LIVING on the Life Side!

Nikki

2011-06-30T14:45:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

VBS Update, Block Party Friday, important article... Check it out!

2011-06-21T14:48:00.001-07:00

Fathers Day, Psalms, VBS!

2011-06-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

DON'T MISS THE BLOCK PARTY AND PIG ROAST ON FRIDAY JUNE 24th!!!!
HERE AT THE CHURCH AT 6:00 PM!!!

Quick update, June 1st!

2011-06-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

Intro to new summer message series...

2011-06-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your gloryabove the heavens. From the lips of children and infantsyou have ordained praise because of your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds,and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air,and the fish of the sea,all that swim the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Just for fun! Report from Neal Morse Concert... Woohoo!

2011-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Join me in the world of Christian Prog Epic Rock! (Below are Itunes links)

"It's For You!".... or, on Itunes, "Crossing Over". Climax song for the Testimony 2 album... "Take my hand, trade everything you are, for everything I AM!"

Supernatural... From second CD of Testimony 2- Great worship song in style of Crosby Stills Nash... Beautiful vocals

The Truth will set you FREE! Heavier Rock/Blues... Great example of Neals Prog rock style...

Short Iphone clip from concert... segment from "Separated Man" from "One" album.

Short Iphone clip from concert... segment from "Reunion" from "One" album. Thats Mike Portnoy on drums for any rock afficianados out there. The guy is a machine.

Preview trailer for NM new album, 'Testimony II'

2011-05-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

For all you non-amazing music people out there, ignore this post. For the other two of you, check this out!

Salvation Army, Last Sunday's message....

2011-05-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Boy Scout Pack at Trinity... Awesome!

2011-05-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another great tune from Mr. Morse... Open wide the Flood Gates of Love!

2011-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the video, Neal mentions "Spock's Beard", the california progressive/symphonic rock project he originally founded in the 90's. His last album with 'the Beard' was 'Snow', from which comes the anthem 'Wind at my back' which I have played approximately 2.5 million times. There's a vid of it at the bottom of my page, taken from the same concert as this track. 'Open wide the flood gates', performed here, is also from Snow. Even though these are officially 'secular' songs (according to the whim of the recording industry), the emerging theme of our Life in Christ can be heard here.

On a related note, Caleb and I will be soon be singing along at Neals upcoming 'Testimony II' concert in Denver, small venue, pretty sure it is sold out, it is gonna be awesome!

Judas wore pink!

2011-04-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A few comments, coming events.... check it out

2011-04-12T13:35:00.001-07:00

Faith in what? (comment on comment I made a few Sundays back)

2011-04-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

A Trip to Prison

2011-04-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

For about six years now Trinity has been supporting the Christian Chaplain at the Buena Vista State Prison. My comments here relate to a visit to the prison church a few of us attended last week.

This Sunday, The great power of Simple Kindness

2011-03-25T13:13:00.001-07:00

Joyous Interruptus!

2011-03-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-24 (niv)

Tuesday morning men's Bible Study

2011-03-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

Hey men! If you are an early riser and can make it to Bob's place in Avon by 7:00 a.m., we would love to have you join us. While most of the guys here are from Trinity, we actually have three local churches represented almost every week. Its a wonderful time of brotherhood, fellowship, God's Word, and great food.

Frank Jenner, the man from George Street (story I told last Sunday)

2011-03-24T09:39:00.001-07:00

Time of Prayer for Japan this Wednesday, March 15

2011-03-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Tsunami footage from Sky News

2011-03-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

If you have a slower internet connection, start the vid, pause it, and give it 5-10 minutes to load. It is very compelling, variety of footage.

UPDATE: March 4th, 2011... I'm Back, Upcoming Sundays, Pray for Snowcamp!!

2011-03-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

New Wednesday Evening Bible Studies... ROOTED!

2011-03-04T13:48:00.001-08:00

TWO BROTHERS... Prepare to be amazed!

2011-03-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Okay... you all know about my favorite musician, Neal Morse, who WAY too many of you are still missing out on. This is a live clip of him and his brother, Alan, doing an acoustic set together. Genius. Pure Genius. (BTW, Neal and Alan started the prog powerhouse "Spocks Beard" together back in the early 90's. For those of you looking for 20+ minute long 'symphonic rock' jam sessions, come see me. I'll set you up!)

One more from the Morse Brothers... "June"

2011-03-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Like the above clip, this is from Neal's Spock's Beard days, playing again here with his brother Alan. One of the things I love about these earl clips are that even though Neal wasn't a believer yet, you can feel the working of the Holy Spirit in him. Maybe it's just me. This is "June" from 'The Kindness of Strangers'. One of SB's rarer tunes that is under 10 minutes long.

