This summer I am spending over in Zambia with a christian mission agency CMS Ireland
At the college there is a network of computer's connected to the internet - a few things have been needed to be done.
Printing set up so that students can be given credits and once they are used up then they have to pay for any other printing - this has been set up using a system -papercut They also have, for developing countries a special educational licence which is well worth it - it takes about 1/2 day to set up but the instructions are pretty clear and straight forward - their technical support is great- very helpful online!
My next task was to sort out the library system - my background is in computer programming and especially websites - so I naturally turned to something which has already been designed - I looked at opensource options of PHPlibrary and MyLibrary however I have opted for openbiblio which has proved to be a great choice.
One needs to install a web server - I am using xampp which has Apache server, PHP Scripting and a MySQL database inbuilt again it is simply download it and do what it says
Then I downloaded openbiblio - very simple to install - follow the instructions and you'll be fine!
There a couple of plugins again these are crucial if you want to save yourself hundreds of hours of work - there is a plugin available for openbiblio for amazon and for the library of congress these take the information and stick it into the library database straight away. sooooo good.
A couple more things still to do on the techie side of the placement
- creation of a grade book for the college admin
- Setting up a windows server and the clients
- Creation of a basic guide for theological students
more info on those when it comes
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Early African Reflections
mmm...
Even at this early point in my placement, coupled with previous ventures to this vast Continent this place is full of complete contrasts.
It is such a beautiful place - taking time to soak up the sun in the middle of the day or as it rises or sets - totally magnificent. On the other hand when one progresses through towns around here on the copperbelt you find mammoth piles of debris from the mining industry.
Sitting in Chapel here in college it is a place of faith, of the word of God - The students who have preached on the last couple of evenings have been so good - preaching from the Gospel of Matthew, giving timely warnings to fellow students about the fruit which leaders in the church are to produce and then the call of discipleship which appears throughout the Gospel.
Today has been great as it has given me a chance to sit down and reflect on Africa - a continent which does have its own problems - one just has to look at the BBC website and see the problems - Zimbabwe today comes to mind - I was so mindful of that country when we flew over it on the way here. Please do continue to pray for the people of that nation and also the church there which is facing massive opposition from Government.
In Zambia too the church faces many problems - with many of the people living on under a dollar a day - there are huge problems, but it is progressing - please do remember this place where I am staying - St. Johns Anglican Seminary, the place which trains Anglican priests who will serve the church as Priests and evangelists. We think in CITC, not getting home on a Friday is bad - due to the expansive nature of the country, many of the students only get home at the ends of the terms, they have families hundreds and hundreds of miles away.
I am really looking forward to getting properly stuck in this next week, into classes, Yes, classes! - Looking forward to Ethics and Homiletics as well as taking Practical IT Skills. A few other things are happening over the weekend which I am indeed looking forward to - more about them in my next update.
I am also aware of what is happening at home this weekend, namely Summer Madness - my prayers are with all those attending - especially those from Banbridge - May God speak and may you all listen to Him!
Even at this early point in my placement, coupled with previous ventures to this vast Continent this place is full of complete contrasts.
It is such a beautiful place - taking time to soak up the sun in the middle of the day or as it rises or sets - totally magnificent. On the other hand when one progresses through towns around here on the copperbelt you find mammoth piles of debris from the mining industry.
Sitting in Chapel here in college it is a place of faith, of the word of God - The students who have preached on the last couple of evenings have been so good - preaching from the Gospel of Matthew, giving timely warnings to fellow students about the fruit which leaders in the church are to produce and then the call of discipleship which appears throughout the Gospel.
Today has been great as it has given me a chance to sit down and reflect on Africa - a continent which does have its own problems - one just has to look at the BBC website and see the problems - Zimbabwe today comes to mind - I was so mindful of that country when we flew over it on the way here. Please do continue to pray for the people of that nation and also the church there which is facing massive opposition from Government.
In Zambia too the church faces many problems - with many of the people living on under a dollar a day - there are huge problems, but it is progressing - please do remember this place where I am staying - St. Johns Anglican Seminary, the place which trains Anglican priests who will serve the church as Priests and evangelists. We think in CITC, not getting home on a Friday is bad - due to the expansive nature of the country, many of the students only get home at the ends of the terms, they have families hundreds and hundreds of miles away.
I am really looking forward to getting properly stuck in this next week, into classes, Yes, classes! - Looking forward to Ethics and Homiletics as well as taking Practical IT Skills. A few other things are happening over the weekend which I am indeed looking forward to - more about them in my next update.
I am also aware of what is happening at home this weekend, namely Summer Madness - my prayers are with all those attending - especially those from Banbridge - May God speak and may you all listen to Him!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
RE DIRECT
I Know I have said this before but now it is true - My CMS Ireland Blog is now taking the weight of my postings for the summer - so you had better go there if you are looking any updates and Prayer pointers. Thank you for your interest :-)
My Zambia trip is from 23rd June --> 21st August
It can be found here - My CMSIRELAND BLOG
Robert
McMURRRAAAAYYYYYY or should that be Rev. McMurray now ??? :-p
Tonight, good friend and fellow blogger Gary McMurray was ordained deacon in Dromore Cathedral. The service, I believe was a really prayerful and worshipful time when we prayed for Gary and his future ministry in the Church. The rector of St. Elizabeth's preached an extremely important message of how we were to pray for ministers based upon Timothy thinking about life and the teaching which those in Christian leadership have to carry.
It was also good to see they guys from college again along with John Deane and those who were ordained last year (James and Clare).
Deep Breath now - The next Deacon ordination I will attend will be some for our year even possibly my own D.V. which is a scary prospect :-)
Photos from the ordination tonight can be found on my flickr page
Sermon Preached in Moira Parish - Sunday 15th June 2008
Sunday Morning 10 am Service (Matthew 9:35- 10:8)
Moira Parish – Morning Praise service
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, as we come to your word this day, we pray that you would speak to us, that you would challenge us and that you would lead us closer in our walk with you.
In your name and for your sake we pray.
Amen
When the rector, asked me to preach at this service – on Friday – my immediate reaction, without thinking yes and then once I had put the phone down I thought oh crumbs – What are the readings – what have I let myself in for?
