left Behind Again

Watching NBC's latest biblical fumble might be offensive if it wasn't so pitiful. There are likely some people out there, maybe quite a few, who think NBC has an agenda against the church. I think that the truth might be that they are just ignorant when it comes to the Bible. They are trying their hand at producing 'Christian' religious programming but just can't seem to 'get it.' The problem is that they don't seem too concerned to ask for help.

Looking back at NBC's offerings of Noah's Ark and the latest 'Revelations' (one might also include ABC's 'Judas' in this genre of 'biblically illiterate made-for-TV-movies') suggests to me that there is not a malevolent agenda, but a failure to try to learn what the stories and messages of the scriptures are actually saying. I seem to remember that Lot showed up in the Noah's Ark movie. Did they even read Genesis?

One thing I want to say to NBC is that the last book of the Christian scripture is 'Revelation' (singular), not 'Revelations' (plural). When you screw up the title, you can't expect much from the rest of the project.

The next thing I noticed involves the promotion of the series. The tagline was, "The greatest story ever told...has a final chapter." Apparently NBC never made it there. Now, I'm one who thinks that the Left Behind movies (and books) are nonsense--sorry folks, but the interpretation of scripture Jenkins and LaHaye use is just not good interpretation at all (ask any reputable New Testament scholar)--but at least they tried their hand at interpreting the text. NBC's 'Revelations' doesn't seem to be trying to use the text at all--aside from their transitional (mis)quotes of various texts, whose contexts are completely and astonishingly disregarded. I want to laugh. I want to cry.

Not only is this series ignoring the actual text is it supposed to be portraying, it is not even attempting good writing--at least what I've seen so far. Wouldn't a good writer be interested, in this kind of story, in the source material? If this story is an attmept to court evangelical viewers (honestly, if that is what you are attempting NBC, you're doing about as good as George Bush is at 'winning hearts and minds' in Iraq), at least respect the material.

I know NBC is capable of finding great writers. I've seen it in some episodes of West Wing, Homocide:Life on the Street, and even ER. So why can't NBC, who seems so interested in getting ratings from among the 'newly discovered evangelical Christians' in America, get their best writers and producers together with some actual Old and New Testament scholars and theologians like Walter Bruggemann, N.T. Wright, Stan Hauerwas, and Rowan Williams--heck, they'd be doing great to talk with Bob Lowery, John Castelein, and Gary Hall in little Lincoln, Illinois!--and put together some really good art?

Maybe that's too much to expect.

I hope our understanding of the kingdom of God is bigger than this...

I think 'LiveStrong' is at least equally biblical as 'DieSaved' and probably a bit more compelling too.

Kylie Joy Schelhaas! -- the most recent addition to the water's edge family (born 3/29)

Smelling spring...

From somebody who grew up with his crib in the greenhouses, I have always loved spring. Flowers blooming in March & April always made us anxious for flowers to be blooming outdoors as well. We were always a bit spoiled with the sunshine pushing the temperature above 80 on regular occasions during those early months of spring. Of course, greenhouse temperatures took several months to make their way outdoors.

I'm smelling spring. I'm no longer in the greenhouses, but sugar peas got planted in the garden last week with the help of my two growing blessings (aka kids). A campfire last night felt like we're on the way to bathwater lakes and humid nights. Several friends are doing pretty well in their fights with cancer... and lots of life changes are facing the people of water's edge.

We have people considering career changes, and others well on their way in this process. We have new furniture in our space that is making things look and feel quite different when we gather, and... we continue to sense the leading of the Spirit.

Reflecting on Mark 5 and our conversation last night:
~ What a great conversation. Kathy and I came home knowing that God blessed our time together!
~ It is my prayer that you have the faith to believe that the Spirit is moving in your life this week! The Spirit moves when we have faith - experience a week of God's presence. Believe!

the death of Pope John Paul II - from a protestant's view

It's all to easy to see the mourning and disregard it. Today I sense the morning, and I am deeply touched by the Spirit.

