Satellite: Hope Community's Online Discussion

Us, as a people...

2009-09-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

We, as a people, a human race, have done some terrible things. One has simply to watch the news or crack a history book to learn of how we have treated our fellow man (and woman) as less than human. Part of what we are called to as Christians and as people in a faith community is to see, acknowledge and love the image of God in all people. This can be a huge undertaking, but it will also change the face of our neighborhoods, churches and our world.

In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul urges us to bear with one another with an attitude of forgiveness, grace and love. To acknowledge our faults encourage one another in uniting with Christ in God's mission in redeeming the world. It is this mission that drives our need for a close community.

Everyone needs friends and people around them, we have an intrinsic desire for intimacy on many levels. But, our mission in joining with Christ in His plan for redeeming the world puts us in many rough, challenging, and often precarious situations, and it is because of the risky nature of our faith that we NEED this close community.

Does your lifestyle reflect a faith that lives counter culturally and therefore is in need of constant companions on the journey?

Are we opening ourselves up to be a people that journeys together in deep encouragement of one another? In grace, acceptance and love?

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The old has gone and the new has come…

2009-08-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, my brother had the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in Berlin. Germany. Although much of his work centered around a small café’ in East Berlin, during his time there he heard many stories and saw remnants of the Berlin Wall, which was torn down in 1989. It was said that life in Berlin changed drastically at this time, especially in the eastern half. The wall was now torn down, no longer were friends and fellow citizens kept apart by the decrees of man. Following, and as part, of the joyous celebration of reconciliation – many symbols of the communist regime were destroyed.

In Colossians 2:8, Paul says: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

Paul is using this statement to again, declare freedom to those in Colossae. They had been under the deceptive influence Rome and the emperor, a system that degraded their status as image bearers of the living God. He goes on to say that when the old has gone, we are made fully alive in Christ. We are free to enter into the story of Christ and His creation. This is a beautiful narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption and Re-Creation.

We are now free to be re-created in Christ and to no longer live under human judgments. We are no longer held in judgment…

How often do we let what others might think of us get in the way of living a full life?

How often might we be the judges? Possibly holding back someone else from experiencing life as God may have intended it for them?

Faithfulness...

2009-07-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

As one of the fruits of the spirit, Faithfulness, is a two way street with God. He promises to be faithful to both us and his promises - thus we continually pledge our faithfulness to Him.

It is so easy to loose sight of the many ways in which the Lord has been faithful to us personally. So many things seem to distract us and often current issues/problems shape our perspective on God's faithfulness to us and our situation. It is so important to remember what Christ has done in our lives, in order to see what He currently may be doing.

A key phrase in the Old Testament is "Remember..." Whether the speaker is referring to the Sabbath, the Lord, or your time in Egypt... We are called to remember how God has worked in our lives and history - this helps keep our identity firmly rooted in God's identity.

This Sunday, as we look back on what the Lord has done in our lives and in our faith community, let us be joyful and thankful, as well as expectant. "For greater things have yet to come and greater things have yet to be done here..."

Meditation: Psalm 31: 1-8.

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Suffering together...

2009-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

As portrayed in the 2004 film "Miracle," the 1980 US hockey team is a ragtag bunch of college kids, all from different teams from around the country. Their new coach is charged with making them a team, a single functioning unit. There is a memorable scene where coach Herb Brooks orders the team to skate punishing fitness drills until the players, voluntarily, state their name and identify themselves as members of Team USA. Through their collective suffering and trials they were brought together for a greater purpose

A similar thing happened after the hurricanes of 2005 - people from all across the nation were rushing to the aid of the people along the Gulf Coast. There is a sense that suffering, trials and tests bring us closer together as people.

Take a minute and think of the people in your life who have stood with or journeyed alongside of you through the tough times in your life...

Maybe some of these people you still keep in contact with daily, and maybe others have fallen out of touch through the years. But, many of these friends would still greet you with a hug. Our collective trials bring us together in a way that time and space cannot always overcome. We are called to suffer along with our brothers and sisters in the church, as well as know that while we are suffering - we are in a sense becoming closer to Christ, our long suffering Lord.

Meditation: Col. 1:24-27
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"...I call first captain!"

2009-06-19T07:04:00.001-07:00

There is a sense on every elementary school playground that each student must rush out and try to be first on the field to declare "first captain!" They would then be able to pick whom they wanted on their team; they were the leader.

