Velvet Elvis
Repainting the Christian FaithGood – Question of the week
In multiple places in the Bible, God’s people and/or the church are compared to a bride. Rich Mullins once commented that “What I think is scary about God is that He didn’t come up with any ‘Plan B’; that He left the church here, and the church is the only institution in the world that can bring about a change.” What do you find inspiring and/or scary about the church? What did Jesus say about her?
Wrap up of Dust
Not much to say.
Great chapter, but no conversation tonight.
Everyone needs to read, BLOG and interact.
New – Question of the week
Bell write about two realms: a realm of heaven which is living in sync with God’s desires and a realm of hell which is absent of what God desires. He speaks of this as both a present reality and as a future destination. How might your view of these two realms – present, future or both – impace the way you live your life?
Wrap up of Dust
Great week with lots of discussion on a short chapter.The addition of the secular-historical component to a scriptural description allowed us to once again smile at how incredible scripture was and is today.
Remember, BLOG early, interact often.
Talmid question?
If you are a talmid, you want to do everything your rabbi does – it is your calling to be as much like your rabbi as you can be. When Peter steps out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus, but starts to fail, Jesus says to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Who does Peter doubt? Why? (See Matthew 14:22-32)
Finding your sabbath..
A strong word from the group was that we each need to find our sabbath and protect that time.
For some people, Sabbath, might mean getting rid of their cell phone and spending time alone or just with family. For others, it means getting together with close friends. Each of us have activities that get our adrenaline pumping and others that help us relax. Sabbath is a time to put aside the former and take up the latter, while giving thanks to God for all. While it may seem ‘unproductive’ to give things up for a day of rest, the world will go on without us and will be better for it.
“The Shack” link: http://www.theshackbook.com/
Salvation Question????
What is the danger of only seeing salvation as something eternal, ignoring its temporal earthly meaning? What is the danger of viewing salvation as fully temporal – living a “social gospel” – but ignoring the eternal aspect of salvation?
Week’s Wrap
Tour guide discussion was honest and brought out some passion among the class. Everyone didn’t have speaking priviliges, which was and interesting sidebar to the night.
OK, get into the book, get on the BLOG and interact.
Spiritual tour guide question…
Rob Bell describes Paul as a “spiritual tour guide”. What do you think he means by this and how does it apply to you? How is this different than “taking Jesus to” someone?