Coming this Sunday...

2011-01-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

Welcome to 2011 from Gracecommando.com! (and a quick update...)

2011-01-04T14:20:00.001-08:00

Great kid band of former Trinity family (The Slevinsky's). Awesome!

2011-01-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

A lot of you might not remember the Slevinsky family, but they were a big part of the Trinity family for a long time. Their kids have GROWN a lot, and they have a great band! If you want to comment on their youtube page, go to the link below the video.

LINK TO THE ROCKIT YOUTUBE PAGE!

Steve Martin: No songs for athiest (very funny!)

2011-01-03T15:25:00.001-08:00

MUST SEE! Flash Mob of Hallelujah Chorus... This will give you goosebumps

2010-12-25T12:03:00.001-08:00

Rudolph... You don't have to put on the red light... HILARIOUS!

2010-12-23T21:46:00.001-08:00

Another Neal Morse Video.. (C'mon... it's been a while!)

2010-12-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

This is "Outside Looking In" from Neal's 'Question Mark' album. The words of this song came to my mind while we were in India working with the Dalit people.. a people who truly are 'outside looking in'.

Oh, I'm outside looking in(They make it look easy to love and be happy)
Yes, I'm outside looking in(I'm cast out and ugly and nobody loves me)
Oh, nobody knows me now I'm outside looking in
(The beautiful city – they all seem so happy)
Oh, nobody sees the ones outside looking in
(And everyone's pretty but I feel so ugly)
Oh, nobody knows me now As life goes on for them
I will stay here in my sin, 'Cause I'm outside looking in

While this piece ends on a somber note, on the album it leads into the reality that CHRIST has made a way for the outsider to enter into the 'Temple of the Living God', which is the heart of the believer...

December 18 Update & upcoming events...

2010-12-18T14:22:00.001-08:00

WWW.ALIVEINVAIL.COM- Check it out!
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE INFORMATION

I am humbled...

2010-12-18T14:21:00.001-08:00

INDIA TRAFFIC!

2010-12-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

Okay! It's time for the "India Traffic Game"... see if you can:
- count how many cows are passed
- how many monkeys? (Much harder!)
- how many sound effects have been added? Extra credit if you identify what they all are!

UPDATE: November 11th... Indian Mission Trip and More

2010-11-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

Recap: 4th Quarter Business Meeting, Church Finances, Capital Fund

2010-11-11T14:24:00.001-08:00

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Trinity Capital Fund, Tour of our Edwards Church Property

2010-11-11T14:20:00.001-08:00

LINK TO PDF OF CAPITAL TEAM INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

UPDATE: Celebration Sunday, Wednesday meeting, Youth Maze, GO VOTE!

2010-10-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

As I stated in the vid, below are links to help you with your last minute voting research. These resources are specific to Colorado and the 2nd congressional district

Colorado State Senator
Michael Bennet (D)
Ken Buck (R)

Colorado 2nd Congressional District
Stephen Bailey (R)
Jared Polis (D)

Colorado Govenor
John Hickenlooper (D)
Dan Maes (R)
Tom Tancredo (ACP)

Recap of last Sunday: Getting under the hood!

2010-10-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

(For you math stickers... I know that 1 out of 4 is 25%, not 20... but oh well, the analogy still works!)

Amendment 62 Debate (1 of 2)

2010-10-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Amendment 62 Debate (2 of 2)

2010-10-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Upcoming events, articles, India, Go Vote!

2010-10-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

SUPPLY LIST FOR INDIAN MISSION TRIP (Donation deadline is November 10th!)
- Adult and children vitamins (both without iron)
- Firefly toothbrushes for children (WalMart has these)
- Adult toothbrushes

VOTING INFORMATION! (The following are links to other webpages)
- Eagle County Precincts and Voting locations (opens in PDF)
- Vail Daily article about the two Eagle County ballot initiatives
- Web page listing all Colorado State and Federal candidates (contains some commercials, but does good job of listing all candidates, with links to all candidate webpages)
- Information on Colorado's second congressional district (Do you know who your congressional candidates are? Find out here!)
- Colorado 'Blue Book' information on Colorado Ballot Proposals (opens in PDF)

NOTE: If you really want to be educated, read from (or listen to) more than one source! Do you research! Read the oppositions point of view... Live beyond the headlines!

Get in the Game!

2010-10-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: This Sunday, Sunday Oct 10th, Invitation from Capital Fund Team

2010-10-01T14:19:00.001-07:00

Intro to new message series: From Here to There!

2010-10-01T14:17:00.001-07:00

Update... September 9th, 2010

2010-09-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

Trinity Campout Pics (Thanks Jay!)

