Reminder

Small group this week (11-19) will be at Brandy's house. Please refer to her email for directions.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 704-458-2947.

Thanks

Location for 11/5

Don't forget we have a 'guest speaker' this week! Jill's friend Patrick will be leading our discussion!

Jill & Matt's House
2613 Laburnum Ave. 28205

Don't use Google Maps -- it is wrong:

Coming from 7th/Monroe: (Chantilly Neighborhood)

Turn on Ranier (only one way to turn)
Immediate Right onto Weddington Rd.
Immediate Left onto Bascom Rd.
Right onto Laburnum Ave. (the street sign is hidden behind a 25mph sign)

Hope to see you all there!

The One God didn't save

Sunday afternoon I went to visit my Iraqi family (I developed a strong bond with them while teaching the refugee ESL class this summer.) Visits with them are always full of laughter and affection and fantastic conversation. This time we talked about fall traditions and holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and black Friday. Eventually the conversation turned (as it often does) to religion. This time we started out discussing the details of Moses. Some of the story appears to be similar between the Qur'an and the Bible but there are definite deviations. We talked briefly about the Occultation which led us into a discussion about the other prophets who had been removed from the earth without experiencing a physical death. (According to the Bible there have been 2 that we know of - Enoch & Elijah.)

According to my friend (and substantiated by additional google research on my part) many Muslims believe that the Qur'an teaches that Jesus never died either. This poses something of a problem for me... I asked what did he mean? He said that because Jesus was God's prophet, God saved him and replaced him with Judas so that the Jews just THOUGHT they had killed Jesus. This is because God was wise and knew not to let humanity harm his prophets. Just like he saved Moses from the Red Sea and his other prophets from what appeared to be unavoidable harm.
I asked how saving Him and replacing Him with someone else showed God's greatness more than allowing Him to die and then raising him again? They said, "Don't you see? God never lets His prophets die before they have finished delivering their message."

Oh, my friends. Isn't that the point? The one 'prophet' that didn't deserve to die, that deserved to walk in the fiery furnace, be saved in the belly of the whale, cross the red sea, be saved from the mouth of lions, be taken away in a chariot of fire - THAT prophet, that SON, SHOULD have been spared. But He was not! His death (and resurrection) WAS the way He finished delivering His message. His message was that He was NOT spared.

How different the wise and distant Allah of Islam, testing and judging the sinfulness of humanity, is from the all powerful yet grieving, sacrificing God of the Bible; a God that would with hold nothing from His children because of his great desire to be reconciled to them (even the death of His own perfect son!) How complete His great and abiding love for the ruined, hopeless, helpless humans that He chooses to be in fellowship with and glorified through.

Romans 8:31-33
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

There is a big difference between judging and justifying. And there is no doubt in my mind that of all the Prophets which God has sent, my salvation lies in the One that God didn't save.

I can only pray that someday theirs will too.

Our Growing Small Group

Thursday was a fantastic discussion at small group. I felt like it was the first time we have had a lot of 'real' discussion with each other about life and struggles and inspiration. I think Jill first brought up that her faith is often stretched, challenged, and ultimately grown through conflict. I hope that our group can be a place where people aren't afraid to speak up about their personal interpretation of scripture or God's view on social issues. And I hope it brings conflict (friendly conflict, of course!) and causes us to remember the discussion throughout the week. Mull over it and come back with even more. Our small group has the potential to be a safe place for us to share our beliefs and engage in the intellectual spiritual conversation we crave.

Warehouse 242 small group has been a refreshing break from the mundane and 'churchy' small groups I have been involved in before. I think Beth Moore bible studies are great ... but its not my way of connecting to God. So far, in reading the old testament and cross referencing throughout the bible I have felt more and more excited about watching the way God unfolded His plan for humanity. It brings me closer to Him and makes me feel like He really does have it all under control.

You guys are awesome ... can't wait to see you at Jill's on Thursday!

-Christa

October 29th Small Group

At my place again, same as last week.

Look forward to seeing you!