When I got hold of the lectionary and realised it was the Matthew reading that was good – because it was talking about Discipleship – which is great because it allows me the excuse to put up my ‘L’ plates – so right from the start I want to explain that right from the youngest to the oldest we are all learners – that is what the word discipleship means. That is what we are called to do.
I am going to concentrate on the Gospel reading – It is a familiar reading I am sure to many – The themes it contains are huge in the Christian Faith – It speaks of mission, it speaks of who Jesus is and it speaks of discipleship
Before we get into the text, Let us take a look at where passage is set – it is in Matthew’s Gospel which was written from a unique perspective and to show that Jesus was the messiah that the Jews were indeed expecting, it comes after the teaching narrative of the sermon on the mount and directly after a whole passage on miracles and calling of Matthew.
I would like to take a look at the text – If you have a Bible with you may want to follow
Jesus went out teaching, preaching and healing – The three of these things go hand in hand when the gospel is spread.
I often wonder how amazing it would have been alive to have met Jesus in the flesh in Galilee. His ministry is totally key to our understanding of who he is.
The miracles he performed shows and bears witness to who he is – he is shown to have power over nature,
power over Disease
power over death
and ultimately power over sin.
When we move on to the next section when he saw the crowds he had compassion on them – why? Because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd
It is interesting to note here a strange looking word
splanch – nizo- mai – SPLANK NIZO ME
Which is used throughout the NT in regards to Jesus motivation – right in the depth of his being – in his belly –is where he felt for the people and their problems.
For us :
He is the unchangeable – It has been said so many times that I do feel that we can sometimes in our faith grow immune to it – God has compassion on those who are hurting, who are suffering, who are harassed and helpless.
As we move on in this passage – There is a recognition that there is a part for everyone to play in this mission – Jesus once again draws as he does on so many occasions on agricultural imagery – “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”
Notice what he does here – He speaks this to his disciples and the asks them to “ask the lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his field”.
It is here I would like to pause for a moment and ask if anyone has been to theme park – any favourite rides? <> I went to Alton towers last year and had a great time – my favourite rollercoaster is AIR – I managed to get a quick video of it for you taken by someone first hand. Its not that great quality by hopefully you will get the idea.
I am sure, if you haven’t been to alton towers and been on air you’ll not really get what I’m saying, you wont have experienced the same feelings I have for it. My point here is the same in the text we can hear others talking about going places, hear others testimony about what God is doing in this place, in other places but if we don’t take that step to actually say God I want to do it then we wont
This is where us as disciples are challenged – we know that there is a harvest, we know that someone has to do it, we maybe pray to God that he would send someone to work in the field. Little do we know that we might be the answer to our own prayer. If we are already working maybe we are being called to pray for others to help us.
<>
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
As we move into Chapter 10
We see the disciples being told – JUST DO IT – get out there and do the stuff I have shown you – they were given authority to heal raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, preach the message – Jesus gave them the authority.
He also makes provision in this – you will notice that the disciples are not to go alone, they are paired up. In ministry the idea of individuals I don’t think is biblical – having teamwork, another person who you relate well to is key. Someone you can pray with, someone who is ready to help you and you to help them when difficult times someone is key.
The chapter then goes on to speak of provision – and what to take and not take which in our whole idea of going does not sit easy one coat – no bag … I know I’m heading over to Africa next week and I am finding it difficult to stay under BA’s weight restrictions!!
So having said that what are we to do?
Well, I suppose this message this morning is practical
Firstly I believe God has a heart for those who are harassed and hurting this day – He is intimately concerned with the things you are concerned about, he is desiring above all the rest to heal and to restore those who are broken. He desires for that relationship to be restored.
Secondly, I believe that there are those to whom he wants to say – just do it – He is wanting you to get out there and do whatever he has called you to do – It’s not necessarily to become a Church of Ireland Clergy person but it may be to spread the gospel in your place of work, in your school, in your family circumstances wherever.
Finally, I believe he wants to say – don’t worry – I have made provision for you – especially for those who maybe over the summer are heading off overseas or doing some mission service at home – God will provide for all your needs.
We have been given so much – it is our responsibility to give – to the world around – Let’s JUST DO IT and not leave it to someone else to spread the good news – from the youngest here to the oldest we can all talk about God to our friends our work colleagues
Let’s take a moment of silence as we think about what we need to be doing this week, what resources we need to be asking our father for.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would speak into our situations and ask that your would be provider and sustainer of us
Amen.
---- Prayers of intercession ----
Let us pray,
God of gods and Lord of lords,
We come this morning as ourselves, with our faults and our failings, we come with our concerns, our doubts our worries we come before you and declare you as Lord, Lord of this place, lord of this town, lord of our lives.
Father God we come to you on this Fathers’ day and pray for all those who are father’s, we ask you to bless them with patience and love which only you can provide.
Lord God as we look around the world that you have created we see so much beauty, however you have instructed us to pray for those who are in need – we think of those in countries where there is violence, war, disaster and hardship – we pray for those places which hit our headlines on a daily basis – for Zimbabwe, Sudan, Iraq, Afganistan, China, Burma
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for the church,
In our readings we are challenged, regardless of age or background, problems to serve God in whatever way he has called us. We take a moment to pray that God to send workers into the harvest field. Remembering that as disciples we too are called to play our part in the body that is the church.
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
We pray for our community of faith in this place.
Lord Jesus,
You had compassion on those who you saw were in trouble, in grief, in pain – that compassion moved you to action.
We pray for those whom we know who need a touch from the Lord this day. We pray particularly for The Rector and his family at this difficult time and others whom we name in silence.
Loving Lord, Surround those who suffer at this time.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer - Conclude with the Grace
Moira Parish – Morning Praise service
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, as we come to your word this day, we pray that you would speak to us, that you would challenge us and that you would lead us closer in our walk with you.
In your name and for your sake we pray.
Amen
When the rector, asked me to preach at this service – on Friday – my immediate reaction, without thinking yes and then once I had put the phone down I thought oh crumbs – What are the readings – what have I let myself in for?
When I got hold of the lectionary and realised it was the Matthew reading that was good – because it was talking about Discipleship – which is great because it allows me the excuse to put up my ‘L’ plates – so right from the start I want to explain that right from the youngest to the oldest we are all learners – that is what the word discipleship means. That is what we are called to do.