The desire in many young kids (and adults) is to lead the way into something great - to head off first into the adventures of touch football, or even leading a hike. In many ways this urge toward initial leadership can be seen as a clear reflection of Christ in our young people. In Colossians 1:18, Paul continues to share that Christ is not only the creator, the sustainer, and head of the church, but that he is also the "firstborn from among the dead."He is the one who will lead the way into eternal life, in the way of resurrection from the dead!

With his resurrection having already occurred, Christ is leading the victory parade right now, he invites us to join. To join in his redemptive work in our hearts and those of others, in our world/culture and in creation. Our hope of eternal resurrection is secured in Him but in our lives now, what might it look like for us to live as though we truly knew that Christ is victorious over all the powers of death and destruction?

Are there areas of our lives that need Christ's redemptive healing?

Are there people or situations in our lives where we need to call "first captain" and lead the way into bringing Christ's love there?

300 ??

2009-06-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the Spartans? The ancient warriors who wore long red capes, had 6 packs, bulging muscles and lived only to fight. They were hardened warriors, from childhood they were taught skills in weaponry and survival. Even a recent History Channel show called the Spartans- "pure bred fighting machines." But, although historically renown, the Spartans were only one of the many peoples of ancient Greece. Another famous city-state of ancient Greece was Athens.

Athens still stands today and one can go take in the sights of ancient temples and ruins. Held almost in sharp juxtaposition to Sparta, the culture of Athens was one of beautiful art and thoughtful philosophy. The men of Athens were known to be thinkers who held logic and reason in very high regard.

In Acts 17, Paul finds himself in Athens. As Paul does, he begins talking to people about Jesus and the Greeks begin to take interest. The funny thing is, the men of Athens were much like many of us are today - very interested in spirituality, religion and multiple worldview ideas. In a way, our culture is also primed to hear the ideas and teachings of Jesus. The debate in America is no longer Atheism verses Christianity, but now, people wondering if the teachings of Christ really ring true in our lives and culture. Paul was simply talking about Jesus in a "pre-Christian" world, and people were amazed, inquisitive and surprised. Today, if we can simply talk about Jesus in our "post-Christian" world - might we have similar results??

"You're dead in your tracks, pilgrim..."

2009-06-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess everyone's life is not like a scene out of an old western movie, but there is a some truth to when the villain says "Hey Blonde', you're a dead man."

If we take a quick look at Ephesians 2:1-2, Paul is saying, or observing, that we were dead in our sins when following the ways of this world. He doesn't say "just passing through our sins," or that we were in a "sinful stage." But that we were dead-

not moving,

unable to get out,

hopelessly struggling,

in our sin. In a way, lets not simply think of "sin" as specific actions here, but more of a state of being. Being in sin: disconnected from Christ or taking away from God's vision of Shalom for the world. Things were way out of balance and there was nothing we could do about it.

Enter Christ.

He who brings live from death - redeems our lives from the depths of disconnectedness (sin) and despair. Having someone help you like this is very humbling. Often times we might rather struggle needlessly on our own than have someone save us or help us. This often leads us, a people preaching Grace, to be a people who leave little time to simply "be" and receive grace because we are so busy trying to work our way our of "sin." Christ says something different. Christ comes to us in our inability and rescues us from a life that we, on our own, could not change.

What might it look like for you to rest in Grace? To simply sit at the feet of the Father and soak up his love?

We are helpless apart from his grace, in what ways have we seen or felt grace in action this past week?

How can we better tell our stories of receiving Christ's grace and life changing power?

Hairy arms get nothing...

2009-06-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Before reading this blog today, read the following sections from scripture: (link to online Bible)

Genesis 25:19-34 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2025&version=31

Genesis 27:1-40 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2027;&version=31;

This is the story of Jacob and Esau - two brothers. There is so much that we can draw from this story, but one of the main concepts illustrated here is that of the "firstborn."

Since Esau was the eldest son, or firstborn, he was entitled to a special blessing and inheritance from his father. In the ancient Jewish culture this was far more of an honor than simple words and possessions. People were willing to kill, or cheat and deceive their brothers, to get such a blessing. In this particular case, the son who received the blessing would have the Messiah as a descendant. I'd be pretty pumped if my great(38x) grandchild was the savior of the world!

Needless to say it was a great honor to be the firstborn and to receive that blessing. In Colossians 1:18, while speaking of the church(Ἐκκλησία, ekklesia), Paul refers to Christ as the Firstborn: he who has ownership over the church, one who gives blessing to the church and recieves blessing from the same.

How can the church bless Christ?

How has the church been a blessing of Christ to you?

