As I am writing today, cold germs are ravaging my body. My joints ache and my head is stuffy. How is that for descriptive writing, huh? I seriously do have a cold and am hoping to shake it by tomorrow, at least to some degree. As I have been in my apartment today, I have had a lot of time to think (between sleeping times). My thoughts have been directed toward one idea today, God is good. I know that is hardly a revolutionary concept, but I think it is a significant one.
There are a lot of people going through hard times. I pay attention to the political scene and I have heard that unemployment is at 10% nationwide. Staggering! However, in a more personal way, I just got an email from a friend letting me know that his job/ministry was dropped due to budget cuts at the church. He and his family are seeking the Lord in this matter. That's not just a statistic, that's a real person that I know. Tough times, for sure. I know, in my own search for the Lord's will for my life, that the places that I apply often have fifty to seventy-five resumes from which to choose. Tough times. Hard times are not just limited to the job market. I am aware of a family that just lost a dear loved one. I know of another who is facing a battery of demanding physical tests as they battle illness. Sometimes the prognosis isn't what we want to hear. Tough times.
In the middle of all of these struggles, I have been reminded that God is there and that he cares. Matthew noted Jesus' words how God cares for the birds, surely he will care for you. We know that God is faithful and that he is love (1 John 4:7-8). How have I seen his caring hand, you ask?
It shows up in the simplest of things, really. The answer to a small prayer that doesn't mean much to anyone outside of me. But it mattered to me and it mattered to God.
It is in the quiet confidence that even though I don't know what the future holds, he does and that's ok. I surely do wish things would be a certain way. When things aren't going that way, it leads to uncertainty and instability. These two are "joy robbers" and deprive us all of what can be ours. When I feel that way, and I do, I am reminded that He is in charge. I do believe all things will work togehter for good. I do believe.
It is in the consistency of routines. That sounds a bit odd, doesn't it? Let me explain. As I go about my daily life, doing what it is that God has placed before me that day, I do not have much time to worry or be overcome by tomorrow. The discipline of serving him every hour shows me his hand and lets me know it will be all right.
That's it, isn't it? We want things to be "all right." Whenever I hear those words, I think back to Mitchell. Do you remember him? He is the special needs child I met last September. I saw him at lunch last week. He doesn't have a wide vocabularly (outside of a few cuss words), but one thing I do remember well is him saying, "It's all right." Hmmm... Mitchell says things are all right. I believe that, too, Mitchell. Thanks for reading and look for God's hand. I believe you'll find it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Movie Inspires High View of the Bible
This weekend I had the opportunity to see the movie "The Book of Eli" starring Denzel Washington. Now I know, for many of you, that fact that Denzel Washington is in the movie is reason enough to see it. This movie, though, ought to have an even greater pull for Christians. The message of this movie, in my opinion, is clear. The Bible matters. I won't get into the details of the movie because I don't want to spoil it for those who may yet see it. I will, though, address one topic that I think resonates from this Hollywood offering: Bible memorization.
Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." The Lord told Joshua as he began to lead the people of Israel, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:9). Both of these verses and countless others indicate the importance of really knowing Scripture.
As I watched the movie, "The Book of Eli," I wondered how much of the Bible do I really know? How much can I quote of it? As I ask these questions, I am humbled. I have read through the whole Bible. I can give, I think, a summary of what each book contains. How much of it have I really internalized? Not as much as I would have liked or should have. I realize that Bible memorization isn't stressed as much as it used to be. Camp used to give prizes for Bible memory. Sunday School classes used to give a memory verse every week. Bible Bowl used to have 3,000 or so young people involved around the nation. Some camp deans still may push Bible memory, but I know a lot that don't. Some Sunday School teachers may still give a memory verse, but I know of many that do not. Bible Bowl is still a great program, but only half as many kids are involved. Why is this the case?
Let me suggest a few reasons. First, there is an educational bias against rote memory. Back when I was in school, (I just love being old enough to really say that), when I had a course on Shakespeare, we had to memorize parts of the play and really know the play. Today, that same course tests, not on what is in the play, but more on what the play means and how the student relates to the play. Now let me say I don't think it is bad to be able to demonstrate those skills. In fact, I think it is good. However, I do need to ask, how can one really relate to something he or she doesn't know? Second, there is a church bias against Bible memory, too. That sounds strange, doesn't it? I believe there is, though. How many people bring their own Bibles to church? How many times do Christians want to apply the Scripture without ever really knowing the Scripture? Again, I ask, how can you apply that which you do not know?