I am going to concentrate on the Gospel reading – It is a familiar reading I am sure to many – The themes it contains are huge in the Christian Faith – It speaks of mission, it speaks of who Jesus is and it speaks of discipleship
Before we get into the text, Let us take a look at where passage is set – it is in Matthew’s Gospel which was written from a unique perspective and to show that Jesus was the messiah that the Jews were indeed expecting, it comes after the teaching narrative of the sermon on the mount and directly after a whole passage on miracles and calling of Matthew.
I would like to take a look at the text – If you have a Bible with you may want to follow
Jesus went out teaching, preaching and healing – The three of these things go hand in hand when the gospel is spread.
I often wonder how amazing it would have been alive to have met Jesus in the flesh in Galilee. His ministry is totally key to our understanding of who he is.
The miracles he performed shows and bears witness to who he is – he is shown to have power over nature,
power over Disease
power over death
and ultimately power over sin.
When we move on to the next section when he saw the crowds he had compassion on them – why? Because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd
It is interesting to note here a strange looking word
splanch – nizo- mai – SPLANK NIZO ME
Which is used throughout the NT in regards to Jesus motivation – right in the depth of his being – in his belly –is where he felt for the people and their problems.
For us :
He is the unchangeable – It has been said so many times that I do feel that we can sometimes in our faith grow immune to it – God has compassion on those who are hurting, who are suffering, who are harassed and helpless.
As we move on in this passage – There is a recognition that there is a part for everyone to play in this mission – Jesus once again draws as he does on so many occasions on agricultural imagery – “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”
Notice what he does here – He speaks this to his disciples and the asks them to “ask the lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his field”.
It is here I would like to pause for a moment and ask if anyone has been to theme park – any favourite rides? <
I am sure, if you haven’t been to alton towers and been on air you’ll not really get what I’m saying, you wont have experienced the same feelings I have for it. My point here is the same in the text we can hear others talking about going places, hear others testimony about what God is doing in this place, in other places but if we don’t take that step to actually say God I want to do it then we wont
This is where us as disciples are challenged – we know that there is a harvest, we know that someone has to do it, we maybe pray to God that he would send someone to work in the field. Little do we know that we might be the answer to our own prayer. If we are already working maybe we are being called to pray for others to help us.
<
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
As we move into Chapter 10
We see the disciples being told – JUST DO IT – get out there and do the stuff I have shown you – they were given authority to heal raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, preach the message – Jesus gave them the authority.
He also makes provision in this – you will notice that the disciples are not to go alone, they are paired up. In ministry the idea of individuals I don’t think is biblical – having teamwork, another person who you relate well to is key. Someone you can pray with, someone who is ready to help you and you to help them when difficult times someone is key.
The chapter then goes on to speak of provision – and what to take and not take which in our whole idea of going does not sit easy one coat – no bag … I know I’m heading over to Africa next week and I am finding it difficult to stay under BA’s weight restrictions!!
So having said that what are we to do?
Well, I suppose this message this morning is practical
Firstly I believe God has a heart for those who are harassed and hurting this day – He is intimately concerned with the things you are concerned about, he is desiring above all the rest to heal and to restore those who are broken. He desires for that relationship to be restored.
Secondly, I believe that there are those to whom he wants to say – just do it – He is wanting you to get out there and do whatever he has called you to do – It’s not necessarily to become a Church of Ireland Clergy person but it may be to spread the gospel in your place of work, in your school, in your family circumstances wherever.
Finally, I believe he wants to say – don’t worry – I have made provision for you – especially for those who maybe over the summer are heading off overseas or doing some mission service at home – God will provide for all your needs.
We have been given so much – it is our responsibility to give – to the world around – Let’s JUST DO IT and not leave it to someone else to spread the good news – from the youngest here to the oldest we can all talk about God to our friends our work colleagues
Let’s take a moment of silence as we think about what we need to be doing this week, what resources we need to be asking our father for.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would speak into our situations and ask that your would be provider and sustainer of us
Amen.
---- Prayers of intercession ----
Let us pray,
God of gods and Lord of lords,
We come this morning as ourselves, with our faults and our failings, we come with our concerns, our doubts our worries we come before you and declare you as Lord, Lord of this place, lord of this town, lord of our lives.
Father God we come to you on this Fathers’ day and pray for all those who are father’s, we ask you to bless them with patience and love which only you can provide.
Lord God as we look around the world that you have created we see so much beauty, however you have instructed us to pray for those who are in need – we think of those in countries where there is violence, war, disaster and hardship – we pray for those places which hit our headlines on a daily basis – for Zimbabwe, Sudan, Iraq, Afganistan, China, Burma
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We pray for the church,
In our readings we are challenged, regardless of age or background, problems to serve God in whatever way he has called us. We take a moment to pray that God to send workers into the harvest field. Remembering that as disciples we too are called to play our part in the body that is the church.
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
We pray for our community of faith in this place.
Lord Jesus,
You had compassion on those who you saw were in trouble, in grief, in pain – that compassion moved you to action.
We pray for those whom we know who need a touch from the Lord this day. We pray particularly for The Rector and his family at this difficult time and others whom we name in silence.
Loving Lord, Surround those who suffer at this time.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer - Conclude with the Grace
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Fast forward again
Over the course of this summer - I hope to blog frequently whilst in Zambia - all of the posts will appear on my CMSI Blog which is available here
http://youth.cmsireland.org/index.cfm?do=blogs&mode=view&id=3
http://youth.cmsireland.org/index.cfm?do=blogs&mode=view&id=3
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Summer approacheth FAST!!
It really is amazing how within 24 little hours life suddenly changes - This time last night I was sitting, quite worried about exams - OT hadn't got a clue by 10 am this morning things were beginning to sink in and now on the other side of the exams one wonders what I need to do now. College at the moment hasn't actually finished - one more day to go - in another 24 hours we will have said good bye to both the third years who are heading to all arts and parts of ireland, we will also have said goodbye to the rest of our year and the first years and we will have said goodbye to the Principal and his Wife June. This year the Principal is retiring. It really is a strange time in college at the moment.
So with all that going on it is pretty intense and to think that in just 1 year we will be saying goodbye to college and hello to our new parishes - it is very strange.
Anyhow, between now and then there is a lot of stuff to happen - top of my agenda now are two things - Learning to Drive and Packing my bags for Zambia to see the Scotts. It is crazy, I know I have said it a million times but how quickly time flies. Information and prayer points will be hopefully available here as the summer progresses.
