Hey everyone!
Sorry things haven't been up to date these past weeks, we had a few technical difficulties...However, we're back on track giving you guys updates for whats going on in the REALM.
This Thursday we have a guest speaker talking on the important meaning behind the Hebrew name God gives to moses, Yahweh, and how it should make us react to Him.
This week's going to be awesome...
Hope to see you all there!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Relevant
Relevant:
Brandon Reynolds (associate pastor) and I were talking today about the relevance of the scriptures. You’ve got to admit, it’s pretty amazing that a book, certain parts being over 4,000 years old, has relevance to our lives today. That blows my mind away!
Just a little bit I thought I’d share…
Brandon Reynolds (associate pastor) and I were talking today about the relevance of the scriptures. You’ve got to admit, it’s pretty amazing that a book, certain parts being over 4,000 years old, has relevance to our lives today. That blows my mind away!
Just a little bit I thought I’d share…
-Lance(realm leader)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Climbing Mt. Thielsen
On the 28th, all of us Antioch interns climbed Mt. Thielson. Although we had to get up at about 4:30 am to get ready for the hike, everyone enjoyed the day...
It was amazing! The day was hot, tiring, challenging and tons of fun. Everyone made it to summit had an awesome view of God's glory.
One of the leaders gave us a reminder of the difficulty it is to get to the summit; how it can wear down on a person emotionally and physically...but in the end it's all worth it. God is much the same!!!
It can be hard sometimes to walk with Christ... to do what we are called to do as his fallower is not a cake walk; it's like summiting a mountain sometimes. There are cliffs to climb, loose and sharp rocks, altitude sickness and de-hydration...But you get to top, soak in the beauty of God's glory seen in nature and it was all worth it...
Remember folks, it isnt always easy...There are cuts, bruises and falls along the way but with His help, it's always worth it when you reach the summit.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Broken...But Fixed
This last Wednesday, the 23rd, I got to sit down and have coffee with a pastor of a Lutheran church here in Bend. Although knowing him for many years, I didn’t know what to expect from out conversation. Thank God, we got into the muck pretty quick. We talked about: abortion, homosexuality and grace, the Church’s political involvement, and church movements.
With all the interesting topics we hit, there was one in his personal life that really struck me hard… His wife left him. He said he never saw it coming and after 30+ years of marriage and children, it was hard.
With all the interesting topics we hit, there was one in his personal life that really struck me hard… His wife left him. He said he never saw it coming and after 30+ years of marriage and children, it was hard.
I noted to him it a sign of character to see a man suffer like that and not blame God. His response is what connected with me…
“Why would I blame God? God didn’t make my wife leave… I have to rely on God.”
It’s a simple truth of Christianity but honestly, people don’t practice it that often in times as hard as that. To see how a man relies on God and seeks comfort in his friends in such a difficult time is amazing to me and a true inspiration in my own personal walk…
Will we stick with God and give him our load of doubt, frustrations, and anger? Will we seek the face of our creator when life throws us a stick in our spokes? When we are broken, will we rely on God to put us back together?
Will we stick with God and give him our load of doubt, frustrations, and anger? Will we seek the face of our creator when life throws us a stick in our spokes? When we are broken, will we rely on God to put us back together?
-lance
(realm leader)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
9-9 REALM ROCK AND RIDE THIS SATURDAY,THE 19TH
The 9-9 REALM ROCK AND RIDE THIS WEEKEND JULY 19TH!!!
Come on out and join at Smith Rock for rock climbing and then onto Lake Billy Chinook for some wakeboarding, tubing and lunch. From there we head to a sweet park in Redmond for BBQ dinner and some chillaxen.
Best of all, IT’S FREE!!! All the gear, all the gas for the boats, all the food… IS ALL FREE!
We are meeting at the Cascade Village Starbucks (far north by Best Buy) at 9:00 am to head to Smith.