Thursday Oct. 22nd

Meeting at my place:
3535 Carlyle Drive
Charlotte, NC 28208
704-458-2947

The passages on the table are:
Exodus 12 & 13 and
Matthew 26:17-30, Luke 22:7-20, Mark 14: 12-26, Isaiah 53:6-7, Genesis 22:8, John 1:29, John 1:36, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:10-17, Revelation 14:4,10, Rev. 15:3, Rev. 19:9, Rev. 21:22-23, Rev. 22:1-3, Deuteronomy 16:1-8, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Numbers 9;1-14, Numbers 28:16-25

We have alot to speak about regarding the symbolism of Christ as the Passover Lamb and how this ties into the last supper etc. In a way, everytime we celebrate Eucharist we should be reminded that Christ's gift to us was promised even before the law was established and that His redemption of humanity was on God's mind well before the Israelites were even released from their Egyptian bondage. This is such a rich and meaningful passage that I want us to take some time really thinking and pondering what God's narrative meant to the Israelites, what it meant to Jewish believers at the time of Christ's death and what it means to us now, 4,000 years after the original 'pass over'.

There are many many sites that explain the passover meal/seder and its significance. For example: here and here.

There is so much tradition and sweet symbolism connected with this passage and celebration that I am not sure how we will cover all of the areas. We will try to get through enough to understand how boldly the Israelites' release from captivity foreshadowed and promised Christ's release of sinners into the perfection of his salvation.

Hope you can all join us, and remember, you are always welcome to post thoughts, questions, ideas to the website!

Big Thoughts

The readings for this week are Exodus 1-6 (from last week) and 7-11 (from this week.) This ties in beautifully with this weeks sermon at 242 about what a leader should look like and how we should choose/recognize/respond to a godly leader.


I would like to direct you again to the 242 homepage. For those of you who missed the message (like I did, as I was in kidzwarehouse) you can listen to it here. Just click on the play button or download it.


Small group this week will be at:
Bill & Brandy's
6609 Morganford RoadCharlotte, NC 28211

Pls call me cell if you have any questions!!! 704-458-2947

Hope all our new peeps show! I love our small group!

Christina

Small group cancelled

BUT I am going to post the reading and some other conversation pieces so come prepared next week!

From Jill:

Hello all.
Tomorrow night's community group is supposed to be held at the Jones' but, after speaking with them, it looks like it would work better to hold it at my house. (not to worry, it's only a few blocks from their house) Same time; meet up at 6:30 and begin by 7:00. I'll provide some munchies and vino. Hope everyone can make it!

2613 Laburnum Ave. 28205

By the way, if you haven't been here before (or forgot), googlemaps will take you down a road that no longer exists. If you're coming from Monroe/7th St. Turn on Ranier Rd. and take an immediate right on Weddington Rd. Left onto Bascom and right on Laburnum. Our house will be on the left two blocks down.

Thanks!
Jill Chisholm

Same bat time, Same bat channel

Come one, come all!!!

We are going to wrap up Genesis and do a little art project as well!

Call if you have questions!

Thanks,

Christina

Coming this week....

Small group at my house!!!!

6:30-7:00 for snacks
7:00-8:30 for study
8:30-whenever - chatting about life.

WHERE:
3535 Carlyle Drive, Charlotte NC 28226

If you need to reach me please feel free to email me at trisket876@gmail.com or call at 704-458-2947.

Don't forget! See you soon!!!

The Bible and Ancient Civilizations

As we consider the Bible as history, I feel I need to throw around some big ideas as a preface to serious study. There are many sites online, many perspectives, many teachers and many errors in not only Biblical hermeneutics but also in historical references. One aspect of studying history that is not often discussed by those not involved with historiography is the difference that can occur between interpretation and perspective when information is being analyzed by different sources. Theological perspectives tend to dominate interpretation - whether you are a reformed calvinist or a weslyan arminian or perhaps a pre,post, or a-millenialist or perhaps a preterist. There are so many different thoughts on how to interpret scripture. It is no surprise that when discussing such a deep and important topic there are a multitude of errors to be made.
All this verbage is simply to state: Please don't believe everything you read. You will encounter many different opinions and interpretations. Ultimately, the Bible is the finally authority, but our responsibility is to apply the knowledge and tools which we have been given to try to determine not what we think it means, but what the writer was really trying to say, and ultimately what God was sharing with us about who HE is!

That being said, I hope never to provide you only with my own personal understanding. So, as I post links and information (whether about history and the Bible, theology, sermons, interpretation, etc.) I am trying to provide as many different perspectives as possible. Some of these perspectives might be quite incorrect. Please be discerning and thoughtful as you consider different pieces of information.