So with all that going on it is pretty intense and to think that in just 1 year we will be saying goodbye to college and hello to our new parishes - it is very strange.
Anyhow, between now and then there is a lot of stuff to happen - top of my agenda now are two things - Learning to Drive and Packing my bags for Zambia to see the Scotts. It is crazy, I know I have said it a million times but how quickly time flies. Information and prayer points will be hopefully available here as the summer progresses.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He has risen, he has risen ... Jesus is alive
Easter Day ... The Easter hope ... The empty tomb ... The resurrection of the dead
Over the course of the last few months I have been reading Tom Wrights book surprised by Hope and have been chatting to others about it. Its terrific ... if you haven't read it - read it!
It speaks of the hope we have as Christians, the empty tomb being the "first fruits" of the resurrection. John S in his sermon today referred to this hope made possible through the resurrection - the last great fear of humans - that of death has been conquered and we have complete assurance of that.
Furthermore, we do not have to worry about what life after death will be - what resurrection will mean for us. The idea of a transformed body. But what we can expect is a bodily resurrection! - if it were not, how on earth do we account for the transformation in the first disciples?, how do we explain our hope to a world looking for such hope?
Over the past while I have encountered people who are totally disillusioned with what life has given them, what can christianity provide for such people? surely what we can do is provide a glimpse of hope, hope of a plan, of a future ...
"The question of Jesus' resurrection, though it may in some senses burst the boundries of history, also remains within them; that is precisely why it is so important, so disturbing, so life and death. We could cope, the world could cope with a Jesus who ultimately remains a good idea inside the disciples hearts and minds. The world cannot cope with a Jesus who comes out of the tomb, who inaugurates God's new creation right within the middle of the old one "
What we need to do is return to the "sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead" not some vague fuzzy optimism that somehow things may work out in the end.
But then there is also the "eschatological tension" we are to be living now - this new life has started with those who are in Christ - we need to be sharing this hope, the love of God NOW, today with those around, unashamedly - mmmm ..., The gospel has to be what is on offer, through the power of the Spirit....
Over the course of the last few months I have been reading Tom Wrights book surprised by Hope and have been chatting to others about it. Its terrific ... if you haven't read it - read it!
It speaks of the hope we have as Christians, the empty tomb being the "first fruits" of the resurrection. John S in his sermon today referred to this hope made possible through the resurrection - the last great fear of humans - that of death has been conquered and we have complete assurance of that.
Furthermore, we do not have to worry about what life after death will be - what resurrection will mean for us. The idea of a transformed body. But what we can expect is a bodily resurrection! - if it were not, how on earth do we account for the transformation in the first disciples?, how do we explain our hope to a world looking for such hope?
Over the past while I have encountered people who are totally disillusioned with what life has given them, what can christianity provide for such people? surely what we can do is provide a glimpse of hope, hope of a plan, of a future ...
"The question of Jesus' resurrection, though it may in some senses burst the boundries of history, also remains within them; that is precisely why it is so important, so disturbing, so life and death. We could cope, the world could cope with a Jesus who ultimately remains a good idea inside the disciples hearts and minds. The world cannot cope with a Jesus who comes out of the tomb, who inaugurates God's new creation right within the middle of the old one "
What we need to do is return to the "sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead" not some vague fuzzy optimism that somehow things may work out in the end.
But then there is also the "eschatological tension" we are to be living now - this new life has started with those who are in Christ - we need to be sharing this hope, the love of God NOW, today with those around, unashamedly - mmmm ..., The gospel has to be what is on offer, through the power of the Spirit....
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Zambia ....
I found out there yesterday that I'm heading back over to Zambia this summer. Which I am really looking foward to, realising of course that it is going to be very, very different - no team meetings, no team times, no Jules, no Chrissie.
Hopefully the blog will be used to keep yas up to date with what's going on - There are lots to do before then - Letters to be written, funds to be sought, prayer points to be uploaded, Exams to be studied for, Driving lessons to be had, placements for college to be sought ...
so all in all it is going to be a busy few months but I am really, really looking forward to this journey. Here's what I will be doing in a nut shell!
Hopefully the blog will be used to keep yas up to date with what's going on - There are lots to do before then - Letters to be written, funds to be sought, prayer points to be uploaded, Exams to be studied for, Driving lessons to be had, placements for college to be sought ...
so all in all it is going to be a busy few months but I am really, really looking forward to this journey. Here's what I will be doing in a nut shell!
Summer 2008
This summer, I am hoping to embark on a parish placement with a difference, being the last summer of University Study, I have been granted a place on a CMSI STEP (Short Term Experience Placement) programme heading out to
I will also have the chance to work with Keith in his parish duties in a local church, to work with the local diocesan Youth co-ordinator, Peter who I have already built up a good relationship with as well as, I’m sure lots of other experiences. In return for this experience, I would aim to assist with resources and computer training for the college and individuals and to get involved in other things as they rise.
This is the first time I have been out to
All in all I am really looking forward to the summer.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Visualising The Bible
Last night Shane Tucker from CIYD was in college speaking on prophecy at college fellowship.
On his desktop I noticed an amazing graphic see below
This project was created by chris harrison - the whole can be found here
started after receiving an email from Christoph Römhild. He had compiled a list of cross-references found in the Bible and was looking for advice on how to visualize these connections. After several email exchanges and a copy of Christoph's data, I was able to produce the arc diagram below. Due to the extremely high number of cross-references, this lands more on the aesthetic side of the information visualization spectrum. Different colors are used for various arc lengths, creating a rainbow like effect. The bar graph running along the bottom shows every chapter in the Bible and their respective lengths (in verses). Books alternate in color between white and light gray.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Oh I do Like to be beside the seaside
dun laoghaire harbour
Originally uploaded by rferris281
Being down in Dublin at the weekends is great ... one can get work done but also on the doorstep is mountains and sea, city and towns. It was such a great day today. After church I took myself off on a photo safari as well as a book read. The photos are now on flickr
The book was Paul for everyone 1 Corinthians - great book!
RF
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Book Review - Mission Shaped Spirituality
It has been quite a while since I have read a book cover to cover in one go. Maybe it is because I am writting an essay on its contents, maybe it is the authors style that appeals to me, maybe its because the contents are great stuff, I suspect though that it is a comnination of all of these things.This book goes hand in hand with the Church of England report "Mission shaped church" produced in 2004 which has had an immese impact on the church at home, looking theologically and practically at examples of how church could be changed to meet the needs of those on the outside of the doors.