Any questions? Then email Lance Green at spoken_deity@yahoo.com
Hope you guys can make it!
Come on out and join at Smith Rock for rock climbing and then onto Lake Billy Chinook for some wakeboarding, tubing and lunch. From there we head to a sweet park in Redmond for BBQ dinner and some chillaxen.
Best of all, IT’S FREE!!! All the gear, all the gas for the boats, all the food… IS ALL FREE!
We are meeting at the Cascade Village Starbucks (far north by Best Buy) at 9:00 am to head to Smith.
Any questions? Then email Lance Green at spoken_deity@yahoo.com
Hope you guys can make it!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Traansatlanticism
A month and a half ago, one of my dreams came true: I was within ten feet of Ben Gibbard, one of the greatest indie rock musicians of all time. In my opinion, that is.
Lead singer of the Seattle-based band Death Cab for Cutie (DCFC), Gibbard stood on the Les Schwab Amphitheater stage belting out lyrics to one of my favorite songs.
“The Atlantic was born today and I’ll tell you how
The clouds above opened up and let it out
I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere
When the water filled every hole
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean
Making islands where no island should go”
The song, Transatlanticism, is beautiful, poetic, entrancing… but makes little to no sense on the first go-around. So I did some research into its meaning and found out that when DCFC recoded Transatlantacism, Gibbard was enduring a painful separation from his girlfriend. The two spent a lot of time apart while touring and working on their respective musical careers. In this song (and on the rest of the album), Gibbard sings of their physical and emotional distance from each other.
The “ocean” he speaks of is literal. While his girlfriend was touring in Europe, Gibbard was in Seattle. So it would seem natural for Gibbard’s song to revolve around the Atlantic as an obstacle in their relationship.
If you haven’t yet experienced the lyrical genius of DCFC (or had the chance to decipher their tunes yourself), I suggest you pick up a copy of their latest album, Narrow Stairs. It’s been on repeat in my Oldsmobile for the past month.
Lead singer of the Seattle-based band Death Cab for Cutie (DCFC), Gibbard stood on the Les Schwab Amphitheater stage belting out lyrics to one of my favorite songs.
“The Atlantic was born today and I’ll tell you how
The clouds above opened up and let it out
I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere
When the water filled every hole
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean
Making islands where no island should go”
The song, Transatlanticism, is beautiful, poetic, entrancing… but makes little to no sense on the first go-around. So I did some research into its meaning and found out that when DCFC recoded Transatlantacism, Gibbard was enduring a painful separation from his girlfriend. The two spent a lot of time apart while touring and working on their respective musical careers. In this song (and on the rest of the album), Gibbard sings of their physical and emotional distance from each other.
The “ocean” he speaks of is literal. While his girlfriend was touring in Europe, Gibbard was in Seattle. So it would seem natural for Gibbard’s song to revolve around the Atlantic as an obstacle in their relationship.
If you haven’t yet experienced the lyrical genius of DCFC (or had the chance to decipher their tunes yourself), I suggest you pick up a copy of their latest album, Narrow Stairs. It’s been on repeat in my Oldsmobile for the past month.
-Natalie Troyer (soon to be Stollar)
LYRICS:
The Atlantic was born today and I'll tell you how...
The Atlantic was born today and I'll tell you how...
The clouds above opened up and let it out.
I was standing on the surface of a perforated sphere
When the water filled every hole.
And thousands upon thousands made an ocean,
Making islands where no island should go.
Oh no.
Those people were overjoyed; they took to their boats.
I thought it less like a lake and more like a moat.
The rhythm of my footsteps crossing flatlands to your door have been silenced forever more.
The distance is quite simply much too far for me to row
It seems farther than ever beforeOh no.
I need you so much closer
I need you so much closer
So come on, come on
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Bellatazza Review
Today I am reviewing Bend's little gem Bellatazza. I have had more than one person tell me that Bellatazza is the best coffee they have ever had, one person even said it was "better than I have had in
Seattle". Right...
