Where do you see compartmentalization?

So you know that with our Rebel Discipleship class, we're talking about compartments. We all like to put our life into compartments to make it more manageable...social, physical, financial, recreational, academic, and even spiritual. The problem is, when we do this with our faith, following Jesus becomes just another compartment instead of a holistic way of living life.
If Jesus is Lord, then our faith cannot be just another compartment--it must be the lens by which we see the rest of our lives. So Jesus is Lord speaks to our social life, our academic life, etc.

We must get better at seeing the compartmentalization in our lives. Where do you see it in culture and where do you see it even in your life?

Here's one to think about.
1. I saw an ad last night--two daughters speaking up for their dad who is trying to be elected. They mentioned many things he was "for"--two being pro life and pro gun. As a disciple of Jesus, do you see any problem with that?

Let me hear from you!

Just to Clarify--Rebel Discipleship

So, let me clarify the big picture of our study on Wednesday nights. Sorry I didn't start with this!

Our (Lendy and I) intent is three-fold:
1. We want to challenge and question the relationship that the church has had with the state.
We are not here to bash the USA. We are grateful for the freedoms and blessings we have in this country. But we don't want our freedoms and blessings to become our idols. We also don't want our relationship with the state to keep us from following Jesus.

2. We want to look again at what Scripture says about the gospel, Jesus and the Church--and what disciples of Jesus look like.

3. Finally, we want to offer some constructive ways that the church/disciples of Jesus can have a healthier relationship with the state, while first remaining faithful to Jesus.

Hope this helps. Pray for our time together on Wednesday nights!

Politics, Hugging and Lordship

I've got 3 options for you to choose from. I hope you'll give me some feedback on at least one of these topics!

Politics
The Christian Chronicle is asking these questions. I'm curious what you would say.

1. What is the mood among your campus ministry students concerning the
2008 presidential campaign? Are students taking active roles or speaking out
on the campaign?

2. There has been much discussion in the national media about the idea that
younger evangelical Christians are less likely than their parents to base
their vote on issues such as abortion, gay rights and related social issues.
Do you agree or disagree?

Hugging
So after two days of FREE HUGS, what are some things you learned about yourself and others? What memories do you have that will stick with you from the event?

Lordship
Our Bible study talked about the implications of the phrase "Jesus is Lord."
Where do you see compartmentalizing in your life?

Which term most closely describes your own life with regard to Jesus? Worshiper, Admirer, Believer, or Follower? Why?

Are you beginning to see that we are going to have to be a rebel if we truly believe Jesus is Lord?

Does Everything Happen for a Reason?

So in light of the discussion tonight, I want to know more of what you think.

What did you agree with?

Disagree with?

Did this discussion help you better understand God? How?

Do you feel like you can better comfort someone in crisis?

What's THE ONE thing you'll take away from tonight?

Rebel Discipleship starts next week!
peace.

The ways of little children

Last Wednesday night, I came home just in time to tell my son goodnight. It had been an overwhelming few days. My first sermon of the school year on Sunday. Our big welcome week fellowship Sunday night. We fed over 100 people pizza on campus Monday night. We fed around 75 at our student center Tuesday night and had 30 play frisbee. Wednesday night was the first Bible study at the student center for the fall. It's always overwhelming at the beginning, meeting new students and particularly freshmen and transfer students. At the end of the night, I was struggling with thinking that it depended on me to keep students interested, to keep them coming back. That my words and actions would make or break a relationship with a student...self-centered in a way, but for me it felt more like fear...fear that I had to be a certain kind of person for students to come back.
Well, I could spend more time here, but back to my son. It was dark in his room. He was already calm and quiet, whispering "daddy" a few times. For some reason, I laid my big heavy head on his little chest and just rested there for several minutes. He took his little hand and patted my head and rubbed his hand through my hair some, whispering to me. There on his little chest, I felt like I could finally rest. My emotions were released and I clearly saw God trying to heal me from my fear right there...and he did.
Thank you God for ministering to me through my son.

Miles has been saying "Jeus" for a few weeks now. There's no sweeter sound than your child trying to say the name Jesus.