I sense the morning of a new day. Spring is fully alive in Michigan, and new life and renewed life is on the fast track. Less than a week after Easter, and John Paul II is experiencing a new morning. The fullness of the kingdom of God is upon him! Even with my two most beautiful kids playing almost at my feet, I am a bit envious. Karol Wojtyla now knows the presence of God in ways that I still hope and dream. And yet...

And yet, I sense the goodness of God now! I have a son that is saying, "Look daddy." He's finished a new puzzle for his first time, and at two this is quite a feat. My daughter is full of life as spring break from school has her running in the sun. And yet...

And yet, I also weep for my fellow brothers and sisters who are part of the Roman Catholic church. Their leader has died. Honestly, I don't get the entire papal thing. It doesn't make much sense to most protestant minds as we've understood the apostolic thing quite differently that them. And yet...

And yet, they have a tradition. An amazing tradition that has elected a leader for the church since the time of Peter the disciple of Christ. They've looked toward one person as the leader of the church. Amazing.

I've been picturing through TIME magazine this day. The issue is dedicated to Pope John Paul II. I've been alive 38 years, and I remember his election back when I was in 7th or 8th grade. I remember sensing significance was happening at that time.

This man of God helped shape the world. While he was traditional on things that I wish he would have changed, he cared deeply for world peace, for the plight of the poor, for justice, for mercy, for goodness and for kindness. There is really very little that we (or catholics) could have asked of him beyond what he gave. He gave us much.

REGARDLESS of my thoughts about the papacy, he was an INCREDIBLE MAN OF GOD! That may sound like shouting, but I am in awe! I hurt for my catholic brothers and sisters, and I commit myself to holding them in my prayers as they move forward.

Christ prayed that we would be one, that we would seek unity within his bride. Let us comet together as the twelve scatterd tribes. Let us mourn. Let us pray. And let us dance and celebrate the life and resurrection of Karol Wojtyla!

Ralston Bowles - home grown Grand Rapids musician!

I've spent the past four days at home with my sick two year old; tonight Kathy sent me out to get some fresh air and time to myself. We had been planning on going to hear Ralston in concert at Schuler Book together. So, I took my other self instead.

What a great night of live music - my lungs feel full - breath breathed into my being.

Quirky and somewhat schizophrenic to me how the evangelical church has come to understand 'proclamation' as only the Sunday sermon. For every two songs that I heard tonight, I lived into a story of life, and I lived into proclamation.

[if you're looking for a great new kind of music to add to your collection, click here]

Good Friday...

"At the height of his game, Jesus took time to teach the disciples the valuable lesson that being the Messiah meant he was the chief servant. His plan for global world domination was not through a sword or a chariot but through a bucket and a towel." Will Samson

Just another reminder of my invitation for you all (and anyone reading this blog) to join us (over at Jenison Christian) in a unique worship service at sunset on Good Friday. Several folks from Jenison Christian are developing a creative worship service that invites us to think about the day between Jesus’ crucifixion and his resurrection, and to respond to God in worship. This will be a quiet service, so we will provide child care for younger children.

read the following tonight...

Those who benefit the most from a society have a moral duty to bear the greatest burden of taxes to maintain that society.

thanks...
Had the opportunity to have several powerful conversations today. It reminded me of the goodness that I've experienced over the past four years on this journey... this journey of being part of a new faith community, this journey of experiencing an ecumenical faith community, this journey of embracing the kingdom of God in ways that I never dreamed... and the list of goodness goes on beyond those few things...

For those of you who have been part of this journey through involvement in water's edge or through other forms of emerging church conversation, thanks! The life of my family is far richer than I ever dreamed or imagined --> and I think we're just getting started.
~ randy

Our community is tackling the gospel of Mark these days... or maybe I should say that it is tackling us. I'm increasingly sensing that we're listening to the ways of Jesus and the language of the kingdom.

