We will leave the door open for you!

Hi all, we are prepping to leave for Back to Church night at HRBC at the Prillaman house.  You are of course, invited and hereby reminded..If you are there, stop by and say HI!. even if you haven't been to church in months...  Hey, at a minimum, its free burgers.. ;-)  

It was good to be back in the saddle teaching this AM after a difficult Summer.  Lots of great stuff coming up for the FALL as Tayman and I will continue to share facilitator duties.. but we will always challenge you and yours to Think about what you Think!  It was great to have visitors today, as always..  

Challenge:  pass this email along to someone who would benefit from a vibrant, Life community rooted in Christ and practical study/application of scripture.. "in community"

Calling all Specific Beloved First Born Children of Christ..  You have a place with us.. and the door will be open..  

I'm also working on arranging some Google + "Hangouts" for midweek discussions… using computers…can't get more OpenDoor than that…  since we are all so busy and so many are teaching and serving in other places on Sunday AM.   

if you haven't set up an ID.. get it done.. not sure when the first one will be, but you won't want to miss out. CLICK HERE To GitRDone on Google+ -- https://plus.google.com/i/YRrisH_JMnk:uEx1FhXzoOc

OPEN DOOR BLOG:  http://hrbcopendoor.blogspot.com/

Music like religion, unconditionally brings in its train all the moral virtues to the heart it enters, even though that heart is not in the least worthy.

    Jean Baptiste Montegut

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OPEN DOOR AT A GLANCE

If you are visiting HRBC on a Sunday AM here is an "at a glance" view of the Life Community which calls itself Open Door. We usually meet upstairs in the Wallace building "by the coffee pots".. but with us, you never know. Sometimes, we end up outside, in a park, or even at pool;-)

Requirements to visit/join:

• Not really much, as we talk about the Bible and the implications of scripture in our daily lives, in plain english, no nonsense kind of approach.
• Can't say that I regularly even take roll. We are there for one another, whoever is there, each week.
• Bible knowledge not really required, this is an OTJ training environment.

Fun Facts:

• We are interested in "churches without walls" but that isn't practical, so we always leave the door open. seriously...We talk a lot about going to people instead of asking them to come to us...still trying to solve this one.
• We are the "coolest" class in the church. (especially in the Winter)
• We actually talk about things that many people in churches just think about.

Who we are:

• We are mostly married 30 somethings, 40 somethings, and 50 somethings. We tend to have children of differing ages in elementary school, but not necessarily.
• We enjoy thinking about current issues, and talking about how to actively use the gospel in our every day lives/applications.
• We aren't afraid to discuss and even question entrenched ideology and theology in a safe, inclusive, environment of friends.
• We care about one another and we act accordingly, going beyond the "traditional" expectations. We strive to sacrifice for one another, to make a difference.
• We ALL want to learn more about loving one another through regular study of the Bible, and further through regular fellowship and study. (in ecclesia)

Whose we are: GOD's period.

We are believers and searchers. A few of the favorite saying of Jeff are

• "I don't know the answer, but I still believe"
• "Every day is an opportunity"

"In a completely rational society, the best of us would aspire to be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone could have."  Lee Iacocca

Listen and Celebrate.

Listen, God speaks in many ways, unexpected... 

We returned to Numbers this AM and got to learn about biblical consultants and some unlikely speakers.
Balaam and Balak, and talking donkeys ruled the day.
(cartoon above from Ridgeway Community Church)

Best conversation centered around our old friend/topic: what is our motivation for coming to church..

Three options surfaced and great discussion ensued.
1. Obligation: kids, family, always done it
2. Searching/Seeking knowledge, spirit, God's presence, "to be filled.
3. Celebration - revel in our blessings and give back to God for his goodness, sacrifice of praise.

The open door welcomed visitors again today, and we remain focused on taking our knowledge and applying it to action...

Reminders:

• Listen to voices that are unexpected. 
• Learn on your own, never just blindly follow. 
• God is at work, actively, in our world today... from talking donkeys, to sticks, stones and rocks.
• Seek God on your own through passion and discipline and service.
• Strive to come to church on Sunday am and celebrate, as an example of service to both believers and non-believers alike. 

Searching for the promised land... back to the upper room.

Numbers 13 and 14.. and the tyranny of the majority vs the sacrifice of the minority ruled the day.
Today's class was about "how we seek" and discern in order to act in accordance with God.  Quite literally...