Meditation: The words "church(ekklesia)" and "eclectic(eklektikos/eklegein)" share similar greek roots - how has the varied makeup of the body of Christ impacted the way you view and experience God?

2009-05-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

...the firstborn from among the dead... Col 1:18b

This small snippit of a a powerful verse can come off sounding like something out of a horror film, but it is part of a message of hope instead. It is part of a full statement where Paul is telling the church in Colossae that Christ is supreme over all rulers, powers and worlds - and the only one to bring life out of nothing and to bring life from death.

To think of Christ as the one who can bring life from death, who can raise us from the dead - both figuratively and literally - is amazing. Amazing simply because no one else can do that, but more amazing is that we can be one with one with him. That we can be healed, restored and assured of eternal life, but also invited to take part in this life giving redemption with Christ in this present world.

What might it look like for us to join with Christ in bringing things back from "the dead?" (example: plots of land, old forests, neighborhoods, relationships...)

What effect might this co-creator/redeemer mindset have on our faith community? our city? our planet?

Only by God's power and invitation is this possible - how can we daily accept that invitation?

Meditation: Romans 8:17

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...the beginning...

2009-05-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

"...I am full of earth
You are heaven's worth
I am stained with dirt, prone to depravity
You are everything that is bright and clean
The antonym for me
You are divinity
But a certain sign of grace is this
From the broken earth flowers come up
Pushing through the dirt..."

This is a verse from David Crowder's song "Wholly Yours." Those last few lines paint such a vivid picture, one that I think we can all relate to. Maybe you are walking by an old abandoned lot, or else where where it would be unexpected to see a beautiful flower popping up through the dirt and nothingness. It resonates with the idea that out of nothing, something beautiful can come.

This idea is so central to the theme of the New Testament and to who Christ is. In Colossians 1:18 Paul states that Christ is the beginning. In John 1, we see this again when he says that "in the beginning was the Word..." The "word" John is referring to is Jesus. There is an undeniable knowledge inside both Paul and John that Christ put everything into motion in the beginning and holds all things together today. The way the texts are written infers that God created out of nothing (ex nihilo, Latin). God is a God who creates and develops, a God of change. Many people can tell of the change that Christ has made in their lives, changes that could not have happened by human power. Things as astounding, if not moreso, than a flower growing out of earthly rubble.

What if we were a people who believed that Christ could change and renew all things? How then would we view broken people? Broken places?

What if one of the chief calls of our faith is to create beautiful things, experiences and relationships alongside our Lord?

a piece of heaven on earth...?

2009-05-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

If Christ is the head of the body...the church...
What is the make up of this body?

If one was to find themselves at Hope's service this past Sunday, it was said that the human eye is the complex crown jewel of the human body. So complex is the eye that even our fastest super computers cannot come close to matching its performance! With things like this we realize that the body is made up of so many different and diverse parts with so many different functions...that its mind-blowing.

What is also mind-blowing is that the eye is no more necessary to the body than the heart, or the skin. The beautiful thing about Christ being the head of the body is that He is connected with each and every part of it. No part is more important than another. This body, of course, is the church - both locally and globally. What a unique place - where anyone who walks in the door is as important in Christ's eyes as the one preaching, singing or praying up front.

What kind of impact can that type of a community have on their friends and neighbors?

Are we called, in Christ, to be a place of complete safety - where no one is turned away because we believe and see ourselves all as equals?

Meditation: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

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a new kind of body...

2009-05-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

For years now, people around me have been sold on programs like Weight Watchers, or SlimFast, or buying the latest model BowFlex as soon as the infomercial put up the number. Then there was Billy Blanks and Tae-Bo, then ancient eastern dance fighting workouts and Krav Maga. One day a few weeks ago I was offering bread to a friend, who politely turned it down due to the strict diet regimen of P-90X. We all, whether in or outside of a diet/workout program, long for transformation. A transformation from something that is, into something better, more desirable, more efficient.
But let me tell you, there is no success to be had in the fitness realm if one's mind and heart are not strong enough to conquer the body.

A mind and heart that give direction and hold onto a vision and goal are necessary to achieve much of anything. That's why we have leaders, and boards and people in whom we place trust to steer us in the right direction, be it in a business, church or educational setting.

This is part of the reason Paul states that Christ is the head of the church in Col. 1:18. Christ is the example to follow, the vision caster, the one who lived it first so that we may follow. Christ therefore is the transforming agent who can take people as individuals or communally and change them into something that gives great hope and healing to the world.

How might Christ be changing or challenging you or your family?
Can we trust His vision and direction?

