Here is one place to read a translation
I am in the process of reading this- mostly because I can not get enough information about the Messiah, but also because it is controversial; and I LOVE controversy!
I will be back with thoughts... (It is a somewhat difficult read, eclectic and fragmented, so try it bit by bit- maybe just search for the reference to the birth of Jesus)
-J
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Merry Christmas
Wishing you all the love, joy, and peace that Jesus brings..at Christmas and throughout the new year!
With love, the Vogels
Monday, December 19, 2005
Velvet Elvis
I just finished reading this book, and it was wonderful!
I had not heard of Rob Bell, Mars Hill church, or Nooma, so this is not a biased review. Actually, I do not expect anyone to read it, so I guess it really has no bias at all.
My good friend Lance recommended this book to me, and I always listen to Lance!
When I first started to read it, I was caught a bit off guard (I believe intentionally). What I learned was that my faith is flexible- no matter what anyone can throw at it!
Chapter two- I never thought Jewish history could be so enlightening. I learned what being 'unequally yoked' means. I read that learning comes from wrestling with, debating, and questioning what is going on in the scriptures. Finally, I see that I am not alone in that I never accept anything at face value- I always wrestle with a topic before I can wrap my mind around it.
Chapter three- Realizing that truth is everywhere. Simple as that may seem, I often get caught on this one. Rob Bell provides some insight into truth, and the strangest places you might expect it to popup. I wont clarify for fear it would spoil your reading experience.
Chapter four- This chapter really got my attention. You will read about a pastor of a 10,000 member church who wrestles with depression, purpose, and meaning.
Chapter five- I think of this chapter as 'the life and times of biblical Jews'. Rob explains context for the disciples and how they came to be disciples. I left this chapter humbled by the love and grace God shows to us.
Chapter six- Were you ever wronged by holier-than-thou religious zealots? Have you ever cringed at the hypocrisy, and felt condemed for being 'broken', 'bad', or 'worthless'? Rob takes us through what the Bible says, applies it contextually, and we leave understanding that God loves us- every aspect of us- as we are, and desires to be close to us. It is the ultimate love of a Father for His children- unconditional.
Chapter seven- I leave for you te read and discuss. Of course I, God willing, will be here to listen when you are ready.
With Love,
John
I had not heard of Rob Bell, Mars Hill church, or Nooma, so this is not a biased review. Actually, I do not expect anyone to read it, so I guess it really has no bias at all.
My good friend Lance recommended this book to me, and I always listen to Lance!
When I first started to read it, I was caught a bit off guard (I believe intentionally). What I learned was that my faith is flexible- no matter what anyone can throw at it!
Chapter two- I never thought Jewish history could be so enlightening. I learned what being 'unequally yoked' means. I read that learning comes from wrestling with, debating, and questioning what is going on in the scriptures. Finally, I see that I am not alone in that I never accept anything at face value- I always wrestle with a topic before I can wrap my mind around it.
Chapter three- Realizing that truth is everywhere. Simple as that may seem, I often get caught on this one. Rob Bell provides some insight into truth, and the strangest places you might expect it to popup. I wont clarify for fear it would spoil your reading experience.
Chapter four- This chapter really got my attention. You will read about a pastor of a 10,000 member church who wrestles with depression, purpose, and meaning.
Chapter five- I think of this chapter as 'the life and times of biblical Jews'. Rob explains context for the disciples and how they came to be disciples. I left this chapter humbled by the love and grace God shows to us.
Chapter six- Were you ever wronged by holier-than-thou religious zealots? Have you ever cringed at the hypocrisy, and felt condemed for being 'broken', 'bad', or 'worthless'? Rob takes us through what the Bible says, applies it contextually, and we leave understanding that God loves us- every aspect of us- as we are, and desires to be close to us. It is the ultimate love of a Father for His children- unconditional.
Chapter seven- I leave for you te read and discuss. Of course I, God willing, will be here to listen when you are ready.
With Love,
John
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!
Dear Friends, We've been mighty homesick for all of you!! Your video talked us into it... http://www.lancebradley.com/assets/video/christmaseve_commercial.mov So, we're coming home for Christmas!!! Can't wait to see you on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning!!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Thinking again....
The following are lyrics to a Casting Crowns song: Stained Glass Masquerade. They've been speaking to my heart all week. I pray they do the same for you. Too many times in my life I have witnessed the stained glass masquerade and the pain and confusion it has caused to myself and others.... We are all imperfect wretches, looking for the One who can free us from the chains that bind us. And when we can close the curtain on the stained glass masquerade, not only do we find freedom through the One who gives life in abundance, but the veil is torn down so that others can see Him as well.
Is there anyone that fails? Is there anyone that falls? Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small? Cause when I take a look around everybody seems so strong, I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay. If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too. So with a painted grin, I play the part again, so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain? But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Is there anyone who's been there? Are there any hands to raise? Am I the only one who's traded in the altar for a stage? The performance is convincing and we know every line by heart, only when no one is watching can we really fall apart.
But would it set me free if I dared to let you see the truth behind the person that you imagine me to be? Would your arms be open or would you walk away? Would the love of Jesus be enough to make you stay?
Or are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain?
My friends, the invitation IS open to EVERY heart that has been broken! So let us close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade. Blessings, KV
Is there anyone that fails? Is there anyone that falls? Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small? Cause when I take a look around everybody seems so strong, I know they'll soon discover that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay. If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too. So with a painted grin, I play the part again, so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain? But if the invitation's open to every heart that has been broken, maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Is there anyone who's been there? Are there any hands to raise? Am I the only one who's traded in the altar for a stage? The performance is convincing and we know every line by heart, only when no one is watching can we really fall apart.
But would it set me free if I dared to let you see the truth behind the person that you imagine me to be? Would your arms be open or would you walk away? Would the love of Jesus be enough to make you stay?
Or are we happy plastic people under shiny plastic steeples, with walls around our weakness and smiles to hide our pain?
My friends, the invitation IS open to EVERY heart that has been broken! So let us close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade. Blessings, KV
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