Bellatazza is basically the cornerstone of downtown Bend (and by downtown, I am referring to the 6 blocks that take up Wall and Bond), with the nice outdoor seating and quick access to Drake Park.
I know that there are only a few Bellatazza coffee shops around (Tumalo, Bend, and Sunriver), but upon walking in I felt like there were thousands elsewhere in the world. It has a very corporate-chain restaurant feel to it. The professional signs, uniforms, and display cases really make it feel not oh-so-indie-cool. I hated it. Don't count on finding me hanging out much, unless I am with people, or in dire need of the free wi-fi.
Atmosphere is important and all, but its really about the coffee. Bellatazza has been won Bends best espresso blend 5 years in a row now, which must say something.
I ordered myself a cappuccino first, for not very cheap. To be completely honest, it was an amazing capp. The foam was made well, and tasted sweet. Not too bubbly, and not flat. It tasted really good, and really enjoyed it. I was suprised.
Onto the espresso, the hardest test... I ordered a doppio, for the low price of $1.95 (most places charge $2.00). Just watching the barista make the drink, I knew the results. It was awful. I didn't finish it. I took two sips and gave it back to the barista. I didn't want another.
I really wish I could tell you all the things wrong with the coffee, and how there was an awful flavor or aroma. The truth is, I couldn't even taste the sublities of the espresso in order to judge.
The shot was pulled far to quick, not allowing the water enough contact with the coffee, the grind was probably much to fine.
The misconception that people have, is that pulling a shot of espresso is as easy as pushing a button (and at some places it is), but there are a lot of technicalities that go into the perfect shot. The grind has to be just the right coarseness, and the slightest variable can throw the whole machine off. Even a change in temperature outside can throw the grinder off just enough. There needs to be just the exact amount of coffee getting contact with water, at the right temperature, for the right amount of time.
Bellatazza clearly doesn't pay attention to most of the fine details of pulling espresso, but in any drink of 3oz big you might not be able to tell the difference. I would go back for any sort of latte or cappuccino drink, but not straight espresso.
3.5 beans out of 5.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Lance reviews the movie HANCOCK
Hancock isn’t the average super hero movie...in a good way. Will Smith plays a roll less intense than his previous box office hit, “I am Legend,” and give us some hilarious dialogue mixed with some sweet actions scenes.
The story is thus: Hancock is a super hero that beats up crime like all the other heroes. Except with that alcoholic temper of his, the city ends up paying out billions to fix what ends up destroyed. With all the assets he had broken, the drunken hero racked up a few issues with law and of course, he never showed up for his arraignments. Needless to say, people don’t appreciate him that much. One of the few people he saved that was thankful, ended up being struggling PR guy who dreams up the idea of reforming Hancock’s image. With some soul searching, Hancock buys in and decided to do jail time until the public needs him. Eventually, crisis does brake out and Hancock is given a super hero uniform to go and take out the evil doers. The story goes on and takes some interesting twist and turns when you find out that the PR guy’s wife has some super secrets of her own.
The film, although filled with action and laughs, has a very strong emotional theme. This makes the characters seem more real and even helps to swallow a drunken guy flying around saving people.
Will Smith, wish his superb acting, makes Hancock come alive. Charlize Theron, the PR guy’s wife, brings amazing acting of her own to the table. It’s obvious to see they had real chemistry on screen the minute they are in the same seen. These actors together make the film worth seeing.
I’m not gonna lie, some of the one liners in this movie made want to die. If you don’t mind a curse word here and there, you’ll enjoy them all. I honestly thought some of the one-liners were worth the ‘best quote of the year’ at the MTV movie awards... Kid you not, they were that funny.
So guys, go snag some money and watch Hancock because it isn’t just funny, but it’s packed with action and emotion. Check it!
Monday, June 30, 2008
JULY 3rd THE REALM IS AT DRAKE PARK!