When we think of spirituality - we look at the personal, the relationship with the almighty wether that be expressed in prayer, Bible reading, quietness, art, poetry ... + 101 other ways. However the Bible also speaks about that relationship impacting the world around us as well. Mission comes from the call to "Go", as Christians we are called to engage or in some ways to re-engage with the culture around. The question this book asks us is there a spirituality for mission? a spirituality which will support mission - an apostolic spirtuality?
Well, there clearly has to be! (Not least because there is a book written about it!)
Mission Shaped spirituality is something which has to span traditional church as well as fresh expressions, we are all called to be "one, holy , catholic and apostolic church". Each christian has that call on their lives to be a person who is sent - to go.
We are called and sent. In the busyness of a typical parish, there are many, many concerns, so much so that the fire and passion of mission is in danger of being extinguished. How can one keep this passion.
(p7) No one really argues that themseleves out of inertia. There is onlu one way to deal with it and that is to exert a counter force. To push through it, to pull against it. As soom as we start doing that, the inertia begins to release its grip ... (The authors experience) is that the fire of mission can re-ignite through the act of going" ...
It is this fire of love for God and the world which has to be the foundation of a spirtuality which is mission.
This mission spirituality reminds us of our lifes meaning - who and what we are, what we are doing and our life's purpose. When we live by it, when we really know what mission is then when times are tough, when all around us we see trouble, at the end of a hard and difficult day, week, month ... the sense that we are living for a purpose for which we are commissioned (Matt 28) then we can return to the central truth that we a members of a missional communuity.
The book also reminds us that there is both a general and a particular call on our lives - The general is "to go" the particular is "where to go". It could be deepest africa, it could be round the corner. We are all called to go.
.... to be continued !!!!
these are only my rambling thoughts on the book!
Sermon Preached in Exegesis class
A reading from Mark 7 : 14-21
14Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' "[a]
17After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. 18"Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? 19For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")
20He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "
Let us pray,
Heavenly father I pray that as we come to your word this day, you would teach us, mould us and challenge us through Jesus Christ our Lord amen.
From the outset of this sermon I would like to apologise for using a geeky computer term but here it is GIGO – Garbage in Garbage out. Basically it means that if you put rubbish into a computer you will get rubbish out at the other end.
This passage is all about purity, cleanness of the individual which affects their relationship with God and does, I believe has something to teach us as individuals and also as a church in our life and mission.
Let us take a step back from this individual passage and look at it in context.
Marks gospel is a journey towards the full revelation of Christ as Messiah and concludes with the centurion at the foot of the cross saying “truly this man is the son of God.” This passage occurs right at the heart of the gospel. Prior to this we have had immense demonstration of Jesus’ power – Baptism, calling of the disciples, healings, teachings, teaching on the Sabbath, driving out demons, raising the dead girl, sending out the 12, walking on water. With all of these amazing acts Jesus is gaining in popularity – feed 5,000 people and you will gain a name for yourself!
Just before we get into chapter 7 we have a summary of what Jesus is up to
“As soon as they got out of the boat people recognised Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. …It is not a problem to say that “Jesus mania” was sweeping the countryside.
As we come to the passage we are looking at this morning – the scene is set – Jesus is in one of these towns and some of the Jewish authorities are out to catch him out. The place is public, a market place, stalls, fruit, veg, and noisy lots of people buzzing about. They have got him now! – The disciples are eating without washing their hands - this is not a hygiene issue – its another 1800 years before our Louis Pasteur gives the health benefits of washing hands – it is all about ritual tradition. In this tradition it was a widespread custom of washing after the market as they may be defiled by touching a gentile in the crowd and so become ritually unclean.
The shadow of a Gentile falling across a dish or plate made it unclean.
These traditions were found in the “law of the elders” that halakah – the oral law which claimed to interpret and complete the Mosaic Law.
Jesus responds by trying to show them how far these traditions have fallen from the law. By quoting text from the 10 commandments – “honour your father and mother” but then your case you can nullify that by doing certain things. This is only one example.
It is then Jesus calls the crowd and says that nothing outside a person can defile him – this was radical teaching – it went directly against the rabbinic teachings of the day. That statement in itself would have been completely stark to Jews of the day listening in.
Then after leaving that public declaration we see the disciples entering the house and his disciples asking him what he meant.
ARE YOU SO DULL! – The disciples don’t get the significance of what he said
Food doesn’t enter the heart – therefore it can’t defile it –
It is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean. He goes on to describe examples of this uncleanness.
So what was Jesus trying to say from this passage?
- He was not trying to overturn the laws of Moses – in Matthew we read that he came fulfil the law and the prophets.
- He was not trying to say that you can eat / drink or use substances which would harm you.
Instead what he was speaking against the hypocrisy of ritual cleanliness but the impurity of hearts
It is what comes out of a man that defiles him – it is the heart that is unclean – the thing that needs cleaned not the hands. It’s all about the heart
The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
I have a story which I think illustrates this
Ray Stedman shares a letter in one of his books from a sharp-minded, Christian business man friend of his. I'd like to share it with you along with Steadman's comments about it.
DON'T TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL, PLEASE!
This scene didn't make sense, There he lay in the street, bleeding -- the hit-and-run driver gone. He needed medical help immediately! Yet he kept pleading, "Don't take me to the hospital, please!" Surprised, everyone asked why. Pleadingly, he answered, "Because I'm on the staff at the hospital. It would be embarrassing for them to see me like this. They've never seen me bleeding and dirty. They always see me clean and healthy; now I'm a mess."
"But the hospital is for people like you! Can't we call an ambulance?" "No, please don't. I took a Pedestrian Safety Course, and the instructor would criticize me for getting hit."
"But who cares what the instructor thinks? You need attention." "But there are other reasons, too. The Admissions Clerk would be upset." "Well, why?" "Because she always gets upset if anyone for admittance doesn't have all the details she needs to fill out her records. I didn't see who hit me, and I don't even know the make of the car or the license number. She wouldn't understand. She's a real stickler for records. Worse than that, I haven't got my Medical card with me."