At this moment I'm watching a DVD of Rich Mullins... I long to meet and greet him someday. He's helped my family know the reality of the kingdom in greater ways than if we hadn't known his songs as well as his challenging of the established church, his challenging of being politically 'right' and being a Christ follower... When I first heard Rich in concert regarding these challenges, I remember the audience chucking a bit.

I believe my theology is increasingly about the life of Jesus and the reality of the kingdom, and Rich was right. He knew both of these realities better than most of us. When I am at God's best, I long for that kind of reality in my life.

We've got a long ways to go, and we need the reality of the kingdom to reshape our lives, our politics, and what we consider to be the church of Jesus Christ... Let us go forward with the same passion that shaped the saints of yesterday!

"boyz @ play" / photograph rights of anna buist

The Ultimate in Seeker Sensitive... this proved to be a farce, but still~
Not unrelated to Joel's post yesterday, we have a church now selling sky boxes and reclining chairs...

FRESNO — On Sunday morning at the 18,000-member Calvary Church, tithers flash green Costco-like cards at greeters, who let them in early and usher them to special seating areas. "The seats have more padding, and they recline... read the whole story here. http://www.larknews.com/february_2005/secondary.php?page=4

Just read the transcript of the Larry King interview with Brian McLaren, TD Jakes, Tim & Beverley LaHaye, and Franklin Graham. I stopped and almost choked when I read this:

KING: Does the Christian church care about Social Security, tax, war in Iraq?

T. LAHAYE: No. We care about moral values.

hmmmmm.... does anyone else see a problem here? This is the guy who made millions on the Left Behind series--the series of wildly popular books about the end of the world based on a theology that this world is a place that Christians ought to try to escape (and so who cares about Social Security, tax, war in Iraq, etc?).

If you have any of his books in your library, sell them and go buy Jim Wallis' "God's Politics."

From the mouth of a child... (chapter 1)
Tonight while laying next to my daughter as I tucked her into bed, I told her about some friends who are moving elsewhere. She doesn't know them real well, and yet... she got tears in her eyes as I told her.

Here's what struck me... she was saddened immediately. A small part, and yet somehow a signficant part, of her life is going to change. She cares. There is something about community that kids get... as in they get it.

As we grow up we become individulistic consumers who are concerned about our well being, and we too often lose sight of community. The world becomes about me and my problems instead about us and our problems.

And I'm afraid that the most tragic part of losing this sense of community is that we lose corporate identity (the meaning of real church), and we lose the corporate wisdom that goes along with being God's people together.

... just a few thoughts...

Prayers for Mark Palmer please...
We prayed for Mark's wife, Jen, a few years ago when it was found that she had cancer... Since then Mark has gotten remarried... he recently found out that he has a tumor, and treatments are beginning... sigh.

Please pray for healing for Mark, for strenght for his wife Amy, and God's peace for their son Micah.

Here's a link to Mark's blog: http://www.livejournal.com/~palmerlp/

what I'm wondering about today...

how do we cooperate better?
how do we work with and network existing initiatives and organizations who are working toward these things?
is there a need for a central information and resource center (website? brick and mortar hq? what?)?
how do we work together better and start cooperating instead of competing? how do we start thinking and operating as 'the church of west michigan'? how might we work cooperatively with other groups for the sake of the world around us?

just thinking about the implications for practice from a theology of "inaugurated eschatology"...

just thinking about the implications of Isaiah 65:17-25 and the prayer, "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"...

Brian sharing from his heart...

Jon & Mike leading us in songs...

worshipping in the garage...

Sunday night we told stories, worshipped, and shared communion with Brian Wolthuis & friends (from Holland, MI)

Sorry I Missed Jim Wallis

I wish I had been able to hear Jim speak. As I reflect on the past four years (since 9/11), I think the three most clear tactics of the current administration have been: 1) to perpetuate and stir up fear (not only the "War on Terror," but also with Iraq, during the election, and now with Social Security, 2) to position themselves as the champions ('saviors?') against those fears, and 3) to trade (even using the language of 'political capital') on those fears, acting unilaterally and without accountability (even casually dismissing challenges to its false pretenses for war by blaming bad intelligence).