Sup yall,
So on July 3rd the realm is doing something special at Drake Park. Meet at the Mirror Pond parking lot behind pizza mondo downtown... However, its at 7:30 this time so be please be there AT 7:30.
Just bring some shoes and be ready to have a chat...
If you need assistance with anything, call Lance at 541 420 4006.
Dope!
So on July 3rd the realm is doing something special at Drake Park. Meet at the Mirror Pond parking lot behind pizza mondo downtown... However, its at 7:30 this time so be please be there AT 7:30.
Just bring some shoes and be ready to have a chat...
If you need assistance with anything, call Lance at 541 420 4006.
Dope!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The uptight Seattleite reviews Bend's coffee
This week I am reviewing Dilusso's coffee on the corner of Franklin and Bond downtown Bend.
Dilusso's claims to be primarily a bakery and a coffee shop on the side. They sell Be-Bop coffee which is a local roaster. 
The store is really big inside, with plenty of indoor and some outdoor seating. It was somewhat empty when I was there at about 2p.m. on a Wednesday after noon.I am guessing the local hipsters hadn't gotten out of bed yet.
Onto the coffee.
First, I got a double short cappuccino, but they didn't have an 8oz size, so I got a double tall (12oz). About the whole name/size chatter: people get really frustrated because a certain coffee company that also happens to run the world has this cute little "Short, Tall, Grande, Venti" sizing method. What these people don't understand is that those are, and have always been the traditional sizing methods when serving espresso drinks, Starbucks isn't that creative...
The cappuccino... It took my barista two tries to get the right amount of foam, which is nice to see. I would much rather the barista admit failure once, than serve me a bad beverage. I could even tell by the sound of the milk being steamed that this wouldn't be the best drink I have ever tasted. When served, the foam had a few stray coffee grounds on top, never an appealing treat. The foam had those huge bubbles they teach you not to make on the first day of barista school, which apparently my friend was only in his first few hours.
For being not very well made, the drink actually tasted pretty good. Had the foam been free-poured rather than scooped on, I think it would have been much better, but I still enjoyed it.
In a cappuccino, the espresso is so watered-down with milk that you can't really taste it well enough to review it. Since this was the case, I decided to also get a doppio espresso (two shots of espresso in a small cup). They must not sell many of these, because they didn't have any ceramic espresso cups, only small mugs, which was awkward but fine.
The pull was about 21 seconds, which is pretty standard at a place like this. Some shops will have a finer grind, and a shorter pull, or a coarser grind and a longer pull. It all depends on the barista (if they care that much) and the type of coffee being used. 
The coffee had a slight taste of manure, which is really common in organic coffee's (because they use manure, rather than chemicals when growing the coffee). This sounds disgusting, but really isn't bad. It is hard to explain, but the actual manure isn't in the coffee bean at all, but it leaves a slight flavor/scent behind. It would be like growing wine grapes near an orange farm, the wine will have a slight hint of an orange flavor, even though there is no orange in the wine. Same idea.
The espresso was of the correct size, which I was happy to find. Many shops around Bend seem to give huge espresso's, which may seem like a bonus, but it really just drowns out the flavor.
I was very pleasantly surprised with the flavor of the espresso, and would absolutely get it again if I found myself at Dilusso's. I don't know if I would go out of my way to go back, but I certainly wouldn't mind stopping in if I found myself with some free time, and no other place to go.
Overall, I would rate Dilussio's Cafe and Bakery 3.5 beans out of 5.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Evolution of a Ministry
Once you’ve been to the Realm, you’ll pick up pretty quick that it’s an effective ministry. God uses Thursday nights to connect people with friends, dig into the bible, and have authentic music worship. God moves at the Realm; it’s a fact.