Things to remember:

• the majority is not always right, maybe even rarely right
• act in compassion and love as the Holy Spirit guides you
• God telling you something? look for correlation in bible study, prayer, circumstances and the church.
• Just because someone is alone, in the minority, doesn't mean they are wrong. 
• Remember that God loves you, sustains you, and that you are special.. you have nothing to fear
• where faith is strong, fear is fleeting.
• Joshua and Caleb were awesome...even in their "failure of leadership"
• the people suffered when they chose a path not in accordance with God's will
• people suffer when they listen to the wrong voices
• people suffer when they lose their focus on God's will for them
• we need not suffer. we are amazing

"God fully expects the church of Jesus Christ to prove itself a miraculous group in the very midst of a hostile world.  Christians, of necessity, must be in contact with the world but in being and spirit ought to  be separated from the world. --- and as such we should be the most amazing people in the world."  

--- A W Tozer 1897-1963

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
--- Marianne Williamson.

THE DRAMA & THE WANDERING...
In regards to OpenDoor's space and the exodus from the gym today...

We can't continue to meet in the gym folks. The lack of respect for the class and our conversation is not acceptable and we are creating a volatile environment and unnecessary distraction for our time together. Administrative meetings, setup, cleanup, will continue.. That is the fact and no amount of preaching about respecting our class' environment and needs in "a gym" will rectify it.  Our style of class is not going to work in there.  It may be true that we are forcing and exposing poor decisions by others as we discussed, but the outcomes are not helpful. We must act to stop it now. The class' decision to simply exit and reassemble back in our old classroom today was the right one. The rest of the church, "the majority" can't and won't adjust, but we can and will.  

For the time being I propose that we go back to our classroom. It is my prayer and request that each of you would pray and think carefully about the space limitations and begin thinking about creative solutions. Seek God's will in our challenge.  

What is he telling us through the bible, prayer, circumstances and our church of late?

• we should switch rooms?
• we should meet at another time?
• we should combine with other classes in larger rooms?
• we should split our class and go out and tell what we've learned?
• something else that we can't even imagine.

The connection of these lessons and events is not an accident. I believe firmly that we are having our actions tested.. Don't forget who we are. or whose we are.... remain focused on our mission and purpose.. it isn't to grow out class' numbers.. It is to maximize our impact to the outside world.. through our lives and examples in Christian service.

REMINDERS: 

Open Door is ...   from OpenDoor at a glance

focused on using our gifts and life community to reach out and go out.. not just invite in.. 

Who we are:

• We are mostly married 30 somethings, 40 somethings, and 50 somethings. We tend to have children of differing ages in elementary school, but not necessarily.
• We enjoy thinking about current issues, and talking about how to actively use the gospel in our every day lives/applications.
• We aren't afraid to discuss and even question entrenched ideology and theology in a safe, inclusive, environment of friends.
• We care about one another and we act accordingly, going beyond the "traditional" expectations. We strive to sacrifice for one another, to make a difference.
• We ALL want to learn more about loving one another through regular study of the Bible, and further through regular fellowship and study. (in ecclesia)

Whose we are: GOD's period.

We are believers and searchers. A few of the favorite saying of Jeff are

• "I don't know the answer, but I still believe"
• "Every day is an opportunity"

We have learned in the past two years that we are ALSO:

• Constantly changing... seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance as we join God in his plan for our lived.
• Specific, beloved, first born, children of Christ

Peter: I was there man, I was there...

Open Door interpreted and/or translated?  NOTES

Non siamo stati, si sa, proprio desiderio su una stella quando abbiamo previsto i fatti prima di voi per quanto riguarda il ritorno potente del nostro Maestro, Gesù Cristo. Eravamo lì per l'anteprima! Lo abbiamo visto con i nostri occhi: Gesù risplende di luce da Dio Padre come la voce di Gloria Majestic parlò: "Questo è mio Figlio, segnati dal mio amore, l'attenzione di tutti la mia gioia." Eravamo lì sul santo monte con lui. Abbiamo sentito la voce dal cielo con le nostre orecchie molto personale.

   Non potremmo essere più sicuri di quello che abbiamo visto e sentito gloria di Dio, la voce di Dio. La Parola profetica è stato confermato a noi. Farete bene a tenere concentrandosi su di esso. E 'l'unica luce che hai in un periodo buio, come si attende l'aurora e il sorgere della Stella del Mattino nei vostri cuori. La cosa principale da tenere a mente è che nessuna profezia della Scrittura è una questione di opinioni personali. E perché? Perché non è qualcosa di inventato nel cuore umano. Profezia risultato quando lo Spirito Santo viene richiesto uomini e alle donne di parlare la Parola di Dio.

2 Peter 1:16-21 (The Message)

   ^{16 -18}We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.

   ^{19 -21}We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.