Besides apparent arrogance and deception, the thing that really bothers me is the use of fear-mongering as a tactic for political strong-arming. Not a new tactic, to be sure, but certainly not reflective of the politics of the reign of God. What are we teaching ourselves about where to look for solutions, let alone salvation?

Jesus' response to Israel's nationalistic agenda pointed out the folly of trying to make a solution for themselves. What they needed was to trust God through the time of testing--to trust that God would act to rescue them. Their responsibility was to re-present the way of love and blessing to the world around them--to embody the justice of God rather than to mete out their own form of it. Let evil do its worst, but do not share in it; then God will vindicate you as the one who is right. That's what Jesus did by going to the cross--he trusted God through the worst that evil could do, and that God would vindicate him and his way of being Israel. Indeed, his way of being human.

Of course, governments are all flawed because the people who make them up are flawed. Of course, protecting its citizens from those who intend to do them harm is an important role of governments. It is complex both practically and ethically. But for me and my fellow disciples of Jesus, we must choose not to be led by fear to make 'solutions' for ourselves that cause us to participate in the cycle of evil. Our 'Way' is to let evil do its worst, trusting God to deliver us through it. That doesn't mean that we don't challenge evil--it simply means we refuse to participate in it for the sake of so-called security--or for any other reason.

Jim Wallis...

Today I had the opportunity to hear Jim Wallis (of Sojourners) speak at Western Seminary. He has a new book coming out this week... As I listened to him speak today, I got chills running through my body.

When I listen to him, I hear a strong & compelling voice. I also hear somebody who is about the things of Jesus.

Part of his challenge was this: If we as Christians in America are about the ways of Jesus, then why are we not taking the commands of Jesus in regard to being peacemakers seriously? Why have we been seduced into believing that pre-emtive strikes around the globe are our way of being America? As if this is our best way of existence.

In addition, he noted that George Bush is a committed Christian; he is living a transformed life. He is a follower of Jesus. Where he is wrong - he has bad theology.

Food for thought for now...

Steve Camp on McLaren's "Generous Orthodoxy"

Last night I was reading thru Doug Pagitt's recent blog entries. One in particular drew my attention. It's entitled The Battle Begins - Take Your Battle Positions. It's an article suggesting that 2005 will be a year in which the emerging church conversation, and Emergent in particular, will get hit by evangelicals pushing against emerging efforts. It's certainly worth a read.

With all that said, one of Doug's links in the article points to the website of Christain musican Steve Camp. Throughtout the article Steve is less than appreciative of Brian McLaren's recent book, "A Generous Orthodoxy."

I was ticked reading through what Steve has posted in web-land. So, I postured for battle. NO. Wait. I despise that terminology. I attempted to posture for healthy brotherly dialogue.

Out of a small chance that Steve might actually reply to my e-mail, I took a few minutes and crafted a short letter. Over the past 24 hours I've gotten two responses. I've had to delete a lot of Christ-less thoughts that I've typed. In the midst of experiencing my own brokenness, I've gotten two responses that I believe are worthy of your time... if nothing else, they suggest that words of kindness and real concern trump battle postures.

Of course, I believe that was also part of the gospel message. So, we shouldn't really be surprised. If it is God's way, it is good.

The five e-mails to date follow:

On 1/4/05 2:32 AM, "RandyBuist" wrote:
I write this letter to Steve Camp… I hope it finds his inbox.

Mr. Steve Camp,

I’ve been a fan throughout the years. I was a student at Calvin College in Grand Rapids (so I know Calvinism & reformed thinking) back in the late 1980’s when I saw you in concert.

Tonight I was directed to your website regarding Brian McLaren’s “Generous Orthodoxy.” (For background, I am a dad, an apprentice of Jesus, deeply committed to orthodox Christianity, and a church leader.) I was struck by part of the websites greeting at the top, “..it’s all about Him.” Then I was reading through your review of McLaren’s book, and I read your penned words, “His words are familiarly vacant of genuine biblical truth and principle.”