One of the best parts about God moving is the change we undergo. The Lord puts things on our hearts, pokes and prods, molds and reforms to help us move in his direction; and He is doing this in the Realm right now… He is putting it on our hearts to reach out and touch the community. Not in a way that is offensive or political… nothing like that. It’s something deeper… love. Making real relationships and doing life with people within the community of Bend, Oregon.
The Realm is a place to not just be poured into but also to pour out.
God is moving, we are evolving, and everyone is pumped for it…
Seat belts folks
One of the best parts about God moving is the change we undergo. The Lord puts things on our hearts, pokes and prods, molds and reforms to help us move in his direction; and He is doing this in the Realm right now… He is putting it on our hearts to reach out and touch the community. Not in a way that is offensive or political… nothing like that. It’s something deeper… love. Making real relationships and doing life with people within the community of Bend, Oregon.
The Realm is a place to not just be poured into but also to pour out.
God is moving, we are evolving, and everyone is pumped for it…
Seat belts folks
-Lance
(a Realm Leader, Antioch Church Intern and grand master in Ju-Jitsu)
(me in scottland!)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
PAUL WRIGHT at the KILNS COLLEGE!
Hey everyone,This Sunday we've got an awesome thing going down at the Kilns. Paul Wright, whos got an awesome Reggae band, is playing for only $5.00! There is going to be beverages and food inside.
So yall should stop on by! THANKS GUYS and SEE YOU SUNDAY!Thursday, May 29, 2008
MISSIONS NIGHT TONIGHT, THE 29TH!!!
Hey guys, Big stuff happening at the REALM tonight! We've got an entire night devoted to the missions field. We've got a guest speaker Joe Murray and his video presentation and Beth Fisher's focus video on FGM.
From there, we've got tabels set up for different local and world organizations for people to get involved in if it's on their heart to do so.
Tonight's going to be epic.
Monday, May 19, 2008
THURDAY, THE 22nd!!!! OUTDOOR REALM!
We've got the Realm Outdoors this week. We're having worship around sunset on thursday at Tumelo Resevoir. God's going to move and it's going to be epic! YOU SHOULD GO!
HIT THIS LINK FOR DIRECTIONS
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=bend,+OR&daddr=Tumalo+reservoir&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=63.39119,107.753906&ie=UTF8&ll=44.09375,-121.362534&spn=0.116383,0.219727&z=12://
HIT THIS LINK FOR DIRECTIONS
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=bend,+OR&daddr=Tumalo+reservoir&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=63.39119,107.753906&ie=UTF8&ll=44.09375,-121.362534&spn=0.116383,0.219727&z=12://
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The PPP- Brandon Reynolds
Over the last few days God has been teaching me about PPP.
Brandon Reynolds 5/15/08
Prayer Perspective Persistence.Qualities that have such potential to unite us with great joy if applied properly.
Prayer the ability to connect with our creator. A time to make my requests and hear God speak back. WOW what an amazing concept to dialog with such a God.
Perspective how the correct view of a situation or person can totally alter our mindset. When my life gets sideways, I've found it's because my perspective is off. When I forget that God is in control, working, moving, actively involved my false perspective leads me into trouble.
Persistence for me lately has become doing the same things but finding new ways to add enjoyment. Running the river trail during my prayer times. Praying for someone while I'm talking with them. Trying to make my daughters laugh by using physical comedy. Same day to day schedule; but exploring new ways to include God.
These P's have changed me. I can't wait to see what God has next for me to learn and grow in.
Brandon Reynolds 5/15/08
FAMILY CAMP SIGN UP
Sup everyone,
The Antioch Family Camp is coming around soon and we need yall to sign up. We're invading CAMP TADMOR on AUGUST 1-3. It's going to be insane! The idea is that Anitoch Church, as a family, spends the weekend hanging out, having fun, learning about eachother, and learning about God.