"What real difference would that make?" "Well, if they didn't recognize me in this mess, they wouldn't let me in. They won't admit anyone in my shape without a Medical card. They must be sure it isn't going to cost the institution. They protect the institution. Just pull me over to the curb. I'll make it some way. It's my fault that I got hit."
With this, he tried to crawl to the gutter while everyone left, leaving him alone. Maybe he made it, maybe he didn't. Maybe he's still trying to stop his own bleeding.
A strange story you might think but unfortunately it is quite close to home. If we think of the man on the pavement as someone we know who has been hit not by a car but by some sin or another. Where should he find somewhere to be helped, somewhere to be accepted somewhere where relationships can be sorted, wounds cleaned, restored.
If we believe that each one’s purity comes not from tradition nor from the outward appearance but from a heart which is made clean from repentance and relationship with Jesus then
I suppose there is a challenge here for us
Firstly as individuals – in looking at ourselves in the mirror – what is there inside us that need changed, values, feelings, sins? How is our heart?
Then again in the mirror as a member of the church – when someone comes in – what prejudices do we have?
And as a body of believers how can we present ourselves not as the museum of saints with all the outward signs of purity and having life sorted but a hospital for sinners.
People who are open about what they struggle with, what they need.
In conclusion I do believe that it is not about garbage in garbage out
The garbage produced is systematic of what garbage is in the heart
Garbage out, garbage inside
And the garbage needs dealt with.
Before we pray let us take a moment of quiet as we listen to a song
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Walking on water
Walking on water
Originally uploaded by rferris281
If you want to walk on water ... Don't do it in Glendalough
Today a load of us weekenders in college headed down to Glendalough for the day. It was great to get out and have the cobwebs blown away - photos are on the flickr site!
Robert
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sermon on Sunday 13 January 2007, Bray
Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the
Pray
Heavenly Father,
We pray that as we delve into your word today – you would speak to us individually, that you would increase our faith and teach us more about your word. In your name we pray Amen.
It is great to be back with you at the start of this new year.
Today we are looking at the Baptism of Jesus – It is the natural follow on from events which have occurred over the last while
We had advent – the preparation for Christmas, the expectation of Christ coming
We had Christmas day – the Birth of Christ – Immanuel, God with us
And last week we had the magi from the east bringing gifts
Sure after birth and presents – the natural thing is to baptize a baby isn’t it ???
Let us remember that Jesus was not baptized as a baby – but rather 30 something years pass before he comes to john in the wilderness to be baptized.
This passage is one of the passages we look to when looking at the trinity – all three persons are here – son baptized, spirit as a dove and the voice of the father
What about john? What was he doing there? – preaching a message of repentance.
When jesus came to him he realized that Jesus was THE one who didn’t need to be baptized but that he had to set the example. At that moment we read that God spoke to him.
Today I would like to explore 2 questions
- What does it mean to repent?
- How does God speak today?
Each Sunday in church we have confession / absolution – what are we doing? – let me show you with this illustration
When God created the world – it says right back at the beginning of the Bible that it was good. – perfect
But sin entered the world because of mans greed – can anybody think of other sins.
Greed, murder, stealing, hatred, envy, lust, alchololism, drugs ….
That is how we look – when we look around our community we see that multiplied – when we turn on the news any night we see the blackness of it all.
It was into this blackness that Jesus came – showing us another way – showing us his example. The need for repentance
The word repentance means turning around. For example if when I was coming here this morning from dundrum and instead of going on the M50 southbound – the way I was meant to go I decided that I just wanted to go home and went Northbound, if at some point I didn’t catch myself on I would end up going completely wrong. I at somepoint need to turn around and come back.
When we come to confess our sins we do say sorry for them but not just a casual sorry but a repentance that means a turning around. That is the symbolism in baptism – dying to sin and rising to life.
Of course we may say that that is too difficult but this needs to affect our lives each and every day- in our offices, at home, at school, when we are with our familes.
On our own this is totally impossible – but not for God. The same God who spoke to his son at his baptism is still speaking to us today.
When we confess our sins god is faithful and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As Christians, if we really believe this – we are called to action – we are called to share that love with our communities.
That is what repentance is
“The journey that Jesus made from the baptism to the cross, was marked by joy, energy, clarity of focus, friendship, conflict, struggle.
The power that Jesus used to get through the many trials and struggles is available to us. By remembering and learning that we are “Loved by God” and learning to “abide” in God, it is from this place that all daily life has to proceed
To answer the second question as to how does God speak today –
- Through scripture
On your service sheets I have included a letter I found when I was researching this sermon – a scripture filled letter which I think is absolutely amazing and speaks to us today.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
More from Kenya
Again from the cmsi website
Diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Kenya's ongoing political instability have broken down. The talks, headed by Ghanaian President John Kufuor, had set out to negotiate a deal between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga following December's disputed elections.
It is now hoped that both parties will begin fresh discussions under a panel which may be headed by ex-UN chief Kofi Annan - although Mr Odinga has intimated that the protests, which have caused so much unrest, will now resume.
To date it is estimated that approximately 250,000 people have been displaced and 600 people killed in the violence which followed the poll.
Ronnie Briggs, CMS Ireland's Regional Mission Partner for East and Southern Africa, writes,
"It is now two weeks exactly since the election held in Kenya on the 27th December and it is amazing to see the vast destruction that has taken place in that short time. The serious numbers of people killed and the hundreds of thousands made homeless as a result of the breakdown in political leadership.
The facts and figures will eventually all come in and we will be horrified all over again but what this hides is the real suffering and agony of so many people. Those who suffer most in these circumstances are the poorest and this is indeed the case for many people in Kajiado. There are food shortages in Nairobi and so there is very little food getting to Kajiado. Very little grows in the Kajiado area and so people depend on supplies coming out from Nairobi. There are signs of some food now getting out of Nairobi but this will take time before it reaches people living in more remote parts of the Diocese.
Even more concerning is the fact that the political talks between President Kibaki and Raila Odinga broke down today with no lasting agreed way forward. This will frighten people into thinking that the fighting will start all over again so there is a high degree of nervousness around. The longer the political stalemate goes on the more difficult it will be to find common ground for an agreed way forward.
The drought situation in Kajiado is now becoming even more difficult and the Church is struggling to find a positive way to respond. These are testing times for the Bishop and all the Clergy and for them to know that we here in Ireland are praying for them is of great comfort and really makes them feel part of the world-wide Church. Please take this issue on seriously and bring the situation in Kenya to the Lord in prayer.