Meditation: Psalm 31
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power over the powers...

2009-05-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Let's take a quick look at the power of a name...

In the movie "The Usual Suspects," the name Keyser Soze' is whispered many times in reverence and fear. It seems to hold a certain meaning and power. The same is true in the new Chronicles of Narnia films. "Aslan is on the move," says Mr. Beaver in hushed tones. Aslan's name is whispered so intentionally, it is as if the future of all Narnia hung in the balance...and it did.

We can see here, and in our own experiences that certain names hold power and it is sometimes a risk to even audibly utter them.

In the Old Testament times the name of God, "Yahweh(יַהְוֶה, YHWH)" was held in such regard. It was against Jewish custom to speak the name of Yahweh; even when it was being written it would often be shortened, as to not use the full name. His name was regarded as too sacred for the common tongue to use. Another name of God that held similar power and was never to be spoken was "I AM" (אהיה אשר אהיה, Exodus 3:14). A name encompassing all of God's being, nature and attributes.

Philippians 2:10 shares with us that the name of Jesus also holds this soul-shaking power. A power over things on earth, in heaven and under the earth - power over things visible and invisible. On example of this is found in John 18.

Jesus had been out all night praying in Gethsemane's garden when Judas and the Sanhedrin's soldiers came to arrest him. Jesus asks them who they are looking for, they reply "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus than states "I am he." At this, the soldiers are thrown back by the sheer force of that name (a form of "I AM"). The NIV text almost makes it seem like the soldiers heard this, tiptoed back a few feet and then gently laid down. But, in reading other and primary texts one can see that this is not the case - the soldiers are blown back and thrown to the ground! What power... in a name.

A name that has been given to us to call upon, flee to, stand on and worship. A name and a God who holds power over things we can see and those things we can only feel or sense.

Meditation: Psalm 50:15

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Invisible powers...

2009-05-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Col 1:16 "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

...when I was a young kid I would swear to my parents that there was a monster under my bed, and oftentimes a ghost in my closet (if the door was cracked open). I would continually be told that these things were not real and my preschool teachers would roll their eyes and my concerns. But one day, while voicing my plight to my grandfather - he seemed to understand and let me know that it was OK to think there were invisible things in our world (but not hiding in my bedroom).

Strange as it was for me to comprehend the existence of something unseen at such as young age, it was not a stretch for the ancient peoples of Colossae to think of and acknowledge the unseen realm. The original readers of "Colossians" lived in a very spiritually charged world. Whether Roman or subject, Gentile or Jew there was a sense that most all of life had spiritual significance. There was and is a spiritual world. We too, are spiritual beings.

But what do we do with that?
Christ, our king is king of that realm to.
What bearing might that have on our lives?

Meditation verse: Romans 8: 38

Beta Test- "Lord of the Starfields"

2009-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

The relationship of a creator with their creation is a very complex one. There is a certain sense of ownership and dominion that a creator can hold over their creation - a sense that passion, heart and soul have been poured into bringing about this new existence. In Colossians 1:16, Paul is tapping into the passion that Christ poured into all created things: things in heaven and on earth.

When Paul says "heaven," he is not speaking of a literal place of eternal bliss, but of the world of the skies; stars, planets and constellations. He is speaking of the moon and stars that one would see at night while tending sheep outside Rome, or while working late into the night in the fields outside Colossae. Celestial objects that in that day where thought the be the dwellings and origins of the pagan Roman god and goddesses. Paul is making the audacious claim that those planets and stars belong to the one, true God. Furthermore, that Christ was not sent from one of those planets to earth, but indeed sent the planets into existence. This flies in the face of the empire of the day, both then and now; in first century Palestine and in today's metro-Denver.

It may not be always popular to claim "intelligent design," or to insinuate that Christ poured the creativity of His passion into our universe, but Paul claims it with confidence. He does so because such an intricate creation infers that God loves his creation...

Thus, how much more does he love each of us...

Meditation: Matthew 10:29-31

...enough to move heaven and earth to bring us near to Him and speak "beloved," and "wonderfully made," to each of us.

Welcome to Satellite...

2009-05-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks for taking a moment to log on and check out Hope's new weekly blog! We will hopefully be posting here twice a week. The topics, discussions, studies and questions we post will be in preparation for the upcoming Sunday teaching at Hope Community Church (10:30am). If you would like, you are able to be kept up to date and notified when a new posting occurs. Click "Follow Blog" at the top of the screen to do so. Feel free to put this site on your "Favorites" menu to easily stay tuned.
More to come soon...