Check out the link below to sign up!
http://www.antiochchurch.org/familycamp.html
The Antioch Family Camp is coming around soon and we need yall to sign up. We're invading CAMP TADMOR on AUGUST 1-3. It's going to be insane! The idea is that Anitoch Church, as a family, spends the weekend hanging out, having fun, learning about eachother, and learning about God.
Check out the link below to sign up!
http://www.antiochchurch.org/familycamp.html
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
THE REALM OUTDOORS: MAY 22!
Hey everyone, letting you guys know that on MAY 22nd, we are doing a night of worship over by Tumalo Reservoir. Eli, who thrives on campfire worship, will be leading us with a good ol' acoustic guitar. Gods do some awesome stuff on the 22nd!
Hit the Google Maps URL below for directions... Thanks guys!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=bend,+OR&daddr=Tumalo+reservoir&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=63.39119,107.753906&ie=UTF8&ll=44.09375,-121.362534&spn=0.116383,0.219727&z=12
Hit the Google Maps URL below for directions... Thanks guys!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=bend,+OR&daddr=Tumalo+reservoir&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=63.39119,107.753906&ie=UTF8&ll=44.09375,-121.362534&spn=0.116383,0.219727&z=12
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pictures from May 8th
Hey guys, here are the pictures from the announcement at the REALM...
Hey guys, here are the pictures from the announcement at the REALM...
Monday, May 12, 2008
Aaron Wells Sermon Notes -May 8th
Verse studied: PHILIPIANS 4:1-9
Subject: TRUTH
1. INTRO:
truth
The state of being in case: FACT (2): the body of real things, events and facts: ACTUALITY (3) A transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality b: a judgment, proposition or idea that is true or accepted as true c: The body of true statements and propositions.
Is it important that we believe that the bible is a ‘Body of real things, events and facts?’
“No-why does it matter? The bible is about faith right? Being a Christians makes me feel better than anything else so why worry about the truth?”
i. Faith- “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
ii. Hebrews 11:1
1. The object of our faith/ hope is Jesus Christ and he is our assurance. We hope for Him and our salvation even though we cannot see him.
2. At one time thought this was advocating blind faith. But faith defined is resting in the assurance that what Jesus said is true.
2. IS THERE ABSOLUTE TRUTH?
There are many philosophical views of Truth. (5 theories, broken down very simplistically.)
Two foundations when dealing with truth
i. Law of the excluded middle- Every proposition is either true or false.
ii. Law of non-contradiction- No proposition is both true and false.
Correspondence theory
“X is true if X corresponds to a fact.” Saying, there is a brown desk in another room is true IF there is in fact a brown desk there. If there isn’t, its false.
i. IMPORTANT because the bible makes claims that are either true or false.
Coherence theory
“A proposition is true if and only if it coheres with x.” Saying the desk is brown is true if it is commonly held as true and is consistent with our idea that it is brown.
i. Problem with this is that it creates chances to have contradictions. i.e. What is true for you is fine but it is not true for me. This violates the law of non-contradiction and cannot be held as true.
Postmodernism
We human beings are, then, ultimately arbiters of what is true. Consensus is truth. The ‘subjective’ and the ‘objective’ are rolled into one inseparable compound.
i. There is no truth, truth is what you make it
Relativism
“The truth of a statement depends on the views of persons or cultures, not on whether a statement corresponds to objective reality. For a statement to be true simple means that a person or culture believes it to be true.”
i. Problem once again is the law of non-contradiction and law of excluded middle. Violates BOTH laws.
Pragmatism
The view of holds that a belief is true only if it works for an individual. Therefore, Christianity may be ‘true for me’ if it helps me, but false for another if it doesn’t help them. Usefulness and truth not always linked.
i. Problem is that although something may be false it may still help, i.e. for example, it can be useful for some persons to believe that they live in a world surrounded by people who love or care for them… even if they don’t.
3. IS GOD CONCERNED WITH BEING TRUE OR FALSE?
What does Jesus say about himself?