I wonder if you have ever met Brian? I wonder if you have ever conversed with Brian? As a brother in Christ, I would hope that you could answer yes to both of those questions prior to writing the words that you did. Your words imply that you know the heart of the author. As a follower of Jesus, that kind of judgment, without ever sharing a meal with the one you accuse, seems dangerous… dangerously slippery in your terms.

Back to that Calvin concert back in the 1980’s… I remember a lady a few years older than yourself coming up to you after your part of the show. (I believe Steve Taylor followed you.) That woman challenged your choice of clothing for the night. She suggested it was a bit too revealing. Thinking back, I believe it was a black outfit – maybe all black with spandex? Regardless of the outfit, she had also drawn quite a conclusion about your heart as a result of your clothing choice. I remember overhearing the conversation, and I remember thinking, “She doesn’t really know the heart of Steve.” I didn’t draw a quick conclusion based on one aspect of your person, and neither should you without spending enough time to know the heart of Brian.

I have come to know Brian well enough to know his heart is passionately chasing after the heart of Jesus. He’s also helped many people experience and live within the story of God. For any of us to flippantly write things about fellow brothers in Christ does nothing to further the cause of Christ. When John Calvin burned Armenians at the stake, it did nothing for the cause of Christ either. Nothing. I would hope you seriously re-evaluate your position.

In His Grip,
Randy Buist

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Camp [mailto:stevecamp@audienceone.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 9:00 AMTo: RandyBuistSubject: Re: in love...

Dear Randy:

Thank you for your kind and gracious email. I very much appreciate the words you shared and thank you for taking me down memory lane a bit too. (I have never worn spandex... But I used to wear black jeans or sweats when performing with a band.)

About this article concerning Brian McLaren’s beliefs, books and convictions. Being in public ministry for many years now, if I release a CD or even a book, articles, interviews, etc. if someone disagrees with me or doesn’t like a certain song or something, do they have the duty to come to me in person first, have coffee with me, site one on one with me to hear my heart before they can write or say anything about my convictions or beliefs? Of course not. They should have heard my heart in all of those writings and I must be willing to stand by the message represented in those things. If I am not willing to take whatever constructive criticism and encouragement that comes from releasing those views, then I should not be in public ministry. Even if someone is heated, caustic, abrasive, rude or downright vulgar in their response to me, I still can learn from their words and the Lord will use it in my sanctification in conforming me to Christ. God is sovereign and I trust Him in those things.

In the same way, I have read several of Brian McLaren’s books, been on numerous websites reading his words about his beliefs, and have also read several interviews he had done as well. I do my homework and believe in going right to primary sources in trying to understand someone’s doctrinal convictions and beliefs. It is incumbent upon me to do so. I never made a comment about Brian’s personal life, nor would I. He is probably a dedicated Dad, a loving husband, a good friend to many and a sincere gentleman. I did comment very positively in the article about his ability to communicate, his winsome manner that comes through his material, etc. But what I was most surprised about after reading well over 1,000 pages of material and then rereading much of it was his lack of biblical foundation in virtually everyone of his doctrinal suasions and moorings. He has to stand by what he writes and believes and must be willing to take careful scrutiny to heart in that process. He is a public communicator and I hope that would read my review-and there is more coming-and honestly look at what he believes by several of us who are deeply concerned for what he propagates as being orthodox Christianity. This is serious dear brother and he should realize that the character of God, the gospel, the atonement, ecclesiology, etc. are not play things for his amusement.

I hope that one day I can meet Brian and have a chance to get to know him personally. That would be my joy and privilege. But he also must stand up and be counted for what he believes; and what he believes has serious concern.

I know that you must respect D.A. Carson; John MacArthur; John Piper; R.C. Sproul; Al Mohler; etc. All of these dear brothers differ slightly on secondary or tertiary points of doctrine. But on the essentials they are absolutely unified—even though coming from different doctrinal systems and viewpoints. The concern for Brian is that on the essentials of the faith he is wavering and in some instances—uncertain, unclear or even heterodox.