The Urban Development Programme of Nairobi Cathedral has also been in touch and the three communities they work with are well - although again the tension is high and the poorest are the ones to suffer most. Nairobi has gone back to more or less 'normality' - shops and offices are open and public transport is back on the road. The ban on live transmissions for TV and radio is being lifted so there is more of a normal 'feel' to life in Kenya. However, we now know how fragile this can be so I would urge you to pray along the following lines:
- For a break through in the political discussions for a lasting peace
- The violence is being perpetrated by a small number of people - pray that they will be able to see more clearly what they are actually doing to Kenya and stop this activity.
- Pray for the Church leaders in Nairobi and also in Kajiado that the message they send out will be one of encouragement and support for people to live peacefully together.
- Pray for the UDP staff - Louise, Kathleen and Lucy - that they may be strong and able to respond to the needs of the people in their communities.
- Pray for Bishop Taama and all his Clergy. That they may show strong leadership and be a good example for others.
- Pray for the Bishop's family and especially Nathan that he may make a full recovery.
- Pray for the CMS Office in Nairobi - Sila, Anne, Enos and Witcliff - for their safety in their work and to encourage them to continue their service to both Kajiado and the UDP as normally as possible."
Kenyan Talks Break Down
Diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Kenya's ongoing political instability have broken down. The talks, headed by Ghanaian President John Kufuor, had set out to negotiate a deal between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga following December's disputed elections.It is now hoped that both parties will begin fresh discussions under a panel which may be headed by ex-UN chief Kofi Annan - although Mr Odinga has intimated that the protests, which have caused so much unrest, will now resume.
To date it is estimated that approximately 250,000 people have been displaced and 600 people killed in the violence which followed the poll.
Ronnie Briggs, CMS Ireland's Regional Mission Partner for East and Southern Africa, writes,
"It is now two weeks exactly since the election held in Kenya on the 27th December and it is amazing to see the vast destruction that has taken place in that short time. The serious numbers of people killed and the hundreds of thousands made homeless as a result of the breakdown in political leadership.
The facts and figures will eventually all come in and we will be horrified all over again but what this hides is the real suffering and agony of so many people. Those who suffer most in these circumstances are the poorest and this is indeed the case for many people in Kajiado. There are food shortages in Nairobi and so there is very little food getting to Kajiado. Very little grows in the Kajiado area and so people depend on supplies coming out from Nairobi. There are signs of some food now getting out of Nairobi but this will take time before it reaches people living in more remote parts of the Diocese.
Even more concerning is the fact that the political talks between President Kibaki and Raila Odinga broke down today with no lasting agreed way forward. This will frighten people into thinking that the fighting will start all over again so there is a high degree of nervousness around. The longer the political stalemate goes on the more difficult it will be to find common ground for an agreed way forward.
The drought situation in Kajiado is now becoming even more difficult and the Church is struggling to find a positive way to respond. These are testing times for the Bishop and all the Clergy and for them to know that we here in Ireland are praying for them is of great comfort and really makes them feel part of the world-wide Church. Please take this issue on seriously and bring the situation in Kenya to the Lord in prayer.
The Urban Development Programme of Nairobi Cathedral has also been in touch and the three communities they work with are well - although again the tension is high and the poorest are the ones to suffer most. Nairobi has gone back to more or less 'normality' - shops and offices are open and public transport is back on the road. The ban on live transmissions for TV and radio is being lifted so there is more of a normal 'feel' to life in Kenya. However, we now know how fragile this can be so I would urge you to pray along the following lines:
- For a break through in the political discussions for a lasting peace
- The violence is being perpetrated by a small number of people - pray that they will be able to see more clearly what they are actually doing to Kenya and stop this activity.
- Pray for the Church leaders in Nairobi and also in Kajiado that the message they send out will be one of encouragement and support for people to live peacefully together.
- Pray for the UDP staff - Louise, Kathleen and Lucy - that they may be strong and able to respond to the needs of the people in their communities.
- Pray for Bishop Taama and all his Clergy. That they may show strong leadership and be a good example for others.
- Pray for the Bishop's family and especially Nathan that he may make a full recovery.
- Pray for the CMS Office in Nairobi - Sila, Anne, Enos and Witcliff - for their safety in their work and to encourage them to continue their service to both Kajiado and the UDP as normally as possible."
Making life easy for essay!
I love it when software actually works
One of the problems I have had over the years with essays was the referencing of books - it took up too much time ... way too much time ... that was untill last night!
its name is Zotero and it claims to be the next generation research tool - you can find it
http://www.zotero.org/
What does it do?
Well simply it keeps a library of books you have used / you have in your library. You search for them on the internet - eg on the trinity library site or other book sites. When you find a book a wee book icon apears in the address bar click it and all the information automatically downloads onto your computer - dates, location and publisher author. It stores it in a wee database on your hard drive.
Then the cleaver bit comes when you come to ms word or open office - a new wee tool bar icon appears when you click the button after you have used a quote it will automatically stick in a footnote - then click another button at it will automatically create a Bibliography for you.
What it does is plugin to firefox web browser - so you need that first
Then download the plugin for firefox
Then download the word plugin
Then add your booklist!
I am raving about this to the extent that lastnight I stayed up late and stuck in most of the books on my shelves at college.
Happy New Year
Robert
One of the problems I have had over the years with essays was the referencing of books - it took up too much time ... way too much time ... that was untill last night!
its name is Zotero and it claims to be the next generation research tool - you can find it
http://www.zotero.org/
What does it do?
Well simply it keeps a library of books you have used / you have in your library. You search for them on the internet - eg on the trinity library site or other book sites. When you find a book a wee book icon apears in the address bar click it and all the information automatically downloads onto your computer - dates, location and publisher author. It stores it in a wee database on your hard drive.
Then the cleaver bit comes when you come to ms word or open office - a new wee tool bar icon appears when you click the button after you have used a quote it will automatically stick in a footnote - then click another button at it will automatically create a Bibliography for you.
What it does is plugin to firefox web browser - so you need that first
Then download the plugin for firefox
Then download the word plugin
Then add your booklist!
I am raving about this to the extent that lastnight I stayed up late and stuck in most of the books on my shelves at college.