2010-09-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Trinity... if you didn't make it this year, plan to make it next year! This was a very special weekend. Besides just the fun of being there all together, I got to experience the joy of a marriage vow renewal, and we all had the privilege of hearing from Stephen Kittle and witnessing his baptism.

Just for fun... Lowest Bid Contractor Awards

2010-09-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

And the entries are...

Victory in the Garden: Poem by Cecil Kittle, 1963

2010-09-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Trinity family... this poem was written by the father of our own Stephen Kittle. Stephen shared this with us at the church campout back in August, and I wanted to share it with all of you.

VICTORY IN THE GARDEN
In the garden of sorrows the Savior I find
In the garden of burdens I rest by His side
In fear of temptation, the Path I can see
The Light of His Word, is sufficient for me

There is Grace, Peace and Power 'til my journey cease
There are loved ones awaiting, our hearts yearn to greet
In this contemplation, the prize I can see
And in Hand with my Lord, there is Victory for me!

I shall stand in His presence, Redeemed by His Blood
I shall join in that chorus, the triumphant song!
No night and no shadows, this ever will be,
From the worlds fading echoes, there is victory for me!

Cecil Kittle
1963

Update, August 11: Just a few things, check them out....

2010-08-11T16:35:00.001-07:00

Reflection on last Sunday's message on The Body of Christ

2010-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR SERMON MP3 (or just listen in your browswer

CLICK HERE for PDF of sermon notes

Principle Scripture
John 17:20-23
Hebrews 3:12-14
Hebrews 10:22-25
Ephesians 5:29-32
Romans 12:4-8
1 Corinthians 12:7-27
Ephesians 4:11-16

Links to songs I have recently used/referenced in my messages

2010-08-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

A few of you have asked me over the past several weeks about two songs I have referenced in our service- one played during communion at Beaver Creek and another that I quoted from in a sermon. I have included a link below that will take you to an Itunes IMIX page that has these songs listed, where you can preview them and purchase them if you like. I also have some other music that I really enjoy. But, the two songs referenced above are:

1. The Deers Cry, by Lisa Kelly. This was played during our last communion at Beaver Creek. This song is historically significant in that the entire lyrical content is a direct quote from the prayer Saint Patrick and his followers would pray each morning- it is known as the "Lorica of Saint Patrick".

2. Wind at my back, by a west coast progressive rock band named "Spocks Beard". The leader of this band was a new christian when the song was written, and has since gone on to pioneer the somewhat obscure genre of 'Christian Progressive Rock.' I also have a concert video of this song at the bottom of my website.

CLICK HERE for my Itunes IMIX web page

Local TV8 Interview with Greg Osteen: Vail Valley Cares and the Thrifty Shoppes

2010-08-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

If you are not aware of this, Vail Valley Cares was born out of Trinity Church and several other church leaders in the valley almost 20 years ago. Up until two years ago, Vail Valley Cares (including both Thrifty Shoppes) were part of the Trinity Church non-profit corporation. We 'released' VVC as it's own ministry when it simply became too big to functionally remain part of Trinity's organization. However, to this day, Trinity retains three board seats and it is a TREMENDOUS honor and joy to see how God is continuously blessing the Vail Valley through this remarkable ministry. Donate to the Thrifty Shoppes!!! You can contact the Shoppes at 970-926-7134 or www.vailvalleycares.com

(P.S... you will hear Greg share this, but this year alone VVC is granting $230,000 back into our local community non-profits. Not a dime of the Thrifty Shoppe profits goes to Trinity.)

What would Elmer do?

2010-08-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Another great essay from my friend Tom Lanier. Is God calling you to 'Elmerhood'? (Hint... the answer is YES)

WHAT WOULD ELMER DO?
Billy Graham was famous. As a young preacher, I wanted to be Billy Graham. Elmer Graham was not famous. As a young preacher, I did not want to be Elmer Graham. Billy was my idol. Elmer was my pastor.

Billy Graham was handsome and dynamic and drew huge crowds. I sat in rapt attention on the football field in Alamo Stadium as a kid when the famous evangelist came to San Antonio. Elmer Graham was neither handsome nor dynamic and his preaching never drew large crowds to our little Baptist church. I sat under the teaching of Elmer Graham almost every Sunday of my life from grade school through graduation from high school.