VERSES: John 4:24, John 8:31-32, John 14:6, John 16:13, John 17:17-19, John 18:37. Galatians 5:7, 1 John 1:6-8
The issue with choosing not to look at Jesus in terms of what he said as either true or false is that Jesus made the ‘proposition’ that what he said was true and that he was ultimately truth.
Jesus has specifically, pointedly told us that he is truth and the truth will set us free. If we choose not to look at Jesus from this perspective, do we live as free?
i. If we choose to close our minds off to Jesus and be all about ‘feelings’ then we loose. Macarthur states:
1. “In sharp contrast to the contemporary definition of faith, biblical faith is not an irrational ‘leap in the dark.’ It is not a mystical encounter with the ‘wholly other’ or the ‘ground of being.’ Nor is it optimism, psychological self hypnosis, or wishful thinking. True faith is a reasoned response to revealed truth in the Bible, and salvation results from an intelligent response, prompted by the Holy Spirit, to that truth.”
ii. Dr. Lloyd Jones states
1. “I think, and believe when Jesus says ‘TRUTH’ He meant for us to examine and decide if what we believe about what Jesus claimed was true or false. Not right or wrong or good or bad, true or false."
CLOSING QUOTE:
“If one set of theological beliefs is absolutely, objectively, universally true, then its corresponding set of moral truths would also be absolute. But there is no way in which we can currently know which set, if any, is true. Various faith groups teach many different set of theological beliefs; they different from religion to religion. They even disagree within the religion. Until we can all reach a consensus on a common set of theological beliefs, we will never achieve agreement on moral questions. There has never been a worldwide unanimity about religion beliefs. There never has been a consensus on major moral questions. We seem destined to always have active ethical disagreements in the world. Even if absolute truth exists in the religious sphere, we may never be able to determine what it is.”
The problem with this whole thought starts after the first sentence. Jesus claims to be absolutely true so one cannot say well that was fine for him. By saying so they have denied Jesus and said what he said is false. If you believe that what Jesus said about himself is absolutely true then let’s live like it and be students of truth.
ps: We are trying to figure out how to keep our Microsoft Word format from being messed up by the blog. Give a day or two and these words wont be so confusing.
Subject: TRUTH
1. INTRO:
truth
The state of being in case: FACT (2): the body of real things, events and facts: ACTUALITY (3) A transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality b: a judgment, proposition or idea that is true or accepted as true c: The body of true statements and propositions.
Is it important that we believe that the bible is a ‘Body of real things, events and facts?’
“No-why does it matter? The bible is about faith right? Being a Christians makes me feel better than anything else so why worry about the truth?”
i. Faith- “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
ii. Hebrews 11:1
1. The object of our faith/ hope is Jesus Christ and he is our assurance. We hope for Him and our salvation even though we cannot see him.
2. At one time thought this was advocating blind faith. But faith defined is resting in the assurance that what Jesus said is true.
2. IS THERE ABSOLUTE TRUTH?
There are many philosophical views of Truth. (5 theories, broken down very simplistically.)
Two foundations when dealing with truth
i. Law of the excluded middle- Every proposition is either true or false.
ii. Law of non-contradiction- No proposition is both true and false.
Correspondence theory
“X is true if X corresponds to a fact.” Saying, there is a brown desk in another room is true IF there is in fact a brown desk there. If there isn’t, its false.
i. IMPORTANT because the bible makes claims that are either true or false.
Coherence theory
“A proposition is true if and only if it coheres with x.” Saying the desk is brown is true if it is commonly held as true and is consistent with our idea that it is brown.
i. Problem with this is that it creates chances to have contradictions. i.e. What is true for you is fine but it is not true for me. This violates the law of non-contradiction and cannot be held as true.