Happy New Year
Robert
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Normal Christianity
OK, I do not know where this post is going to end up as I write... but in Bible study tonight we got talk around the whole Idea of what is normal ...
Go to parts of africa, asia ... and you will find people of faith, people who are living their lives sold out totally for the kingdom of God. you will find people who have very little but people who have it all. So what are we to expect a normal Christian life to look like?
What do we mean by normal?
It would depend on who you ask: depending upon their custom, their tradition, their culture.
Surely for us as chistians the normal has to be exemplified as Christ - what he did as a example has to be our norm. If that is the case then logically to be normal we have to do what he did, to follow what he commanded. If that is the case then a huge question has to be asked of the church at large - how far are we living up to that norm? how far are our cultural norms removed from that? which normal life are we living - are we taking our norm from our own experience or from the gospel way of life?
Are we doing what he did? are we trying to live to his standards? are we content in living a lesser standard? ... mmm ...
Baden in chapel tonight spoke of a set of stairs - if society could see what lay at the bottom of those stairs we certainly wouldn't go down them we'd choose to leave them well alone. BUT
we don't, we are more on a spiral staircase where we see just a few steps ahead and feel its OK to keep going. That has to be where penitence, repentance comes in we need to instead of going down take hold of our selves and return to the God.
Normality - to be a normal christian surely has to mean being what God has called us to be, and doing what he has called to do. With that in mind i refer to a book which I have just read cover to cover - Mission shaped Spirituality
"All of us are called by the missionary God to share with him in his missionary work". That means we are called to go. All of us are called to go and share that gospel. When we share that gospel as commanded we are being obedient to the call.
In Matthew 10:8 there is a definitive call to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy and drive out demons" ... but that's not normal! ... is it?
... it certainly isn't in my church ! ... talk about that in most churches and you most certainly would get strange looks
... feed the hungry (support a mission charity, sponsor a child ...)
there are huge questions around what the holy spirit is doing - the ministry of healing in our churches today - in the BCP there is a service of healing and wholeness, the laying on of hands for healing, prophecy, tounges, prayer, visions ... certainly it could be seen as one particular "box" in the church.
"Missionary engagment needs to draw on a particularly robust spirituality, which can take on the powers, whether social or supernatural. We need, as Christians to be assertive and engaged. The roots of taht assertiveness are not found in ourselves but in the authority that has been given to us: 'heal... raise... cleanse .. drive out'.
Churches as it suggests in the MSS must come to terms with this authority and also the responsibilty which comes with it. It is only through this growing up and responsibility taking this to the secular polis can the church grow further.
One sees hope, when you look around the globe where healings and lots of other miracles are taking place. where the gospel is being proclaimed.
What are we passionate about? what are we doing if we are not seeing lives changed for Jesus?
the gospel needs to be shared ... lives need to be changed with it ... what are we doing about it?
when miracles happen ... is that the norm? or should we be surprised? are we praying for it?
surely we do every time we pray the Lord's Prayer -
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Mission is about life ... life is about mission
mmm... lots to ponder on
are we normal? am I normal ?
what is normal? do I want to be normal?
is society normal or abnormal?
... mmm ... mmm ...
Go to parts of africa, asia ... and you will find people of faith, people who are living their lives sold out totally for the kingdom of God. you will find people who have very little but people who have it all. So what are we to expect a normal Christian life to look like?
What do we mean by normal?
It would depend on who you ask: depending upon their custom, their tradition, their culture.
Surely for us as chistians the normal has to be exemplified as Christ - what he did as a example has to be our norm. If that is the case then logically to be normal we have to do what he did, to follow what he commanded. If that is the case then a huge question has to be asked of the church at large - how far are we living up to that norm? how far are our cultural norms removed from that? which normal life are we living - are we taking our norm from our own experience or from the gospel way of life?
Are we doing what he did? are we trying to live to his standards? are we content in living a lesser standard? ... mmm ...
Baden in chapel tonight spoke of a set of stairs - if society could see what lay at the bottom of those stairs we certainly wouldn't go down them we'd choose to leave them well alone. BUT
we don't, we are more on a spiral staircase where we see just a few steps ahead and feel its OK to keep going. That has to be where penitence, repentance comes in we need to instead of going down take hold of our selves and return to the God.
Normality - to be a normal christian surely has to mean being what God has called us to be, and doing what he has called to do. With that in mind i refer to a book which I have just read cover to cover - Mission shaped Spirituality
"All of us are called by the missionary God to share with him in his missionary work". That means we are called to go. All of us are called to go and share that gospel. When we share that gospel as commanded we are being obedient to the call.
In Matthew 10:8 there is a definitive call to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy and drive out demons" ... but that's not normal! ... is it?
... it certainly isn't in my church ! ... talk about that in most churches and you most certainly would get strange looks
... feed the hungry (support a mission charity, sponsor a child ...)
there are huge questions around what the holy spirit is doing - the ministry of healing in our churches today - in the BCP there is a service of healing and wholeness, the laying on of hands for healing, prophecy, tounges, prayer, visions ... certainly it could be seen as one particular "box" in the church.
"Missionary engagment needs to draw on a particularly robust spirituality, which can take on the powers, whether social or supernatural. We need, as Christians to be assertive and engaged. The roots of taht assertiveness are not found in ourselves but in the authority that has been given to us: 'heal... raise... cleanse .. drive out'.
Churches as it suggests in the MSS must come to terms with this authority and also the responsibilty which comes with it. It is only through this growing up and responsibility taking this to the secular polis can the church grow further.
One sees hope, when you look around the globe where healings and lots of other miracles are taking place. where the gospel is being proclaimed.
What are we passionate about? what are we doing if we are not seeing lives changed for Jesus?
the gospel needs to be shared ... lives need to be changed with it ... what are we doing about it?
when miracles happen ... is that the norm? or should we be surprised? are we praying for it?
surely we do every time we pray the Lord's Prayer -
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Mission is about life ... life is about mission
mmm... lots to ponder on
are we normal? am I normal ?
what is normal? do I want to be normal?
is society normal or abnormal?
... mmm ... mmm ...
Friday, January 04, 2008
Flickr'd
Home
Originally uploaded by rferris281
I have now joined the photo community that is flickr
- Photos will appear on the Right and my page on that website is
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertferris
photos from the latest snowfall are there
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