When I felt drawn to the ministry in my teens, the last thing I wanted to be was a pastor of a little congregation. I dreamt of being a great evangelist—so great that I would someday replace Billy Graham. I actually wrote the great evangelist when I heard he was coming to my city and requested a private interview. One of his staff kindly wrote me a letter expressing regret that Dr. Graham would not be available due to his pressing schedule. I still have that letter stuffed away somewhere in a box in the attic. I ran across it a few months ago and imagined how amused that staff member might have been to receive so naive a request from a kid preacher in Texas. Then I marveled that anyone on Mr. Graham’s staff would be so kind as to respond. It’s no wonder that after all these years I still admire the ministry and spirit of the Graham organization.

Billy Graham is still with us at age ninety plus. God bless him. Elmer Graham passed on years ago. Elmer Graham facilitated my first opportunity to preach the gospel in our little church when I was sixteen. He gave me encouragement, praise, and unfailing love. He was by my side when I asked Christ into my life at age nine. He stood by my family through good times and bad. He was more of a teacher than a preacher, more of a shepherd than a prophet. Most of all, he modeled the love of Jesus Christ more than any minister I ever met in my lifetime, and I’ve met some mighty great ones.

My days as an evangelist and a Billy Graham wanna-be ended a long time ago. Most of my ministry has been as a pastor of small churches after all. Looking back, I find myself thinking a lot about Elmer Graham. I’m no Billy, and I’m no Elmer, but if I occasionally get something right as a pastor, it’s usually the result of my asking myself—“What would Elmer do?”
In God’s army, there are some famous and great men and women. But I can now say that some of the greatest are found right where we live--humble men and women who are obscure but secure in their out-of-the-way assignments—faithful to their Commander in Chief.

Look around at your church next Sunday. You can find greatness there if you have an eye for it. That’s what Elmer would do. I think Billy would, too.

“He who would be greatest among you should be the servant of all.” …The Good Shepherd

The Red Balloon... A commentary on Truth (or is it a blue balloon?)

2010-08-02T14:19:00.001-07:00

This was shown at our Edwards service this past Sunday.

The Placebo Effect.. When the Truth is just too much!

2010-08-02T14:15:00.003-07:00

Okay... this is REALLY funny, but it is a bit biting in it's accuracy. If it makes you uncomfortable, well... maybe you need a placebo!

UPDATE: July 30th, 2010... It's good to be back online!

2010-07-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: You can still participate

2010-07-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

DATES: August 5th and 6th (Thursday and Friday)
TIME: 8:00 am to approx 4-5 pm both days
COST FOR ENTIRE EVENT: $95 (contact Ethan)
COST FOR ONE SESSION (cash at door): $20
LOCATION: Vail Christian High School Auditorium

EVENT PROGRAM: THURSDAY
8:00-9:30 Session 1: Bill Hybels

10:00-11:30 Session 2: Jim Collins- 'Never Ever Give Up!';
Christine Caine- 'Leading on the edge of hope'

1:00-2:15 Session 3: Interview with Tony Dungy 'The Mentor Leader';
Adam Hamilton 'When Leaders Fall'

2:45-4:30 Session 4: Dr. Zhao Xiao 'Beyond Economy: China's Transformation with the Cross';
Andy Stanley 'The Upside of Tension'

EVENT PROGRAM: FRIDAY
8:00-9:30 Session 5: Jeff Manion- 'The Land Between'

10:00-11:30 Session 6: Interview with Terri Kelly- 'When leaders emerge: The story of W.L. Gore and Associates';
Daniel Pink- "What motivates us: It's not what you think'

1:00-2:30 Session 7: Interview with Blake Mycoskie- "Making Conscious Capitalism work: The Tom's Shoe story';
Interview with Jack Welch- 'Leader to Leader with Bill Hybels and Jack Welch'

3:00-4:00 Session 8: T.D. Jakes- 'Combustible Passion';
Billy Hybels- 'Final Comments'

Is There Truth? Preview for this Sunday, August 1st.

2010-07-30T16:05:00.001-07:00

June 30th update... This weekend and beyond!

2010-06-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Follow-up from Ethan's sermons on June 20th and 27th

2010-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

On June 20th I told you that I would be posting links to two scripture compliations that talk about WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST (our Identity in Christ), and what happened to us- what God did in us- when we first became a beleiver. Here are those links (from my old format webpage, but they work!)

WHO AM I?
WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?

Also, below are a few links to some good articles that talk about the Passover meal (the roots of our communion celebration) from a Christian perspective. If my description of the 'Afikomen' struck a chord with you, you will enjoy these articles.

The Broken Matzah
Introduction to a Christian Passover

2010 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE... Check it out!

2010-06-30T15:05:00.001-07:00

The GLC is happening on August 5&6 at Vail Christian High School. For members of the Trinity family your cost is $135. You must contact Ethan or Sue at the church office for the discount registration code. To register, CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for the main Global Leadership Conference web page.