If you know him as well as you say you do, you are in a wonderful God-given position to encourage him to sound doctrine and to even define his beliefs according to the Word of God rather than by his own feelings, experiences, the culture, etc.Thank you for taking the time to dialogue. Again, I appreciate you and your words.

Grace and peace to you,
Steve Camp
2 Cor. 4:5

On 1/4/05 11:16 PM, "RandyBuist" wrote:

Steve,

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I’m not going to disagree with your points of contention. I’m not sure it would be beneficial for either of us.

I will point you in the direction of a thoughtful review from the theological realm, from Professor Craig L. Blomberg of Denver Seminary. It would be worth your time to read. Here’s a link to the site: http://denverseminary.edu/dj/articles2004/0300/0302.php

Two significant concerns for your further consideration: I understand your perspective regarding criticisms. I recognize God’s sovereignty and ability to speak through even those with the nastiest of intents. Still, this doesn’t give us permission to speak however we chose. Foremost, your disregard for Brian’s last name is disrespectful regardless of his beliefs. I am not sure people ever deserve to have their name mistreated. There is something about our names that runs deep within us, and attacks become personal the moment names are involved.

Secondly, given your status within the evangelical community, I don’t believe your current review as it currently reads, is healthy for edification or building up of the body in any way. I’d encourage you to further reconsider your position in light of love for one another and especially our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

In His Grip,
Randy Buist

-----Original Message-----From: Steve Camp [mailto:stevecamp@audienceone.org]
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 12:48 AM
To: RandyBuistSubject: Re: in love...

Dear Randy:

I do appreciate you brother and I thank you for your forthright and yet gracious words.

I don’t know if you noticed or not, but out of respect for your previous correspondence I did remove any play on words with Brian’s last name. My attempt at Limbaugh/Hannity tongue and cheek humor maybe would have played better on radio than in print. That notwithstanding, I made the change so that the content of the article could be read without that discoloration. FYI: Most people did take it in good stride, but the fact that several did not was convicting and as a servant of the Lord I had no option but to remove the offense.

I have also made some minor, yet I think, significant updates on other sections as well. Evidence that none of us have arrived in our sanctification...amen?

Grace and peace to you,
Steve

PS – I will read the review of Professor Blomberg tomorrow. Thank you in advance for your recommendation.

My response at 1 a.m.was simply:

Thanks Steve.
Good night.
randy

... and additional e-mail from Steve in the 25th hour...

Dear Randy:

One brief additional thought before I call it a day – would you consider contacting Brian McLaren and ask him out of Christian love to withdraw his materials for the sake of unity and peace within the evangelical community? You must admit, his writings along with a few others have been more disruptive than edifying.

I would propose that Mr. McLaren come to Nashville to meet with me personally to discuss (have a conversation about) his books and the theology they represent. Secondly, I could assemble from around the country a panel of other ministers, lay leaders, authors, theologians and musicians to come and meet with him to converse about his writings and the doctrinal concerns they evoke. Would he be open to such a meeting and the dialogue that would flow from its gathering? If so, I would withdraw my article and reserve further commentary about his beliefs until we had the opportunity to meet in person.

I realize the probability of this taking place is rare, but it is worth the mention. Whatever influence you could have in this area I would be deeply grateful.

Yours for the Master’s use,
Steve Camp
Col. 1:9-14

~ And I know the theological differences are great. Yet, how do we dialogue with fellow brothers? We must find ways... we must.

Let us pray.
Let us band together and pray for the entire situation that hit the other side of the world last week in the form of Tsunamis.

I've been sick for a couple of days; I'm currently recovering on the couch. Perhaps I am more aware of suffering after a miserable day yesterday... I've been struck while watching CNN today. Sadly, I think this is the fist time that my emotions have been overcome with sadness.

Let us pray. Let us grieve. Let us give. Let us be Christ people.