If we really believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God, then it takes on an even greater importance. It is not some history book that you can really learn. It is actually the "God-breated" message for lost man. The words of Scripture matter. They give hope. They give comfort. They challenge and convict. They point to Jesus Christ!
I want to issue a challenge to the ( I wanted to say millions at this point, then I thought thousands, nope. Hundreds, not really. Fifties, no.) teens that read these posts to memorize a portion of Scripture today. I won't just leave you with the challenge, though. I will give you a tool. In Bible Bowl, I call this the "Quote Book." Here it is.
Take 2 Timothy 1:1. Write down: P,A A O C J B T W O G, A T T P O L T I I C J.
These are the first letters of every word in the verse that says, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." I typed that without looking at the Bible. I only used the first letters. By studying and going over the verses using these letters, I can memorize large portions of the Bible. My Bible Bowl kids have for years. So, to the teens of you out there, take my challenge. I am going to try to memorize more, too. Thanks for reading and, if you get the chance, see the movie. Prepare to be humbled.
Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." The Lord told Joshua as he began to lead the people of Israel, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:9). Both of these verses and countless others indicate the importance of really knowing Scripture.
As I watched the movie, "The Book of Eli," I wondered how much of the Bible do I really know? How much can I quote of it? As I ask these questions, I am humbled. I have read through the whole Bible. I can give, I think, a summary of what each book contains. How much of it have I really internalized? Not as much as I would have liked or should have. I realize that Bible memorization isn't stressed as much as it used to be. Camp used to give prizes for Bible memory. Sunday School classes used to give a memory verse every week. Bible Bowl used to have 3,000 or so young people involved around the nation. Some camp deans still may push Bible memory, but I know a lot that don't. Some Sunday School teachers may still give a memory verse, but I know of many that do not. Bible Bowl is still a great program, but only half as many kids are involved. Why is this the case?
Let me suggest a few reasons. First, there is an educational bias against rote memory. Back when I was in school, (I just love being old enough to really say that), when I had a course on Shakespeare, we had to memorize parts of the play and really know the play. Today, that same course tests, not on what is in the play, but more on what the play means and how the student relates to the play. Now let me say I don't think it is bad to be able to demonstrate those skills. In fact, I think it is good. However, I do need to ask, how can one really relate to something he or she doesn't know? Second, there is a church bias against Bible memory, too. That sounds strange, doesn't it? I believe there is, though. How many people bring their own Bibles to church? How many times do Christians want to apply the Scripture without ever really knowing the Scripture? Again, I ask, how can you apply that which you do not know?
If we really believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God, then it takes on an even greater importance. It is not some history book that you can really learn. It is actually the "God-breated" message for lost man. The words of Scripture matter. They give hope. They give comfort. They challenge and convict. They point to Jesus Christ!
I want to issue a challenge to the ( I wanted to say millions at this point, then I thought thousands, nope. Hundreds, not really. Fifties, no.) teens that read these posts to memorize a portion of Scripture today. I won't just leave you with the challenge, though. I will give you a tool. In Bible Bowl, I call this the "Quote Book." Here it is.
Take 2 Timothy 1:1. Write down: P,A A O C J B T W O G, A T T P O L T I I C J.
These are the first letters of every word in the verse that says, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." I typed that without looking at the Bible. I only used the first letters. By studying and going over the verses using these letters, I can memorize large portions of the Bible. My Bible Bowl kids have for years. So, to the teens of you out there, take my challenge. I am going to try to memorize more, too. Thanks for reading and, if you get the chance, see the movie. Prepare to be humbled.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Additional Bible Bowl Musings
I am off school again today and had a few more idle thoughts regarding Bible Bowl days gone by. This is mostly for old Stony Point players....
My most memorable games as a coach: (Not in any order but by year)
1988 vs. Lawrence/Oaklandon I was the new SP coach after Mike Wileman left at Easter that year. We won the game on the last question and went on to finish 4th. Tough act to follow in following Mike. That game helped immensely. Delaine, Dan, Melissa, Clint, and Roger led this team.
1989 vs. SE Englewood This was a round 10 game, both teams were undefeated and SE Englewood had been 1st and 2nd the two previous years. Our kids "back in black" won big and that propelled them to a 2nd place finish. Dan, Melissa, Melanie, Roger, Wendy, Mike and Clint led the way in Louisville.