June 16, 2010: Essay from my friend Tom Lanier... good thoughts, check it out

2010-06-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

CAN A CRAZY HEART BE GOOD, “BAD”?

Jeff Bridges won the academy award for his role as Bad Blake in the movie “Crazy Heart.” If your ears cannot filter out the profanity and your moral sensitivities cannot tolerate the licentiousness of his character, do not see this movie. I don’t recommend it for any children and for very few adults. Gratuitous sex and profanity in movies does more than offend me--it bores me. With that said, I did see the movie with filters engaged, and Jeff Bridges’ role as a has-been, alcoholic, county-western singer pulled me in and past the repulsive attributes of “Bad Blake.”

I have no doubt that it was Bad’s struggles with the realization that his best days were gone, his trade had been taken over by the younger generation, and his life had been reduced to a cliché that grabbed me. I don’t struggle with alcohol, thank God, and I have a fantastic marriage. But at my age I cannot help fearing that I’m more and more of a cliché to younger folks, some older folks, and even to myself. In the pastoral ministry, youthfulness is as preferable in our culture as it is in any other profession. If you’re reading this column, you’re probably not a kid.

One of the songs Bad Blake sings in the movie (Jeff Bridges actually doing the singing) repeats the line: “I used to be somebody, but now I am somebody else.” It’s a great song and, like most good country-western songs, it makes a poignant statement. Having failed in his attempt to reunite with his son whom he has not seen for twenty four years, Bad tells the young woman he has fallen in love with: “I don’t blame him for not wanting to see me. I wasn’t there for him, even when I was.”

Last night two of my young granddaughters were enthusiastically attempting to tell me something funny that had happened to them at camp. Outwardly I was trying to look interested, but inwardly I was somewhere else mired down in an unsolvable adult problem. I was there with them, but I really wasn’t there. Suddenly I came to myself and remembered “Bad Blake.” I realized that on some level even these little girls could detect that “Papa Tom” was not really listening, not really caring anything about what was currently important to them. I resolved to reign myself in and really try to feel their childish joy. Later that evening, I shared what had happened with my wife and she confessed that she, too, had had to work at really being there for them. That made me feel a little better, but it also opened my mind to wondering how many times I have not been there for my family, or for friends, or my church family—even when I was.

To be present in the present moment—this may be the most important and the most difficult task we face in this cyclonic culture. If life is not experienced in the past because it’s past, then life is not experienced in the future because it’s future. This leaves only the pin point of the present, the razor’s edge of the moment.

At the end of the movie, Bad Blake comes to himself. He gets sober. He writes some new songs for his young protégé. He abandons his stage name “Bad,” and returns to his real name—Otis. Jesus said the Prodigal Son “came to himself.” When we come to ourselves, we can then come home to our Father and come out of the past and out of the future to find ourselves in the present---perhaps laughing with our granddaughters—and really being there. Alive. Now.

June 15th: This weekend, Fathers Day, this Sunday...

2010-06-15T19:12:00.001-07:00

A little humor...

2010-06-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

June 11, 2010: Correcting my own thinking, introducing new message series

2010-06-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Acts 19:20-24
In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also." He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.

CLASSIC Donald Duck... "Applecore"

2010-06-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Give it time to load... start the vid, hit pause, and come back in a few minutes to resume. Unless you are an ultrahighspeedinternetsmartypants. Then just go for it.

Don't be asleep, be alert! (Thinking deeper than the daily news headlines)

2010-06-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Okay people... I am venturing into an area I don't normally include on my blog, but I believe this falls squarely in the category of challenging us as believers to THINK and BE AWARE of the reality of our world. When evaluating current events or the assertions made by our leaders, how aware are you of the history surrounding these events or the track records of people whose words influence our culture and lives? As believers, do we realize the Biblical encouragement for us to 'be alert' to the reality of the world we live in?

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 NIV

To this point, consider the following observations in an AP article about comments made today (Tuesday June 8) by Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve , regarding the current and projected path of the American economy...

Stocks traded in a narrow range Tuesday after investors heard some reassuring words from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke about the U.S. economy.
Bernanke said late Monday he doesn't expect the economy to fall into a second recession...
The Fed chairman said in a speech that he expects the U.S. recovery to continue, but he acknowledged it is unlikely to be robust.

O.K.... now, check out the following video compilation of Bernanke's assertions in the few years leading up to the recession that began in 2007 and the crash of 2008 (particularly note his views on the then 'speculation' about a subprime mortgage crisis). My point is, if you live your lives based on the morning news headlines, you are likely to be ill-informed.

June 3: Update, Soli Deo Gloria!

