A Revelation for the Little Children
Matthew 11: 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will …”
The point of the above scripture is not an indictment of education or knowledge, any more than it is an indictment of age. Jesus does say that God revealed the revelation of Jesus Christ to “little children,” but the disciples were not little children, in the literal sense of the word. They were, however, “like little children” in that they were more than willing and ready to admit their total dependency upon God. They were willing and ready to follow Jesus’ teaching. The wise and understanding from whom God hides the revelation of Jesus Christ are those who deem themselves self-sufficient, super wise, and above any need for God. These are the ones who do not see Christ’s revelation; these are the ones from whom God withholds it. The little children who do see it are those who depend upon God and are willing to be taught. To them, God freely reveals all. Read More »
The Stubbornness and The Journey
We are a stubborn lot. Let’s not fool ourselves with grandiose visions of our spiritual selves. We are a notoriously stubborn bunch of people, especially as it concerns matters of faith. Very, very few of us will break from the early patterns we set - or that were set for us - in our spiritual journey. Why do you suppose that is? Why do you suppose we think we have arrived, when in actuality God only extended to us an invitation to begin a life-long journey? We are invited, by God, to join him in a journey that only begins when we humble ourselves and say, “Yes!” The journey begins when we say yes to God! We are all invited to this “Yes!” I wonder, however, why and how so many of us confuse or mistake the invitation for the party? Read More »
March Book and Resource Reviews Coming Soon!
I have no less than eight books sitting on my desk waiting to be reviewed. These books have been sent to me by publishers and/or web marketers specifically for review on Tribe. So, expect a flurry of reviews as I work hard to read and review each of these works over the next two weeks or so. Expect serious reviews for the following titles: Life After Church, by Sanders; Consuming Jesus, by Metzger; Take This Bread, by Miles; The End of Religion, by Cavey; Rising from the Ashes, by Garrison; Surprised by Hope, by N.T. Wright; Thank God for Evolution, by Dowd; Speaking of Faith, by Tippett. Stay tuned!
The Contemporary Relevance of the Anabaptist Faith 4
The following commentary addresses the fourth point as advanced by Myron S. Augsburger in “The Contemporary Relevance of the Anabaptist Faith” (Brethren in Christ History and Life, August 2000), which is: “Engaging the Holy Spirit as Sovereign Presence Beyond Subjective Experiences.”
I consider myself blessed to have studied for five years at a Pentecostal undergraduate college (VFCC). Valley Forge offers a Theological Studies track that is as good as any in the country. The track’s academic requirements and practical expectations are very, very serious. Students are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of their Sophomore, Junior and Senior year to remain in the major. My requirements for the major included 18 credits of Biblical language, a senior research project, and time logged as a TA (Teaching Assistant). These requirements have evolved and broadened a bit since I majored (1999-2004), but they are still very, very demanding, spiritually and intellectually. Read More »
Reading Meme and 123 Plan B
Wess tagged me with the 123 meme. Basically, the meme requires me to grab the book closest to me and punch out an excerpt based on a few rules. The rules of this meme are as follows:
1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating! 2. Find page 123. 3. Find the first 5 sentences. 4. Post the next 3 sentences. 5. Tag 5 people.
So, here is mine:
“Mama, I need to talk to you. It’s important.” So you go in and muster your patience, and you help him with his fears or his thirst, and you go back to the living room and sink into your couch, and then you hear, “Mama? Please come hear one more time.” - Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott
People I’m Tagging. If you already have participated, why not do it again!
Sonja, P. Pete, Ben, Mak, Rich
ASBO Jesus on Loving Neighbor as Much as Self
If you haven’t discovered The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus, serendipity is yours!
… think about the above cartoon for a bit this morning.
We Voted for Obama and We’re Republican!
“We voted for Obama and we’re Republican!” Mr. Fredericksen said. “Obama is the voice of hope and change. We like McCain too, but he doesn’t need our help in this election.” Read more about today’s Potomac Primaries.
Speaking of Faith by Krista Tippett
I was recently sent a great little paperback titled Speaking of Faith: Why Religion Matters - and How to Talk About It, by author and NPR talk show host Krista Tippett. I will be reviewing the book in its entirety as soon as I am finished reading it. I’m halfway through it at this point. It is a refreshingly personal, religiously smart, and spiritually enlightening read. I’m spending a bit of extra time reading it, because it is that good. So, while I complete my read, and work on a proper review, I’ll leave you with a really great excerpt in the meanwhile.
Watch for the review and an interview with the author later this week! Read More »