1990 vs. Creve Couer This was a round 11 game that if you won, you went on to the top 8. This was the famous "precious stones" game in which Mike Golden got his only question of that national tournament. The game came down to that contention and I still remember Melanie Way (Edwards now) praying at the table. That team, Melanie, Wendy, Mike and Roger went on to finish 5th.
1994 vs. Ben Davis in R 11. This was an all new team. Abby Morton a junior played with a freshman, an 8th grader and a 7th grader.(Chris, Kevin and Clint) In this game, the team came back to beat the team that put us in the losers' bracket. This win, by a good margin, put us in the top 8. This is also the only game I remember Bret Talley quizzing my team.
1995 a host of games could qualify in this National Championship year. The most memorable, though, was a round 12 game vs. Traders Point. They were the 3rd place team the year before and the home town team. We won the game handily and moved on. Clint, Kevin, Chris, Matt and Rachel had accomplished a lot in Indy that week. This tournament was the first one ever with BBERT. Man were those questions clean, good and fast!
1997 Once again, the most memorable was a win vs. Traders Point in round 8. Erin, Rachel, David and Keith made up this team. This was the first year that the top 16 was recognized and that upset win gave us a top 12 finish. Three use words first showed up here at this national tournament.
1999 The most memorable game here was the round 9 game vs. SE Englewood. Ron Russell coached this team. The SP team, Rachel, Candace, Megan, and Keith had rebounded from a round 4 loss to win four in a row. This game meant top 16 or not. It was a good win against a good team.
2000 This year had a host of memorable games, too. I think the most memorable, though, came against the number three overall seed Madeira. David Underwood yawned his way through this one and Keith Golubski even got one. Candace Golubski and Christy Saunders rounded out this team that went all the way to 10th in the nation.
2001 Candace and Christy were back again and with them were the Bolejacks' (Emily and Parker). The most memorable game of this year is one I didn't see. It was a round 7 tie-breaker that Jim Hurley of Rising Sun bounced to us. That propelled us into the top 16. This was the first year that Question Type Headers were used. Took a while to get used to that. This was also the first year we placed in the team average, finishing 5th.
2005 This year we hit the trifecta for the first time. Beginner Bowl, Jr. Bible Bowl and Bible Bowl all placed at Nationals. The most memorable game for me in this one was the Bible Bowl team's win against Maineville after losing on the last question to Cornerstone. That game began Josiah Gorman's career in the top level of Bible Bowl. Gorman, Alex, Joel and Esther made up that team which also took 5th on the test team average.
2006 Another memorable year. The run to the national championshiop was marked with lots of good stuff. We had the trifecta again with Beginner Bowl, Jr. Bible Bowl and Bible Bowl all placing. We also won the team average for the first time nationally. Most memorable game: a round 8 5 point win over River Valley that began that last morning. Josiah, Joel, Kimber, Kate, Brandon and Alex made up this team.
2007 Hard to follow a championship year but I think we did ok. Had our best summer ever as far as wins at major tournaments. We finished 3rd at the Nationals in KC. We were able to capture our second team average in a row. Most memorable game: This time it is a loss. Our 5 point loss to Kissimmee in round 12 when we outbuzzed them 10-9 still sticks out as the time when Bordelon outcoached me. That's how it goes sometimes, though. A five point win can propel but a five point loss can deflate. Gorman, Kimber, Danielle, Kate, and Brandon made up this team.
2008 Most thought it to be a rebuilding year. Not so much, though. Kimber Lane was back from 06 and 07. Courtney Jones and Vin Alonzo joined her. We had a good season and a strong national tournament finishing 11th. Most memorable game? The round 6 win vs. Worthington. Team took 2nd in Test Average that year, too.
2009 An amazing year and my last at SP. Had a good summer but an excellent National tournament. Ran all the way to 3rd place. Lots of good games but the most memorable: Three of them. The first Austin game and the Towne South game stand out as our best performances. The second Austin game I didn't see but we came back to get the last five to win and that has to be memorable. Solid test average again:
5th.
2010 ?????
My most memorable games as a coach: (Not in any order but by year)
1988 vs. Lawrence/Oaklandon I was the new SP coach after Mike Wileman left at Easter that year. We won the game on the last question and went on to finish 4th. Tough act to follow in following Mike. That game helped immensely. Delaine, Dan, Melissa, Clint, and Roger led this team.