2010-06-04T12:31:00.001-07:00

Sola Christus (Christ Alone) Revisited

2010-06-04T12:30:00.003-07:00

Below are the main points and associated scriptures from Sunday. If this topic is 'pressing on you', I encourage you to honestly explore these AND their context.

CHRIST ALONE IS THE SON (God, part of the Trinity)
Colossians 1:15-19
Hebrews 1:1-4
John 3:16-18
1 John 4:9

CHRIST ALONE IS SAVIOR
John 14:6-7
1 John 4:14-15
1 Corinthians 8:6
Acts 4:12

CHRIST ALONE IS MEDIATOR (He is all that is necessary for the beleiver to recieve the full Grace of God- there is no need for an additional human intermediator, be it a person, religious system, or ritual)
1 Timothy 2:5-6
Acts 17:24-25
1 Peter 2:9-10

Solus Christus: Do all paths lead to God?

2010-06-04T12:30:00.001-07:00

Following are several links to some online articles and sermons that I found interesting during my preparation for this topic. I especially recommend the first link, it deals with the question of "Christ Alone" from a more philosopical/intellectual standpoint, and addresses many of the biggest intellectual objections to "Christ Alone"

A Unique Christ in a Pluralistic Society
Why beleive that Jesus is the only way?
The Sufficiency of Christ Alone- By John McArthur
Christ Alone- A sermon

Solus Christus: Six blind men and an elephant...

2010-06-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

Solus Christus: Geography, Culture, and the question of equality

2010-06-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

Hilarious! Classic Video, "The Turbo Encapulator"

2010-06-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Is this ever like the experience of listening to a sermon?

May 27, 2010: SOLUS CHRISTUS!

2010-05-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

If 'Sola' means 'Alone', how can there be five different 'Solas'?

2010-05-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

YO! Some of you have asked me where I got my "Sola" T-shirts. Here are a few links for where I got mine, plus some others...

'Sola Scriptura Legacy' T-Shirt
Cafepress online T-Shirts... lots of great stuff, this is their 'Sola' page...

May 21, 2010: VCHS work team, Salvation Army food pantry needs us!!!

2010-05-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

These are some of the kids from Vail Christian High School, doing great work in our community! Also, listen to the stats Tsu shares about the amount of families recieving help through the Salvation Army and it's food pantry. It is pretty staggering. How can you contribute?

05-12-10 SOLA FIDE! (Faith Alone!) Preview of Sunday and a quick update

2010-05-12T12:34:00.001-07:00

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Romans 1:17 (NIV)

God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives."
Romans 1:17 (The Message)

You tink bout all dis Good Kine Stuff From God, you goin undastan wat God wen do for make peopo come right wit him. But gotta trus him from da start to da end! Da Bible wen say dis befo time:
"Gotta trus God.
Den you goin get um right wit Him,
An you can liv fo real kine."
Fo Da Rome Peopo 1:17 (Hawaii Pidgen Translation)

FOLLOW UP ON 'SOLA SCRIPTURA'... The accessibility of Scripture

2010-05-12T07:51:00.001-07:00

COMING SOON! IT'S..... SUNDAY MORNING! (Check it out)

2010-05-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Okay... if you have thoughts on this, give me feedback. What point are these guys wanting to make? What are they trying to get us to think about? Laugh about? (ps... if you use the 'comment' link below, I will publish them through and they will show up here)

May 10, 2010: Two great articles from Steve McVey

2010-05-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

This link will take you to the article I referenced in my follow-up to Romans 8 last week, as well as a wonderful essay reflecting on the idea of God 'forgetting' versus 'not remembering' our sins. I think this could be very encouraging to anyone dealing with issues of forgiveness in their life. Once again, great stuff from Steve McVey.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLES

Praying for the work of Christ in Israel... be sure to check this out!

2010-05-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

The young man speaking here is the son of my friend Mike whose family hosted me (and my mom) during my 2008 Israel trip. The event spoken of here truly is of great significance in what God is doing in Israel. May we pray for the all the followers of Yeshua- Christ- in The Land of Israel!

April 5th, 2010... A few quick things

2010-05-05T13:10:00.001-07:00

FOLLOW UP ON ROMANS 8:28... A faithful God in an unpredictable world

2010-05-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is a follow up from our focus this past Sunday, Romans 8:28 and the question of 'what God is up to' in the midst of suffering and struggle. My content here is take from a recent article by Steve McVey, a great teacher of God's Grace.

NEW MESSAGE SERIES... THE SOLA SYSTEM! An introduction

2010-05-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

This video is a few minutes longer than what I normally try to do, but I encourage you to give it a watch... I am excited about this short 5 week message series we are beginning, and I lay a bit of a historical foundation here for our focus this Sunday.

Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms: From the movie "Luther" (2003)

2010-05-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

The dialog here is remarkably close to the historical records of Luther's words at the Diet of Worms. Note: If you are not familiar with the history of this time, it should be noted that when Luther wrote against the Catholic Church, he was not singling them out among many churches, for the Catholic Church of the 16th century was the only offically recognized form of the Christian church, and it was almost inseparably intermeshed with the government of the Roman Empire.

UPDATE: April 1st, 2010... A few things, wrapping up Romans 8....

2010-04-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK IN ROME: Last installment, Spring 2010

2010-04-29T09:11:00.001-07:00

Romans 8:28-39
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

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. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Storm Before the Calm: NM from 'Testimony'

2010-04-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Great jam session, lots of diversity, includes reprise of "The Promise" (princes, principalities, legals and legalities, they have no more power before us.. Amen!)

Colossians 2:14-15
And He has taken it (our guilt under the law) out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (NKJV)

VERY interesting commentary from Penn Gillette... worth your 5 minutes.

2010-04-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what a non-believer would think of you if you openly, kindly, and respectfully shared your faith with them in a non-judgmental context? Here is the response of one famous athiest to such a situation...

April 20, 2010: This Sunday, 30 Hour Famine, Community Thurs evening meal...

2010-04-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY EVENING COMMUNITY MEAL VOLUNTEER CONTACTS..
- Trinity coordinator, Kristy Maslan: kristy@maslan.com
- Overall coordinator, Susan Carlson: susucar@msn.com

April 20, 2010: The Greatest People in the World

2010-04-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

Notes for Wednesday Evening Bible Study, April 21st...

2010-04-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday evening folks… below is a framework outline to walk through Romans 8:12-27, along with points of in-depth discussion and other reference scriptures. I encourage you to divide into discussion groups as appropriate on some of these… go for it and be blessed!!

ALREADY BUT NOT YET…

- Read Titus 2:11-13

- Discussion: How important to you is the “Blessed Hope” referenced here? How does (if at all) this promise impact you in daily life? How does the “not yet” of Christ’s return impact your life today?

- Sunday, Ethan asserted that “The believers Hope of what is to come always has the power to transform what is now” Do you agree with this? How has this been true for you, or, how do you think it could be true of you?

WEILDING THE SWORD
- Read Romans 8:12-14

- Discussion: In your experience, how does the Spirit “put to death” our struggles with sin? What does this look like?

- What is the chief sin or ‘flesh pattern’ that the ‘sword of the spirit’ has the power to defeat?

KIDS OF THE KING
- Read Romans 8:15-17

- Discussion: This passage emphasizes the personal reality of God’s presence… “Abba, Father”… can you think of a time when you have experienced this intimate, personal reality of God’s presence by His Holy Spirit? What power did this have in your life?

- Paul tells us we are ‘co-heirs with Christ’… what is the significance of this to us today?

REALITY OF SUFFERING
- Paul describes our inheritance in Christ as ‘sharing in His suffering that we may share in His Glory’. What is the biblical perspective on the reality of suffering in our life? (break into groups and look at the following scriptures, then re-group and share your thoughts…)
Psalm 23
Job 13:13-15
Romans 7:24-25
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Romans 5:3-5

- Read Romans 8:18-21

- What is God always working to do accomplish through the reality of human suffering?

POWER OF HOPE
- Read Romans 8:22-25

- What is the hope of the “redemption of our bodies”… as discussed earlier, does this promise have ‘present personal’ meaning and power to you?

- What does it LOOK LIKE for us to ‘wait patiently’ for the fulfillment of God’s promise of Christ’s return? What does it look like when we get impatient?

THE SPIRITS PRAYER
- Read Romans 8:26-27

- In our times of weakness and suffering, what tends to be the focus of our prayers? What is our natural tendency?

- How might the Holy Spirits prayers of intercession for us be different?-

- What specific examples might you give of how we tend to pray for ourselves, our community, and our country… that might be self centered… while the Spirit might be interceding for us in a different direction?

- If time, read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Are there any parallels in your own life to what Paul describes here? How does the statement “My Power is made perfect in weakness” become practical in our lives?

- If time, close with group (divide it up) reading of Philippians 3:7-14. This scripture could be your closing prayer.

Neal Morse: Sola Scriptura and Beyond...

2010-04-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Okay Trinity people... I am amping up the volume just a bit with my NM posts... If you are enjoying his music, this is a step into his harder edged rock side- but still very diverse, very melodic. I love his young guitarist... I will post a few other tracks of this kid in the coming weeks.. he is pretty amazing. This vid is a 'rough cut' compilation from multiple concerts spanning several of his projects, including "Sola Scriptura", "Testimony", and "Question". The common thread in the pieces is that they all are derived from a deep conviction of the Freedom and New Life that is ours in Christ...

p.s... In the second set, you might have caught the words "I will write my words upon the door"... the lyrics to this section of "The Door" are...

