Community http://www.dunndailyrecord.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=68749
Check out this story regarding a girls decision to forego birthday presents
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Spiritual Cosmetics
Community
Our table talk discussion today focused on an excerpt from Brennan Mannings' book, The Ragamuffin Gospel:
The Good News means we can stop lying to ourselves. The sweet sound of amazing grace saves us from denying that though Christ was victorious, the battle with lust, greed, and pride still rages within us. As a sinner who has been redeemed, I can acknowledge that I am often unloving, irritable, angry, and resentful with those closest to me. When I go to church I can leave my white hat at home and admit I have failed. God not only loves me as I am, but also knows me as I am. Because of this I don't need to apply spiritual cosmetics to make myself presentable to Him. I can accept ownership of my poverty and powerlessness and neediness.
We questioned whether or not we feel this freedom, of leaving one's white hat and spiritual cosmetics off when we come to Church or Community. Tables then discussed what is necessary to come as we are.
Our table talk discussion today focused on an excerpt from Brennan Mannings' book, The Ragamuffin Gospel:
The Good News means we can stop lying to ourselves. The sweet sound of amazing grace saves us from denying that though Christ was victorious, the battle with lust, greed, and pride still rages within us. As a sinner who has been redeemed, I can acknowledge that I am often unloving, irritable, angry, and resentful with those closest to me. When I go to church I can leave my white hat at home and admit I have failed. God not only loves me as I am, but also knows me as I am. Because of this I don't need to apply spiritual cosmetics to make myself presentable to Him. I can accept ownership of my poverty and powerlessness and neediness.
We questioned whether or not we feel this freedom, of leaving one's white hat and spiritual cosmetics off when we come to Church or Community. Tables then discussed what is necessary to come as we are.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Constantine Table Talk
Community
Today's table talk discussion focuses on the Emperor Constantine, and asks the question, "Was Constantine's edict of Milan, positive or negative for Christianity?"
Thoughts?
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Fireworks
Because this is an "Ojai" Community blog, quick question:
Does anyone have any idea what happened at last night's firework show? We were watching from our roof, and it looked like after the finale, and the stadium lights went on, fireworks continued to be launched from Nordhoff. What happened?
Monday, July 04, 2005
Justified Means?
Second missing US soldier found in Afghanistan; civilians killed
(Reuters)
4 July 2005 (From Khaleej Times Online >> News >> SUBCONTINENT)
KABUL - A second American soldier missing in Afghanistan for the past week has been located, a provincial governor said on Monday, adding that 17 civilians died in a US air raid last week during a search for the missing troops.
After declining to comment over the weekend about reports of civilian deaths in Friday’s air strike in Kunar province, the US military said on Monday it had killed an “unknown” number of militants and civilians and regretted the loss of innocent life.
Yesterday's table talk topic focused on stories like the one above, and asked the question of whether or not any civilian deaths, especially if those deaths are expected before the attacks, are justifiable.
I'm curious as to what some of the answers were that were given. Personally, I am struggling if my answer as a struggling Christ follower, should be different from that of political and military leaders whose goals include saving the lives of the those in their armies, and not glorifying God. And if the people in those positions are also followers of Jesus Christ, is it possible for them to make decisions that include the deaths of families innocently sitting at their kitchen tables eating dinner, and still glorify God?
The focus of the parable of the weeds and the wheat is not to answer the morality of
civilian deaths in war, rather it allows us to see God's mercy and love in not desiring for any of His children to perish allong with the sons of the world, however God has still called us to be his reflectors to the world, and although I adore my freedom and security, I question means which include the deaths of children having nothing to do with military actions.
(Reuters)
4 July 2005 (From Khaleej Times Online >> News >> SUBCONTINENT)
KABUL - A second American soldier missing in Afghanistan for the past week has been located, a provincial governor said on Monday, adding that 17 civilians died in a US air raid last week during a search for the missing troops.
After declining to comment over the weekend about reports of civilian deaths in Friday’s air strike in Kunar province, the US military said on Monday it had killed an “unknown” number of militants and civilians and regretted the loss of innocent life.
Yesterday's table talk topic focused on stories like the one above, and asked the question of whether or not any civilian deaths, especially if those deaths are expected before the attacks, are justifiable.
I'm curious as to what some of the answers were that were given. Personally, I am struggling if my answer as a struggling Christ follower, should be different from that of political and military leaders whose goals include saving the lives of the those in their armies, and not glorifying God. And if the people in those positions are also followers of Jesus Christ, is it possible for them to make decisions that include the deaths of families innocently sitting at their kitchen tables eating dinner, and still glorify God?
The focus of the parable of the weeds and the wheat is not to answer the morality of
civilian deaths in war, rather it allows us to see God's mercy and love in not desiring for any of His children to perish allong with the sons of the world, however God has still called us to be his reflectors to the world, and although I adore my freedom and security, I question means which include the deaths of children having nothing to do with military actions.
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