There are several different timelines available online. Here are a few:
Link to one online resource

and another

one here too

and here

I have not previewed all of these... but they might be a place to start comparing dates and information.

Thanks!

This week's Small Group

is at Bill & Brandy's:

6609 Morganford Road
Charlotte, NC 28211

On the schedule:
3rd week, 9/17/2009 Genesis 37:3 - 39
The ever-widening circle of God's redemptive plan
Hebrews 11:22, Gen 50:22-26
Young Joseph OR it is not so great to be the favorite.

Last week we discussed how God's redemptive plan for our lives stretches back all the way to Jacob and his sons, and that we are all heirs of the promises God gave to Israel and our lineage traces back to Abraham and his family. God had a plan for Israel even before it was a great nation, and He fostered and protected it in an unlikely incubator. Joseph is a greak example of God taking circumstances that we can find no redemption in, and using them to create glory far larger than we could ever conceive.

i figured out how to post instead of comment...

I was afraid my comment could be easily missed if you are just browsing through the blog- here it is.

Hey! thanks christina for getting this all set up. It's a great resource. I just wanted to post the prayer requests that were mentioned thursday night: for Brandy's friend Jenna at work that recently lost 2 family members; and also for Shelby's continued healing from surgery- last dr appt is next week.

Also, I just listened to an excellent sermon by Andy Stanley of North Point Ministries, entitled Go Fish Part 1: We were all fish once. Its a good "step back and look at the big picture" type sermon.

Plan to be at our house thursday for a continuation of discussion! Come at 6:30 and we'll start the study by 7. We'll have a few munchies to share. Hope you're having a good week.
Jessica

Jacob & Esau

Why did God choose Jacob and not Esau? Why would one brother be blessed and another cursed? Where do grace and responsibility meet?

One of history's greatest preachers (and someone narrating his text) consider the implications of the Genesis account of Jacob and Esau and the controversial Romans 9 passage.

Jacob & Esau

Rachel & Leah

An excellent message by Tim Keller on Rachel and Leah and the lessons that Jacob's life can teach us about how to deal with expectations and disappointments.

In the morning, its always Leah.

Why read the bible?

bruce spoke on 8-30 about why we read our bible. the 242 'take it further' link is below for some more reflections on why bible reading is important to us daily.

take it further

Thoughts?

This week's small group

Meets at Christina's house!!

September 3rd

Genesis 32-34 "He struggles with God" Hosea 12:2-5, Romans 9:6-15
Recap of the beginning of Genesis; Jacob & Esau, Jacob & God, Dinah & Shechem

Socialize: 6:30 PM
Discussion: 7:00-8:30 PM

Israel & the Edomites (part 2)

The Edomites and the Israelites mostly avoided each other through the era of the judges, but by the time of the kings it was a story of sporadic conflict:

1 Samuel 14 - Saul fights with the Edomites.
1 Samuel 21:7 - Saul's head sheperd is an Edomite.
1 Samuel 22 - King Saul's guards refuse to kill the priests but Doeg, the Edomite shepherd, agrees and kills 85 priests PLUS the men, women and children (even infants) in the place that provided David refuge. Just a guess, but this probably did not make God really happy.
2 Samuel 8:13-14 - God grants David victory over the Edomites.
1 Kings 11:1, 14 Solomon's many women included Edomites, and Solomon had advesaries from Edom.
2 Chronicles 20 & 2 Kings 3 - King Jehoshaphat fights alongside the Edomite king against the Moabites. (They win!)
2 Kings 8:20-22 - Edom revolts against Judah.
2 Chronicles 25 & 28 - Israelites with Edoms false gods & Edom takes prisoners from Judah.

(more about Edom during the time of the prophets forthcoming.....sometime)

What happened to Esau?? (part one)

We will continue to learn about what happens to Jacob and his sons and his lineage all the way through to Christ, but what happened to Esau - the oldest son of Isaac? What happens to the man who should have received the birthrite and the inheritance of his father?

The story begins in Genesis 25:23 a prediction is made to Rebekah while the twins, Jacob and Esau, were still in her womb,
“The LORD said to her,
"Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples from within you will be separated;
one people will be stronger than the other,
and the older will serve the younger."

Esau was the first-born, but his brother Jacob was grasping his heel – hence Jacob’s name “he grasps the heel” which is an idiomatic expression for deceit. (This is interesting as this naming seems to parallel Jacob’s renaming in Genesis 32:22-29.) Traditionally, the older brother should have inherited most of his father’s holdings: land, animals, social position, etc. In this case through deceit, just as he was named, Jacob stole from Esau the inheritance of the older brother through two different tricks.