1989 vs. SE Englewood This was a round 10 game, both teams were undefeated and SE Englewood had been 1st and 2nd the two previous years. Our kids "back in black" won big and that propelled them to a 2nd place finish. Dan, Melissa, Melanie, Roger, Wendy, Mike and Clint led the way in Louisville.
1990 vs. Creve Couer This was a round 11 game that if you won, you went on to the top 8. This was the famous "precious stones" game in which Mike Golden got his only question of that national tournament. The game came down to that contention and I still remember Melanie Way (Edwards now) praying at the table. That team, Melanie, Wendy, Mike and Roger went on to finish 5th.
1994 vs. Ben Davis in R 11. This was an all new team. Abby Morton a junior played with a freshman, an 8th grader and a 7th grader.(Chris, Kevin and Clint) In this game, the team came back to beat the team that put us in the losers' bracket. This win, by a good margin, put us in the top 8. This is also the only game I remember Bret Talley quizzing my team.
1995 a host of games could qualify in this National Championship year. The most memorable, though, was a round 12 game vs. Traders Point. They were the 3rd place team the year before and the home town team. We won the game handily and moved on. Clint, Kevin, Chris, Matt and Rachel had accomplished a lot in Indy that week. This tournament was the first one ever with BBERT. Man were those questions clean, good and fast!
1997 Once again, the most memorable was a win vs. Traders Point in round 8. Erin, Rachel, David and Keith made up this team. This was the first year that the top 16 was recognized and that upset win gave us a top 12 finish. Three use words first showed up here at this national tournament.
1999 The most memorable game here was the round 9 game vs. SE Englewood. Ron Russell coached this team. The SP team, Rachel, Candace, Megan, and Keith had rebounded from a round 4 loss to win four in a row. This game meant top 16 or not. It was a good win against a good team.
2000 This year had a host of memorable games, too. I think the most memorable, though, came against the number three overall seed Madeira. David Underwood yawned his way through this one and Keith Golubski even got one. Candace Golubski and Christy Saunders rounded out this team that went all the way to 10th in the nation.
2001 Candace and Christy were back again and with them were the Bolejacks' (Emily and Parker). The most memorable game of this year is one I didn't see. It was a round 7 tie-breaker that Jim Hurley of Rising Sun bounced to us. That propelled us into the top 16. This was the first year that Question Type Headers were used. Took a while to get used to that. This was also the first year we placed in the team average, finishing 5th.
2005 This year we hit the trifecta for the first time. Beginner Bowl, Jr. Bible Bowl and Bible Bowl all placed at Nationals. The most memorable game for me in this one was the Bible Bowl team's win against Maineville after losing on the last question to Cornerstone. That game began Josiah Gorman's career in the top level of Bible Bowl. Gorman, Alex, Joel and Esther made up that team which also took 5th on the test team average.
2006 Another memorable year. The run to the national championshiop was marked with lots of good stuff. We had the trifecta again with Beginner Bowl, Jr. Bible Bowl and Bible Bowl all placing. We also won the team average for the first time nationally. Most memorable game: a round 8 5 point win over River Valley that began that last morning. Josiah, Joel, Kimber, Kate, Brandon and Alex made up this team.
2007 Hard to follow a championship year but I think we did ok. Had our best summer ever as far as wins at major tournaments. We finished 3rd at the Nationals in KC. We were able to capture our second team average in a row. Most memorable game: This time it is a loss. Our 5 point loss to Kissimmee in round 12 when we outbuzzed them 10-9 still sticks out as the time when Bordelon outcoached me. That's how it goes sometimes, though. A five point win can propel but a five point loss can deflate. Gorman, Kimber, Danielle, Kate, and Brandon made up this team.
2008 Most thought it to be a rebuilding year. Not so much, though. Kimber Lane was back from 06 and 07. Courtney Jones and Vin Alonzo joined her. We had a good season and a strong national tournament finishing 11th. Most memorable game? The round 6 win vs. Worthington. Team took 2nd in Test Average that year, too.
2009 An amazing year and my last at SP. Had a good summer but an excellent National tournament. Ran all the way to 3rd place. Lots of good games but the most memorable: Three of them. The first Austin game and the Towne South game stand out as our best performances. The second Austin game I didn't see but we came back to get the last five to win and that has to be memorable. Solid test average again:
5th.
2010 ?????
