A Two-Handed God

As we got started in the lesson last Sunday, I said this:

In the Bible the right hand of God is the metaphor used to describe God’s power. The right hand describes a God who creates and restores, who judges and rescues, who wields limitless power—and hopefully on our behalf! (And assuming it is on our behalf, this is the way we want God to demonstrate his love for us).

And then one author uses the left hand as a metaphor to describe the other side of God’s love for us. But this kind of love feels very different because this is when God seems very quiet and seems painfully slow to act. The left hand of God feels powerless (but it's not) and allows pain and suffering.

The author’s point was that both are a kind of love from the One, True God. He says the right hand brings order and the left hand brings transformation. Both hands are powerful and both hands are loving.

...But the hand we emphasize, or the one we think should shape the world and our lives, will shape our theology and our approach to the Christian life in significant ways.

If you want to read that article, it's called "Serving a Two-Handed God" by Mark Galli. And it's really good. As always, your comments are welcome!

Town Hall For Hope with Dave Ramsey

While I'm not sure exactly what Dave Ramsey will say about the economy, he will surely have some good things to say about money and the current climate of fear from a Christian perspective. The broadcast starts at 6:00 p.m. (in Denver) on Thursday at lots of places. And it's free...

The Stool

I'm Alive!

Ok... so before you watch this you'll need to prepare yourself for the mild cheesy-ness factor. But the question at the end is thought-provoking. Do you find yourself living like Jesus is still dead? What would change in your life if you fully grasped the Resurrection? How would you prayers change? Run with it...



PS. Elgard said he'd buy lunch for the person who leaves the fifth comment on this!

"Does God Exist" Debate

It was awesome to have so many of you in attendance at last night's webcast debate between William Lane Craig and Christopher Hitchens. Thanks so much for coming out! Also, a special thanks to the Chiappinis for hosting this event and the Brennings for footing the cost of it.

Due to the length of the debate, we didn't have the opportunity for any questions or discussion, so I thought a we might share our comments through this medium. In order to help facilitate things somewhat, I've listed some questions below that I hope will better focus our thoughts and conversation with one another.

1. Which, if any, arguments from Craig did you feel to be strong or convincing? Which, if any, did you regard to be lacking? Briefly share.

2. Which, if any, arguments from Hitchens did you feel to be strong or convincing? Which, if any, did you regard to be lacking? Briefly share.

3. What addional thoughts or questions do you have based on the debate?


Additionally, if you care to respond...

1. How would you rate the debate overall? [1 = "I hated it"; 5 = "I thought it was fairly entertaining"; 10 = "I loved it"]

2. Based on what you already know or have recently learned about Christian apologetics, how much interest do you have in further studying this subject? [1 = None; 10 = A great deal]

Preparing Our Hearts for Easter Sunday

This past Sunday, which was Palm Sunday, marked the beginning of Holy Week, which is a week observed in many Christian churches to commemorate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago.

During Holy Week, as Christians we have the opportunity to reflect upon some very significant events culminating in Jesus' resurrection:

• Thursday = Passover meal with the disciples/Jesus' arrest in the garden
• Friday = Trial/death of Jesus
  
• Saturday = Jesus in the grave
• Sunday = Jesus' resurrection!

As a church, we've been making preparations for our "Pancakes and Eggs" event this Saturday. While this is good thing, let's also, as we move through this Holy Week, be preparing our hearts for the Easter celebration on Sunday.