The first deception also gives us insight to what will later be Esau’s lineage – primarily that he was called ‘Edom’ which means red. In this instance Jacob made Esau ‘sell’ his birthright for a bowl of soup. (Side note, this is intriguing b/c the passage said the stew was red lentil stew and at that point the passage explains that Esau was also called Edom.) Genesis 25:27-34 Red man, red stew, red name? I dunno, sometimes the Bible tends to expound upon a particular point in three’s – I would be interested to know what red symbolized to the ancient Israelites.

Jacob’s second act of deceit robbed Esau of his blessing from Isaac, his father. Genesis 27:1-40 At this point we learn a little more of Esau’s future. Isaac’s blessing given to Jacob tells us that Jacob’s relatives (Esau’s offspring) will be in submission to Jacob. The second blessing which Isaac bestows on Esau affirms that Esau’s lineage will indeed serve Jacob’s but that at some point they will grow weary of the bondage and will break free.

Understandably, Esau was not pleased with Jacob and at the behest of his mother, Jacob fled to stay with his Uncle Laban (Rebekah’s brother.) Esau swears that upon his father’s death he will kill Jacob for his act of treachery. Isaac had sent his son to take a wife from family and not from the villages of the Canaanites that surrounded Isaac’s dwelling. Esau, seeking to attain his father’s favor sent to Ishmael (Abraham’s first son) for a wife and married her in addition to the Canaanite wives he already had.

I am still working on the timeline of when events happened, but to the best of my ability to track Isaac died around the same time that Jacob was busy marrying/sleeping with his various wives and concubines and having a plethora of children. This means that even though we are not told of Isaac’s death until Chapter 35 – this is confusing to me because it mentions that Jacob and Esau buried Isaac ( Genesis 35:27-29) which would seem to mean that they met prior to the meeting we read about in Chapters 32 & 33. But in the beginning of Chapter 32 when Jacob is giving instruction to his servants on preparations to meet Esau it sounds as though Jacob had not left Laban in this long time and was only now being reunited with his brother. Perhaps, given the tradition of carrying an ancestors bones back to the place of their birth or their ‘home land’ it is possible that Isaac was not laid to rest until both brothers were there to complete the burial (much as Joseph’s bones waiting through generations for the Israelites to take them back to Canaan.)

Jacob and Esau meet, and make a peace of sorts. Genesis 36 then tells us about Esau & his immediate descendants. Esau had three wives – 2 canaanite and one Ishmael’s granddaughter – Adah, Ohilibamah, & Basemath. He had 5 sons: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah. They all moved to a land away from Jacob and prospered – living in a region known as Seir and later Edom.
Esau prospered.

We do not hear Esau mentioned again until Deuteronomy 2 when the Israelites are about to pass through Seir and are given very strict instructions to leave the Edomites alone, to treat them with respect and to pay them for their food and water. Thus it is restated that Isaac’s blessing of Esau was carried out and though the Edomites were subject to the strength of the Israelites, God spoke specifically about how they were to be treated. That chapter goes on to mention how God had given Esau the land of the Horites and had driven out the opposing people much as he was doing for the Israelites as they entered the land promised to them. Numbers 20 also mentions a disagreement between Israel and Edom about the Israelites going through their land, so Israel went around Edom.

It is interesting as well that the Edomites were not slaves in Egypt as the Israelites had been. The land they chose in Seir was inhabited but the Edomites were given victory over the people of Seir. In Numbers 24 during an oracle of Balaam (who we will read about later) Edom's destruction is again predicted, though in Deuteronomy 23:7 the Israelites are told not to abhor the Edomites, for they are their brothers.

From this point the situation between Edom and Israel appears to be mostly contentious. See part two for the continuing struggle.

An affordable Recommendation

If you are interested in picking up a good and relatively cheap reference for Old Testament studies, may I recommend 'Encountering the Old Testament' by Arnold and Beyer. You can find the book from $1.95 (plus shipping and handling) here. I am using this book for additional background information. It has fantastic illustrations and easy to understand summaries. And if you really want to take it a step further you might check out "Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament" by John H. Walton also available here.

As always I suggest BibleGateway.com as a quick online resource for either reading or reference questions.