October 31st, 2006
I’ve been totally immersed in the story of Job like many of you over these past weeks–now months. Robb and Aaron have been doing some great teaching in a book that I mostly would hurry up and pass on the way to reading the Psalms. Isn’t it interesting that this book precedes the book in the bible that many point to as the roadmap for the worshipper but what lessons we can learn about worship from Job?
Job through all of his commiserating comes to ask a central question that is something maybe we should all give pause to and ask…”Do we worship God because he is good to us, or do we worship God simply because he is God? Job is one righteous guy and despite everything, he worshiped God daily. In fact it was through this faithful worship that Job came to understand the character of God, which made all the difference, but not without question and doubt. Job’s perspective was still limiting and often like Job we find ourselves wanting to somehow equate God with the human.
While worship is often viewed as ritual, the essence of worship is found in knowing and glorifying God. Job expresses this truth…”I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.” (42:5). I think that Job challenges our superficial notions about worship and the God we serve. Worship teaches us about God’s character and how important is that for us to cling to when it all hits the fan?
What can we learn? Maybe that genuine worship does not find its origin in habit or tradition or ritual, rather it comes through a deeper understanding a proper vision of who God is and what our relationship with Him can be.
October 31st, 2006
Come join us in our next servant evangelism project in our series; “Take It To the Streets”. We have a spot in the mall on Halloween where we can give out candy to all who come and also talk to people about Vintage Fellowship. It is a safe place for kids and families to trick and treat, and we’re going to be a part of it. Plan now to don your best costume and be there with us!
October 29th, 2006
Job 28 takes a break from the dialogue and speaks of Wisdom. It is the hinge of the entire book, and lays the foundation for God’s anticipated arrival not too far hence. God is the source of Wisdom, and this chapter resonates themes from Proverbs 1 & 2. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. Seeing life from God’s perspective is the ultimate in living skillfully, which is the best definition of wisdom. Just like the Survivors attempting to outwit, outlast, and outplay one another for a million dollars, we must have a strategy for life that rolls with the punches, come what may. That strategy is living with Wisdom.
Sometimes we get so focused on our specific situation that we forget that God has a big picture plan for the Universe. We need to be reminded of this, and where we fit in. God is in charge, and we are not, but we can trust Him. That ought to change how we live today.
October 27th, 2006
Meet w/Me- Ten Shekel Shirt: www.tenshekelshirt.com
Psalm 130-Red Mountain Church www.redmountainchurch.org
Doxology-Thomas Ken
Offering- Paul Baloche: http://www.leadworship.com/
I Love Your Presence- Darren Clarke & Jessie Clark: www.vmg.org
October 16th, 2006
When it comes to difficult times, we want them over with, now. We like to try and squirm out from under them. However, that often is an attempt to short circuit what God is up to, and an evidence of hope in our own ability to learn our lesson and put the trial behind us. That is what Zophar says to Job, if you would just . . . then this would all be over.
God wants us to hope in Him and Him alone. Sometimes our hope runs thin when we’re really struggling, but we can “borrow” someone elses if necessary (thanks Bebo). James laud’s Job’s endurance in his New Testament letter, and that very literally means Job “remained under” (hupo-meno) the trial until God’s plan and purpose was complete. Let’s help each other remain under our current trials with hope until God comes through for us.
October 14th, 2006
Enough- Chris Tomlin
O Worship the King- Chris Tomlin http://www.christomlin.com/
Those Who Trust- Don Chaffer http://www.entertheworshipcircle.com
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Days of Elijah- Robin Mark http://www.robinmark.com
October 12th, 2006
This morning, we delivered bagels and smiles to several businesses and offices on Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville. It was great to brighten people’s day by taking the grace of Jesus to the streets!
October 8th, 2006
Join us this Thursday, October 12 at 8:30 a.m. for our next servant evangelism project. We’re takin’ it to the streets! This time we’ll be delivering bagels and coffee to some area offices in hopes of showing them the unexpected grace that we’ve all experienced in Jesus. Meet us in the Walgreen’s parking lot at the corner of Joyce and College at 8:30 to help. See you then!
October 8th, 2006
Bildad picks up where Eliphaz left off. Job, what if your sons sinned, what if, what if? Job responds with his inability to connect with God because of God’s greatness, holiness, and other-worldliness. Job concludes that it would have been better if he had been carried from womb to tomb.
Job’s great longing comes in chapter 9 verse 33, “There is no umpire between us, who may lay his hand on us both.” Job’s longing is our longing, someone to mediate and advocate between us and God.
Jesus is the answer and fulfillment. He is our mediator and advocate. Read Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, and 1 John 2:1-2. Jesus can fill the gap between us and God because He is both man and God. He lived our life, and died our death. He does all this so that we can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
We need to respond by offering confession, accepting forgiveness, engaging in relationship, and formalizing our commitment to Him.
October 8th, 2006
Today at Vintage, our worship gathering featured four centers where people could connect with God through Jesus our mediator. We had prayed that God would show up at Vintage today, and I think he did.
Confession
At this center, people were able to confess their sin by writing it on a piece of rice paper and then watch it get washed away in the water feature.
Forgiveness
At this center, people were able to experience God’s grace by joining Jesus at the Lord’s Table.
Relationship
At this center, people were able to talk with God, lighting a candle or writing in the journal.
Commitment
At this center, people were able to formulate and reaffirm their commitment to God by placing their Connection Card and offering in the vase. They took with them an ancient prayer of commitment.
Bookended by Aaron’s amazing sermon and Kevin’s expert worship leading, it was a very special day.