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Interpretation

action of explaining the meaning of something : the interpretation of data.

• an explanation or way of explaining : this action is open to a number of interpretations.

• a stylistic representation of a creative work or dramatic role : two differing interpretations, both bearing the distinctive hallmarks of each writer's perspective.

Translation

1 the process of translating words or text from one language into another : Constantine's translation of Arabic texts into Latin.

• a written or spoken rendering of the meaning of a word, speech, book, or other text, in another language : a German translation of Oscar Wilde's play | a term for which there is no adequate English translation.

• the conversion of something from one form or medium into another : the translation of research findings into clinical practice.

• Biology the process by which a sequence of nucleotide triplets in a messenger RNA molecule gives rise to a specific sequence of amino acids during synthesis of a polypeptide or protein.

HOW to INTERPRET SCRIPTURE (apply it)

• Context  & Background
• Look for pervasive, big themes.. not single points
• Correlation between Old&New Testament is what.. New is fulfillment of the old
• Filter through Jesus’ actions
• Trust HOLY SPIRIT within you to teach you.. explain to you… help you…
• Filter through your service…
• PRACTICE!!

Practice: ELEM ELEY

WHAT is practice? According to Merriam-Webster, practice is “systematic exercise for proficiency.” Practice must involve experimenting/improvising (creative energy), but it is primarily to channel that energy into training. Practice is the investment of hours and years to build a resilient, dependable technique (method of carrying out a skilled activity). Practice is what one does to bridge the gap between his/her best intentions or dreams, and reality. In other words, practice is making consistent the application of desired choices; one practices making choices, so that they become “second nature,” automatic, as natural as breathing.

WHY practice? Learning without application is of questionable value; in a skill such as singing, learning is arguably worthless—unless validated by consistent practice. One does not learn to sing only in the voice lesson; vital concepts are introduced there, but the student builds with and upon those concepts/techniques in the practice room (studio class, the coaching studio, the opera rehearsal, the choral rehearsal, in performances…). It is important that techniques introduced in the lesson be promptly, thoroughly and regularly supported by generous amounts of time in practice. Much influence comes from teachers, coaches, conductors, colleagues, etc., but the student must embrace his/her right and responsibilities as Chair of the Vocal Board.

"It is God's Spirit and only God's Spirit that can rightly interpret the words of life to our spirits. That's why I pray that God will help me to stick to the text when preaching, not doing so much of what I used to do, showing off my cross referencing skills and making things fit my world view, but presenting texts in a way that will encourage thought and promote personal seeking of God, Then trust the Holy Spirit ti interpret the material to the heart of individuals, who knows, he may have a different message for each of us all from the same passage. One thing is for sure, we all have a different ministry." Reverend Ricky Barnes

BAPTIST PRINCIPLES

Soul freedom: the soul is competent before God, and capable of making decisions in matters of faith without coercion or compulsion by any larger religious or civil body

Church freedom: freedom of the local church from outside interference, whether government or civilian (subject only to the law where it does not interfere with the religious teachings and practices of the church)

Bible freedom: the individual is free to interpret the Bible for himself or herself, using the best tools of scholarship and biblical study available to the individual

Religious freedom: the individual is free to choose whether to practice their religion, another religion, or no religion; Separation of church and state is often called the "civil corollary" of religious freedom

Lasker Baptist thoughts from Rev Ricky

"It is God's Spirit and only God's Spirit that can rightly interpret the words of life to our spirits. That's why I pray that God will help me to stick to the text when preaching, not doing so much of what I used to do, showing off my cross referencing skills and making things fit my world view, but presenting texts in a way that will encourage thought and promote personal seeking of God, Then trust the Holy Spirit ti interpret the material to the heart of individuals, who knows, he may have a different message for each of us all from the same passage. One thing is for sure, we all have a different ministry." Reverend Ricky Barnes




About Lasker Baptist church in Lasker NC: "We seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven. What we do here and now and the effects our actions will have on future generations deeply concern us. We know that our relationships with one another, with other peoples, races and nations, should be governed by justice, equity, compassion. It is our conviction that, as the Body of Christ, we are to bring the healing, saving, life giving power of God wherever needs exist in the world. Come and Celebrate life with us tomorrow. Breathe in the fresh air of freedom."


This is my wish for Open Door at HRBC,  seeking, studying, serving in action, not just seeing others serve and supporting..  -- Jeff

Remains to be seen... "it depends" on you

Open Door jumped into James and practical application today with a review of James 1:22-27

What I want you to remember..