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Bible Bowl Musings
I just finished the blog on the importance of the Bible. I really do believe that. I am convinced that what matters (in connection with one's view of Jesus) is one's view of the Bible. Is it really God's Word or is it just another religious book? I believe the first. To quote the song I learned a long time ago, "The BIBLE. Yes that's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God; the BIBLE." Because of that love for God's Word and a bit of a competitive nature, I have been blessed by a program called Bible Bowl. Most of you know that I have been involved in Bible Bowl for almost 32 years. I played for six years. I was an assistant coach for about 2 years and I have been a head coach for 24 years this year (though technically I am not the "head coach" this year). That's a long time. In that time I have been privileged to study the entire New Testament and over one half of the Old Testament in depth. What I have memorized, I generally learned in Bible Bowl. I truly believe in this program and it has changed my life. I am concerned about the shrinking numbers of kids in Bible Bowl and will address that in a later post. What I want to do now is just share a few memories. I read a Joe Posnanski blog like this today and I was inspired. So, here goes...
My Favorite Cities for National Tournaments (in no particular order)
Indianapolis, IN
Louisville, KY
Cincinnati, OH
Tampa, FL
Chicago, IL
Least Favorite Cities for National Tournaments
St. Louis, MO
Dallas, TX
Best Comebacks I have ever seen in a game:
SE Louisville vs. College Hts in 1994 placement game in Orlando
College Hts got ten of eleven in the first half, SE L got the last nine and won by just a few points as I remember it.
Stony Point vs. Malvern in 2000 Lincoln Double Elim
SP got 6 of last 7 to win by 15 points against Rene Miller. Later, at JBC, Malvern got revenge.
Stony Point vs Austin in 2009 National tournament to get to the Final Four. (Sorry Ruth) SP trailed by 195 with five questions left. Needing all five and all bonus points, SP got them and won by five.
Best Game Ever...
Malvern vs. Kissimmee in 2005 National Top 12 Winner's bracket game. Both teams tied at 400 at the end of regulation. All questions and bonus answered correctly and evenly. Kissimmee won on a tie-breaker.
Best Teams I've Seen...
Novesta (1999-2002)
SE Louisville (1989)
SE Englewood, CO (1987-88)
Minerva (1978) Dr. Hahlen, I wouldn't forget.
North Terrace (1980)
Best Coaches I've Met...
(Past)
Mike Wileman (Stony Point)
Eileen Smith (Drexel Gardens)
Warren and Beth White (Traders Point)
Bob and Susie Baker (Greenwood)
Chet Coy (Southport Heights)
Eric Derry (River Valley)
Tom Odle (SE Louisville)
Though I know they are controversial, Doug Hurd and Walt Carnes also make this list. No one can deny how well they got kids to play the game.
(Current)
Jim Swindler (Xenia)
Brad Spiers (Novesta)
Dale Harlow (Northfield)
Tracey Chamberlain (Austin)
Best Coach EVER in my opinion: Gary Bordelon (Kissimmee)
Best Programs I have seen...
Valley View (1999-Present)
Mt. Pleasant (2004-present)
Kissimmee (1998-Present)
Top Quizmasters I've seen...
David Strange
Dale Harlow
Anita Zutaut
Carrie Turner
Brad Spiers
Jason Jones
Ann Johnson
Minta Hardman
Ron Russell
Coaches/people that don't get the recognition they deserve for what they do...
Gordon Springer (Capitol City)
Mark Welch (Council Bluffs)
Tracey Chamberlain (Austin)
Robin Zauche (Bible, Garden City)
Brad Harper (SE Parker)
Tina Spicer (Dayspring)
Floyd and Catherine Miller (Union, Terre Haute)
Keith Smith (Orlando)
Bret Talley (Cincinnati)
Gary Coleman (Cincinnati)
Patsy Wilson (LCC)
Mark Young (SE Louisville)
Bob Russell (SE Louisville)
There are, I am certain, countless others that could be on this list. This one is my list and I reserve the right to add to it.
There are so many memories of people and events that I have had through this wonderful program. I have not included everyone that I have met or worked with. That would be impossible. Suffice it to say, that this program of getting me into the Word and the Word into me has made a great impact. Please understand that these are my opinions. I did not leave anyone out intentionally. I may go back and add some as I think of them. I just wanted to get it out and maybe you'll think, too. If you've read these ramblings this far, thanks for reading...
