Month: May 2018

I’m nearly through this week’s reading, Chapter 7: Hypocrite or Work in Progress…..and I’m struck by one series of sentences that probably best describe the theme for this week:

“I am eager for my non-Christian friends to see that even for hypocrites, there is hope and beauty that comes through Christ.  I am eager for my non-Christian friends to see that yes, we Christians sometimes live inconsistently with what we believe….and we will continue to do so (albeit, inadvertently) until we die or until Jesus returns and makes everything, including us, new again.”  (pp. 126-127, Jesus Outside the Lines)

As you read this week, you will discover that Mahatma Gandhi once considered becoming a Christian (probably early on in life).  However, he decided against it because, as he said, “I like your Christ.  I do not like your Christians.”

Wow….powerful words from a man who lived a pious life of love, selfless sacrifice and service to others…..much like Christ, himself.

So where do we sit today?  As Christians, are we living out the Godly message or are we only pious in the spotlight?  When I was in Ranger School, we had a name for those individuals who only shined when the instructors were around to grade us.  We called those Ranger students, “spotlight Rangers“.  Needless to say, many had a distaste for those individuals because they certainly weren’t team players when the instructors weren’t around.  As in life, those students tended to wash out in the end.

This week, I’ll lead the discussion on Chapter 7.  The author asks, “Are we hypocrites or simply a work in progress?”  Little soul-searching, perhaps, is required as we prepare for this week’s fellowship!

See you on Friday.  Gather at 7:30 am.  “Buckle-in” by 7:45 am, ready to go!  We’re back at the Cornwell Center this week too!

Peace!

Reminder that we are NOT meeting this coming Friday, May 25th, as many from the Charlotte group will be taking an early start for the Memorial Day weekend.  Also, this annual holiday is certainly about taking some time with family and friends, but the true holiday represents a time to honor our fallen veterans who have served this great nation of ours.  Please take the time to celebrate those individuals in tribute as well.

We’ll gather next on June 1st at the Cornwell Center and tackle Chapter 7: “Hypocrite or Work in Progress?”.  Mike will lead the discussion on that one.

So, relax and remember this week.  Be safe.  Godspeed.  We’ll see you next Friday!

Peace!

Have you seen the new movie that’s out called “The Avengers”?  Sadly, I have not…but both my sons have and they said it was great!  Box office returns back up their comments as well, with record numbers likewise seeing the film.

This week, we’ll need our own set of “avengers” or, better said, “super heroes”, gathered for a double-lesson.  Last week, we had limited attendance due to personal obligations and business commitments, so I asked last Friday’s leader, John Ramey, if he would punt and instead make plans to share the Chapter 5 lesson this coming Friday.  At the same time, Rob Miller is scheduled to lead this week’s lesson, Chapter 6 of our study, “Accountability or Compassion”.  But, since you’re all super heroes, I have no fears that we can take in all the important points from both chapters!  Buckle up, gents! 

This week’s chapter reminds us of the inevitable truth in describing our last day on Earth:

“We will either be welcomed into a life that’s better than we’ve ever dreamed…..or we will be cast into a life that’s worse than we’ve ever dreaded….” (p. 107)

So, if we all agree to that premise, then what’s the best way to remind each other of that and other “truths”?  Is it very bluntly, a choice that I admittedly tend to choose.  Or, is it through love and compassion?

I don’t have the answer to either of those questions and many more.  But I’m hopeful that both John and Rob will shed some light this Friday.  The leaders are asked to capture the high points from their respective chapters, planning on about 20 minutes each.

Gather at 7:30 am at the Cornwell Center.  Our lesson kicks off at 7:45 am.

Peace!

We’re moving into the next phase of our study of Scott Saul’s book, “Jesus Outside the Lines” this week as we tackle Chapter 5: “Affirmation or Critique?”  To some, this chapter may be tricky.  How many of us have realized we need to be critical of one person’s actions, all the while realizing that we too are at fault?

“Hello, pot….this is kettle……!”

To me, one of the more striking dichotomies in this chapter is this belief that as Christians, we are called to be closer to Jesus in order to be further from sin.  But then again, the closer we become to Jesus, the closer we will be to sinners, including ourselves.

Hmmmmm……

I’m so glad John Ramey is leading this week since I’m already planning to go through the chapter twice before Friday!

We’re back at the Cornwell Center this week.  Please gather starting at 7:30 am for fellowship.  John will kick off the lesson at 7:45 am.

Have a great week!

Peace!