• You can't earn your way up to more love, or blessing from God...
• You can earn the respect of your fellow man with your actions. 
• People come to church because of other people. People don't come to church because of other people. God is their for each of us, despite our actions. The big question is whether we will be there for our fellow man "as directed by God" Will we actually be doers, or just listeners? 
• We are the Pharisees in the Gospel story. 

From Lesson Book: 

" When we lead genuine lives of faith, people more readily believe our testimony. Our actions earn us a hearing with those we wish to reach."

From Commentary: on REAL RELIGION by Brett Younger

• Real religion is a Sunday School class mentoring families transitioning out of welfare into self-sufficiency, helping these families plan a budget, look for jobs, and parent their children. 
• Real religion is the growing number of churches who make a place during the coldest months of the year so that homeless people can spend the night in their buildings. 
• Real religion is the many Christians who care for children and the elderly through their time, their presence, and the sharing of their gifts. 
• Real religion is following Christ by defending the oppressed, refusing to stereotype, and building friendships across dividing lines. 
• Real religion is talking about faith to people who snicker, inviting friends to church, and praying for those who are lost. 

Each week at church we can learn how to live our faith. We read the Bible and hear something new. We learn that the best teachers are Christians who serve. We learn that being kind is more important than being right. We learn that those moments of recognizing God's presence in the needy make life spectacular. We learn that love, not time, heals all wounds. We learn that life is tough, but God is always with us. We learn that when we follow Christ, Christ walks beside us. 

Imagine James after Sunday school, shaking hands with a woman who says, "James, that was a fine lesson."

His reply, "That remains to be seen"

Was Open Door worth our time today?  well, you know my answer. ;-)

Gathering community - great way to define "organic church"

A dear friend at Lasker Baptist church recently published this statement about his church and it seemed more than worthy of sharing.  This eloquently expresses my feelings as the leader/facilitator of OpenDoor. We are a "life community within our larger HRBC", but we are certainly doing many of these things.

Reading this? you are welcome in open door.. any time. We meet in the gym at HRBC, from ~10am - 11am every Sunday morning..  Consider gathering in a "life" community with us.. as we all think about what we think, learn, and worship our loving Father.. question, struggle, rejoice, and journey together!


"Lasker Baptist Church is approaching church as a Gathering Community, a ministry somewhat different from the old outdated Southern Baptist model. As a matter of fact it is our goal to minister to and communicate with people who have been hurt by institutional religion and who seek an organic relationship with God. 

We want this community to be a mosaic of people from many different walks of life, races, ages, and classes all journeying toward a better Christian life through life-long friendships, the celebration of the arts, and intentional social action- helping the poor and the disenfranchised. This is a Church for people seeking spiritual direction without out the pressure to conform to any particular practice. You can participate at whatever level is comfortable for you. This could very well be the church for you." - Reverend Ricky Barnes

New day

1 Peter 1:13-25 Message
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."


You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living.


Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.


 Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself! That's why the prophet said, 


The old life is a grass life, its beauty as short-lived as wildflowers; Grass dries up, flowers droop, God's Word goes on and on forever. This is the Word that conceived the new life in you. 


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2010 has come and gone. 2011 presents each of us with specific opportunities. As members of Huguenot Road Baptist Church we endeavor to Be, Love, and Serve in a world sorely in need of just those services. No need for us to travel to Narnia, or even another place.. We can serve in our own homes, in our own lives, in our places.  The choice is ours...

Lewis created Aslan for the purpose of touching the love already in us. And you know, you do love that Lion as you read about him. With each new Chronicle the love and appreciation increase. You love him for his dignity, his wisdom, his pure goodness, his gentleness. Perhaps most of all you love him because he wants us to receive his love and to know him and to share his happiness.

In the last chapter, the children are afraid that it is going to be quite a while before they can come back into Narnia. They wish that return to be soon. In their final conversation with Aslan they hear distressing news. Lucy says, "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?"

"I shall be telling you all the time," said Aslan. "But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder. And now come; I will open the door in the sky and send you to your own land."

"'Please, Aslan,' said Lucy. 'Before we go, will you tell us when we can come back to Narnia again? Please. And oh, do, do, do make it soon.' 'Dearest,' said Aslan very gently, 'you and your brother will never come back to Narnia.' 'Oh, Aslan!' said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices. 'You are too old, children,' said Aslan, 'and you must begin to come close to your own world now.' 'It isn't Narnia, you know,' sobbed Lucy. 'It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?' 'But you shall meet me, dear one,' said Aslan. 'Are — are you there too, Sir?' said Edmund. 'I am,' said Aslan, 'But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.'" - Author: S. Michael Wilcox , What can we learn from a lion? Lessons about Christ from Lewis' Aslan