My Favorite Cities for National Tournaments (in no particular order)
Indianapolis, IN
Louisville, KY
Cincinnati, OH
Tampa, FL
Chicago, IL
Least Favorite Cities for National Tournaments
St. Louis, MO
Dallas, TX
Best Comebacks I have ever seen in a game:
SE Louisville vs. College Hts in 1994 placement game in Orlando
College Hts got ten of eleven in the first half, SE L got the last nine and won by just a few points as I remember it.
Stony Point vs. Malvern in 2000 Lincoln Double Elim
SP got 6 of last 7 to win by 15 points against Rene Miller. Later, at JBC, Malvern got revenge.
Stony Point vs Austin in 2009 National tournament to get to the Final Four. (Sorry Ruth) SP trailed by 195 with five questions left. Needing all five and all bonus points, SP got them and won by five.
Best Game Ever...
Malvern vs. Kissimmee in 2005 National Top 12 Winner's bracket game. Both teams tied at 400 at the end of regulation. All questions and bonus answered correctly and evenly. Kissimmee won on a tie-breaker.
Best Teams I've Seen...
Novesta (1999-2002)
SE Louisville (1989)
SE Englewood, CO (1987-88)
Minerva (1978) Dr. Hahlen, I wouldn't forget.
North Terrace (1980)
Best Coaches I've Met...
(Past)
Mike Wileman (Stony Point)
Eileen Smith (Drexel Gardens)
Warren and Beth White (Traders Point)
Bob and Susie Baker (Greenwood)
Chet Coy (Southport Heights)
Eric Derry (River Valley)
Tom Odle (SE Louisville)
Though I know they are controversial, Doug Hurd and Walt Carnes also make this list. No one can deny how well they got kids to play the game.
(Current)
Jim Swindler (Xenia)
Brad Spiers (Novesta)
Dale Harlow (Northfield)
Tracey Chamberlain (Austin)
Best Coach EVER in my opinion: Gary Bordelon (Kissimmee)
Best Programs I have seen...
Valley View (1999-Present)
Mt. Pleasant (2004-present)
Kissimmee (1998-Present)
Top Quizmasters I've seen...
David Strange
Dale Harlow
Anita Zutaut
Carrie Turner
Brad Spiers
Jason Jones
Ann Johnson
Minta Hardman
Ron Russell
Coaches/people that don't get the recognition they deserve for what they do...
Gordon Springer (Capitol City)
Mark Welch (Council Bluffs)
Tracey Chamberlain (Austin)
Robin Zauche (Bible, Garden City)
Brad Harper (SE Parker)
Tina Spicer (Dayspring)
Floyd and Catherine Miller (Union, Terre Haute)
Keith Smith (Orlando)
Bret Talley (Cincinnati)
Gary Coleman (Cincinnati)
Patsy Wilson (LCC)
Mark Young (SE Louisville)
Bob Russell (SE Louisville)
There are, I am certain, countless others that could be on this list. This one is my list and I reserve the right to add to it.
There are so many memories of people and events that I have had through this wonderful program. I have not included everyone that I have met or worked with. That would be impossible. Suffice it to say, that this program of getting me into the Word and the Word into me has made a great impact. Please understand that these are my opinions. I did not leave anyone out intentionally. I may go back and add some as I think of them. I just wanted to get it out and maybe you'll think, too. If you've read these ramblings this far, thanks for reading...
The Roots Aren't Deep Enough
I read a blog about trees today. That sounds a bit strange, doesn't it? Well, I'm on a snow day and the president's news conference was a bit boring...No. Not really. I did have a snow day and I did think the "big" press conference was a bit dry, but I actually looked up the tree blog. Why? I wanted to know about trees that were easily blown down by the wind. I found out that some trees do have a more shallow root system than others, but what happens, more often than not, is that the roots of a tree seek out the water. If the water is down deep in the soil, then the roots are deep. If, though, the soil is dry or sandy, then the roots will be more on the surface where they can catch whatever moisture may be there. Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "Thomas has really lost it. He's pondering trees!" Well, I may have lost it all right, but there is a point to this.
I found it fascinating that some trees could grow really tall and look great. They seemed to be indestructable. But, when a storm rolled through town, those same trees would be lying in the yard or on someone's house. They didn't have the roots to support what grew up top.
