As many of my readers and subscribers already know, I’m seeking to pastor a like-minded (missional-Anabaptist) church. I greatly appreciate your prayers during this time. It makes a difference.
Our current fellowship allowed me the opportunity to preach last Sunday. FBC Woodlands/Birnham Woods was gracious enough to film it so that it can be used in the search process.
In the following sermon, I talk about the power and purpose of prayer as it involves God’s timing and spiritual warfare. And it’s only 26 minutes long!
How have you seen God at work around you through the power of prayer? Please share your experiences with “the unseen” realms that war against us. Encourage others with your stories. It really matters.
I attended Open 2013: Open Theology & the Church in St. Paul, MN last month. The main speakers were Greg Boyd, Tom Oord, and John Sanders. The conference was held at Woodland Hills Church and hosted by the ReKnew team. I had a great time and wanted to tell you about it.
I flew up early on Thursday and hung out with a couple of old college buddies until the first session that evening. It was nice getting to catch up with my friends, Josh Crain and Samuel Holder.
The conference began that evening with Greg Boyd talking about the History and Hope of Open Theology in the church. Greg talked about the growing attraction of the open view and discussed its historical roots in church history. Q&A followed.
The next day Jessica Kelley gave a very moving message about the recent loss of her 4 year old son, Henry. Jessica shared how the open view made all the difference in her family’s experience of losing Henry to a brain tumor. I was already prepared to cry. I had read Jessica’s story a couple weeks before, and as a new father, I wept through the entire thing.
Unfortunately, there was a mix up and her talk wasn’t recorded. But you can read Jessica’s story over at her blog, Jess in Process. I expect that God is going to continue using Jessica and her family in some spectacular ways (even more so) in the days to come. I even told her myself. :-)
John Sanders gave the plenary address on Friday evening. He lectured on The Virtues Inherent in Open Theism. John fashioned his message to show that the open view allows for the best portrait of God over other views, especially that of classical theology. Q&A followed.
Tom Oord delivered an interesting informal classroom-styled message on Openness & Moment-by-Moment Relation. He even used the dry-erase board to draw his illustrations. Tom’s talk was stimulating as he made a case for holiness and “perfection” coming through our choosing from the best options among a world of possibilities.
One of my favorite parts of the conference was the table discussions on Friday and Saturday (during the day). I had the privilege of leading and moderating a group. It was encouraging to see and hear from so many people around the country (and globe) that are embracing the open view and learning how it is shaping their lives and ministries.
It’s still unclear if the conference will be annual, or every other year. One thing is for certain, the entire weekend was encouraging and uplifting to all in attendance. There is definitely a movement taking place within the church.
Finally, check out this video reflection of Open 2013.
THANK YOU to all those who put the conference together and had the vision to make it happen. I also want to thank our local congregation for assisting in the expenses of the trip. Thank you, Church at Birnham Woods. And a special thanks to Greg and Shelley Boyd for letting me crash at your house my last night in St. Paul. Your hospitality was a blessing.
I thought we could all use a little humor this Friday. I think most of my readers will find it funny. The following video is a trailer for an upcoming rapture spoof film called, Rapture-Palooza (June, 2013).
Relax and have a good laugh!
For more of my serious theological reflections on the rapture:
In the following video blog, I talk about my current challenges in life and vocation. The last few weeks have given me the opportunity to discover where God is in the face of my doubt and life’s uncertainties.
And it’s prompted me to ask, “What does it mean to trust God?”
Have you faced any uncertainty lately? Having difficulties trusting God? Are you trusting in a certain outcome, or are you trusting in the God revealed in Jesus? May we be comforted in our knowledge of Christ.