Sometimes comes a moment when there is no escape
A man by candlelight reads: "The just shall live by faith"
And a rushing ray of light comes and hits him at the core
I will write my words upon the door

History is hinged on his playing of the role
The dawn was coming after the dark night of the soul
The simple act has changed our world forever more
I will write my words upon the door

If you know a little of your protestant reformation history, you will recognize this as part of the story of Martin Luther and his spiritual journey that led him to post the '95 Theses' on the door of the All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in October, 1517... the event that most historians credit as the crystallizing moment that set the protestant reformation in motion. Hence, the title of Neal's project, "Sola Scriptura"

April 13th, 2010... MDA, WORLD HUNGER WEEK, PRAYER FOR TURKEY...

2010-04-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

Scripture for Sunday, April 18th... Great Expectations!

2010-04-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

ROMANS 8:12-27 (NIV)

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship! And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. (what a promise!!!)

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Day of Prayer for the Church In Turkey... This Sunday, April 18th

2010-04-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

OPEN LETTER FROM THE ALLIANCE OF PROTESTANT CHURCHES IN TURKEY

From the body of Christ in Turkey, to our holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are writing to you from Turkey - from the land of Noah, of Abraham, of Paul, of Mt. Ararat and Harran, of Antioch, Ephesus, Galatia and the Seven Churches of Revelation………...
Yet today in our land of 72 million, which is 99.8% Muslim, the size of Christ's flock is only a handful. We are writing to ask, indeed to plead for your prayers.

As Turkish Christians we love our country very much. Pray for God’s will to be done, and for His Kingdom to come!
Pray that the Lord’s hand will be with us and a great number of people will believe and turn to the Lord.

We, the church in Turkey, have invited the worldwide church to pray for the land and the church of Turkey this day, Sunday, April 18, 2010. We ask you at your church to pray for us, joining the prayers of millions around the globe. April 18 is when back in 2007 three of brothers were murdered brutally for their faith, the first martyrs of the modern Turkish church.

We are praying for you, and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding and we beg you brothers … Pray for us!

The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1: 11 “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

On behalf of the body of Christ in Turkey
Alliance of Protestan Churches (Turkey)

Neal Morse: The Promise...

2010-04-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

From Neal's 'Testimony' project. Closes with reprise of 'Prince of the power of the air', a song reflecting on the enemies seductive call, even when we have the Promise of being set free from "princes and principalities"... lyrics below.

Princes, principalities, legals and legalities
They have no more power before us!
Dark is their reality, there's a light that we can see
Lighting up the pathway before us

There's so much that we can know, there's a godly way to go
Can't you feel he's reaching down for us
His is the best place to be, He's the truth that makes you free
Can't you feel he's keeping his promise

Princes, principalities, legals and legalities
They have no more power before us
There's a light that we can see, there's a new reality
Can't you feel he's keeping his promise NOW!

The prince of the power of the air, was calling me back out there
The prince of the power of the air can lead you down ...
Can lead you down!
The prince of the power of the air can lead you down anywhere
The prince of the power of the air, he led me almost anywhere...

Lifeside Update.. March 8th, 2010. Spring is coming!

2010-04-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Neal Morse: Wind at my back...

2010-04-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

This song is from the last album (Snow) Neal made with his original progressive rock band, Spock's Beard. Even though Neal wasn't (at least publically) a christian when this song was written, you can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit working in him... Awesome song!!

Jesus…
Can it be true that it all comes rushing from You?
When my resistance is gone, and there’s nothing that I can lean on

You are the wind at my back, You give what I lack
You’re the jewel in my hand, You’re like rain on dry land
You’re the focus, the beam, You’re realities dream
You’re the blue in my black, You’re the wind at my back

All of the above! I’ll have the lot for my love
And as we’re becoming somehow, as we’re changing the future to now
Oh! I just want to live in the place that you have to give
I’ll let the heat beat me down until the water comes down!

You are the wind at my back, You give what I lack
You’re the jewel in my hand, You’re like rain on dry land
You’re the focus, the beam, You’re realities dream
You’re the blue in my black, You’re the wind at my back

And my soul has been kissed, just because you exist!
You’re the dream, that’s a fact, You’re the wind at my back

You’re the wish that I make! You’re the prize I might take!
You’re the gold that is free! You’re the groom on one knee.

JESUS! YES! AMEN!