As bad as that may be for trees, I think it is even worse for churches. I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. I have been to a few different churches since I left Stony Point. They are all different. I've been to a mega-church, a large church and a very small church, too. I've even been to a "liberal" church that doesn't believe in the Bible as God's word. I've covered the spectrum. I have had a lot of discussions with church people and leaders about what makes up a "good," "healthy" church. I don't know that there is any one "right" answer. One thing, though, that did strike me, especially among the Christian churches of which I am a part, is the drifting away from a strong, vibrant Sunday School program and a general lack of "challenging" Bible studies. I fear, for what it is worth, that we, the Christian church, are slowly leaving behind our motto of being "a people of the book." I know of quite a few churches that no longer have Sunday School for adults. There are some churches that have a few classes, but the program is generally weak. It seems to me (and I admit I have a very limited perspective), that Bible study 2010 has become a "fill in the blank with the right answer" exercise. I wonder what has happened to the days of wrestling with a text to grasp what it means. It seems to me the "tough questions" don't get asked very often. We seem to want a neatly packaged faith that looks really pretty. I just don't think that kind of faith can hold up in a storm. It just isn't deep enough.
I believe a return to the Bible in 2010 is imperative if we are going to really impact this world and make a stand. There is a real enemy out there that does not want people to know Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal life. He has infiltrated every aspect of our society. Now, more than ever, we must be equipped to battle this enemy. How? Using the Word of God. Jesus fought Satan's temptations in the desert with God's Word (See Matthew 4). The book of Hebrews describes the power of God's Word. It says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is powerful. It is God's message to us. It points us to Jesus Christ. It gives us direction and purpose for life. It allows us to stand up to the temptations of this world and our enemy. It is all there; the Bible.
If you are in a church that preaches the Bible as God's inerrant word, then be grateful and encourage your preacher to continue. Let him know how much you admire and need that. Not every clergyman or woman has that view of the Bible. If you are in a Sunday School class that challenges you, tell the teacher. Let him or her know that it makes a difference to you. Christians need to know, read, study and memorize the Bible. It is my hope that 2010 signals a renewal of not only churches growing wide in numbers but also growing deep in faith and in God's Word. Thanks for reading....
I found it fascinating that some trees could grow really tall and look great. They seemed to be indestructable. But, when a storm rolled through town, those same trees would be lying in the yard or on someone's house. They didn't have the roots to support what grew up top.
As bad as that may be for trees, I think it is even worse for churches. I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. I have been to a few different churches since I left Stony Point. They are all different. I've been to a mega-church, a large church and a very small church, too. I've even been to a "liberal" church that doesn't believe in the Bible as God's word. I've covered the spectrum. I have had a lot of discussions with church people and leaders about what makes up a "good," "healthy" church. I don't know that there is any one "right" answer. One thing, though, that did strike me, especially among the Christian churches of which I am a part, is the drifting away from a strong, vibrant Sunday School program and a general lack of "challenging" Bible studies. I fear, for what it is worth, that we, the Christian church, are slowly leaving behind our motto of being "a people of the book." I know of quite a few churches that no longer have Sunday School for adults. There are some churches that have a few classes, but the program is generally weak. It seems to me (and I admit I have a very limited perspective), that Bible study 2010 has become a "fill in the blank with the right answer" exercise. I wonder what has happened to the days of wrestling with a text to grasp what it means. It seems to me the "tough questions" don't get asked very often. We seem to want a neatly packaged faith that looks really pretty. I just don't think that kind of faith can hold up in a storm. It just isn't deep enough.
I believe a return to the Bible in 2010 is imperative if we are going to really impact this world and make a stand. There is a real enemy out there that does not want people to know Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal life. He has infiltrated every aspect of our society. Now, more than ever, we must be equipped to battle this enemy. How? Using the Word of God. Jesus fought Satan's temptations in the desert with God's Word (See Matthew 4). The book of Hebrews describes the power of God's Word. It says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is powerful. It is God's message to us. It points us to Jesus Christ. It gives us direction and purpose for life. It allows us to stand up to the temptations of this world and our enemy. It is all there; the Bible.
If you are in a church that preaches the Bible as God's inerrant word, then be grateful and encourage your preacher to continue. Let him know how much you admire and need that. Not every clergyman or woman has that view of the Bible. If you are in a Sunday School class that challenges you, tell the teacher. Let him or her know that it makes a difference to you. Christians need to know, read, study and memorize the Bible. It is my hope that 2010 signals a renewal of not only churches growing wide in numbers but also growing deep in faith and in God's Word. Thanks for reading....
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