Postmodernism
We human beings are, then, ultimately arbiters of what is true. Consensus is truth. The ‘subjective’ and the ‘objective’ are rolled into one inseparable compound.
i. There is no truth, truth is what you make it
Relativism
“The truth of a statement depends on the views of persons or cultures, not on whether a statement corresponds to objective reality. For a statement to be true simple means that a person or culture believes it to be true.”
i. Problem once again is the law of non-contradiction and law of excluded middle. Violates BOTH laws.
Pragmatism
The view of holds that a belief is true only if it works for an individual. Therefore, Christianity may be ‘true for me’ if it helps me, but false for another if it doesn’t help them. Usefulness and truth not always linked.
i. Problem is that although something may be false it may still help, i.e. for example, it can be useful for some persons to believe that they live in a world surrounded by people who love or care for them… even if they don’t.
3. IS GOD CONCERNED WITH BEING TRUE OR FALSE?
What does Jesus say about himself?
VERSES: John 4:24, John 8:31-32, John 14:6, John 16:13, John 17:17-19, John 18:37. Galatians 5:7, 1 John 1:6-8
The issue with choosing not to look at Jesus in terms of what he said as either true or false is that Jesus made the ‘proposition’ that what he said was true and that he was ultimately truth.
Jesus has specifically, pointedly told us that he is truth and the truth will set us free. If we choose not to look at Jesus from this perspective, do we live as free?
i. If we choose to close our minds off to Jesus and be all about ‘feelings’ then we loose. Macarthur states:
1. “In sharp contrast to the contemporary definition of faith, biblical faith is not an irrational ‘leap in the dark.’ It is not a mystical encounter with the ‘wholly other’ or the ‘ground of being.’ Nor is it optimism, psychological self hypnosis, or wishful thinking. True faith is a reasoned response to revealed truth in the Bible, and salvation results from an intelligent response, prompted by the Holy Spirit, to that truth.”
ii. Dr. Lloyd Jones states
1. “I think, and believe when Jesus says ‘TRUTH’ He meant for us to examine and decide if what we believe about what Jesus claimed was true or false. Not right or wrong or good or bad, true or false."
CLOSING QUOTE:
“If one set of theological beliefs is absolutely, objectively, universally true, then its corresponding set of moral truths would also be absolute. But there is no way in which we can currently know which set, if any, is true. Various faith groups teach many different set of theological beliefs; they different from religion to religion. They even disagree within the religion. Until we can all reach a consensus on a common set of theological beliefs, we will never achieve agreement on moral questions. There has never been a worldwide unanimity about religion beliefs. There never has been a consensus on major moral questions. We seem destined to always have active ethical disagreements in the world. Even if absolute truth exists in the religious sphere, we may never be able to determine what it is.”
The problem with this whole thought starts after the first sentence. Jesus claims to be absolutely true so one cannot say well that was fine for him. By saying so they have denied Jesus and said what he said is false. If you believe that what Jesus said about himself is absolutely true then let’s live like it and be students of truth.
ps: We are trying to figure out how to keep our Microsoft Word format from being messed up by the blog. Give a day or two and these words wont be so confusing.
Friday, May 9, 2008
What this Blog is all about
Antioch Church’s college group, The REALM, now has a blog. That’s right, we are as high-tech as it gets! The blog has been created for a variety of things; to display all up and coming events within the REALM, to show any sermons notes, funny pictures, or videos from Thursday nights, and for anything we find that is worth sharing to the rest of the REALMers.
We are really excited to get this blog going and hope it really helps you all know what’s going with the REALM. We update the blog as often as possible and have everything from Thursday nights uploaded to the blog by Friday evening.
Also, if you happen to be big into Facebook, we do have a group forum. Just search groups and type in ‘the REALM’ and there we are! Thanks everyone!
We are really excited to get this blog going and hope it really helps you all know what’s going with the REALM. We update the blog as often as possible and have everything from Thursday nights uploaded to the blog by Friday evening.
Also, if you happen to be big into Facebook, we do have a group forum. Just search groups and type in ‘the REALM’ and there we are! Thanks everyone!
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