Thanks to everyone who helped make my 60th birthday party such a wonderful success. Special thanks to Debbie for put so much of it together, Brian, Micah and Mike for sound, drinks and food, and Ruth for filming this.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Book Review: PURE SCUM
Mike’s new book, Pure Scum, is the story of Scum of the Earth Church, which he started with a small gathering of young adults (including the late ska band Five Iron Frenzy) in downtown Denver. On the back cover of the book, the bio says that Mike “was hoodwinked by the Holy Spirit into pastoring the folks who became Scum of the Earth Church in Denver”. Hoodwinked by the Holy Spirit. That sounds about right.
They call it “church for the left-out and the right brained”. They reach out to Goths, punks, skaters and the homeless in the heart of Denver. They share a meal in the middle of their church service every Sunday night. They sent out my friend Joshua and his new bride Liann in a converted veggie-oil bus/mobile home to share the love of Jesus all over the country. This is how they do church; and it’s beautiful, authentic, and life-changing.
In many places in American Evangelicalism, we see the Gospel of Power, Glory, and Magnificence. At Scum of the Earth Church, we see the magnificence, glory, and power of the gospel. Mike’s not trying to chart a new course for Evangelicalism. He’s not trying to change the world. He doesn’t consider himself a prophet, crying out from the desert, “Do it this way! This is the future of the kingdom!” He’s just pastoring those who can’t find a pastor anywhere else; he’s fathering those who desperately need a good dad.
This book is a story, a true story of a small group of people who gave their church a crazy name and dared to believe that all of their outsider friends could become insiders in the kingdom of God. It’s the story of 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 coming true at the edge of the Rockies
Monday, July 19, 2010
JOHN 8
Read 8:1-111. Why do you think the Pharisees took this woman to Jesus?
2. What do you observe about Jesus' attitude toward the woman caught in adultery? (Did He approve of what she had done? Then why didn't He condemn her?)
Note: Was it that He closed His eyes to her sin? (See John 3:16-18, 1 Peter 3:18.) Jesus paid dearly to be able to offer her the pardon she needed. He took the woman's place. (See 2 Corinthians 5:21.)
3. What stands out to you about Jesus' attitude toward the Pharisees? Note: He tried to help them see that they were no different than the woman. But their case was more difficult. She knew she had a problem; they didn't. (See Matthew 9:10-13, 21:28-32.)
Read John 8:12-20.
4. In 8:12, Jesus made another of His "I am" assertions. How do you understand His claim to being the "light of the world"?
5. If Jesus is the light of the world, what could this imply for you? (See Ephesians 5:8-15.)
Read John 8:21-38.
6. In John 8:24,28,58 we see more "I am" statements. To what was Jesus referring? I am what? He said that after His crucifixion people would know the answer to the question of His identity (8:28). What is the answer? (See Romans 5:8.)
7. a. What was the main reason for the conflict between Jesus and His
enemies (8:23)? b. Why do you think this is so hard to accept? Note: To admit that Jesus is God is to admit one's error and need for change. (See Luke 7:29-30.)
8. Jesus talks about truth and freedom (John 8:31-36).
a. What do you think He means by "truth"? What is a truth?
Note: Atruth is something tested and proven. Jesus said injohn 14:6, "I am the truth." Either this was the ultimate expression of egotism—or He was right!b. How can we determine whether He was right or wrong when He made this claim (8:31-32)?
Note: We must put Him to the test—on His terms.
c.Jesus offered a spiritual maxim on freedom: Committing sin results in slavery (8:34). What do you think this means?
Note: The person who says, "I am free to do whatever my inner voice suggests," soon finds himself enslaved to what he sought to be free to do. (See Mark 7:14-23.) It is impossible to do or be what we really desire to do or be.
d. Why do you suppose the Jews couldn't perceive their spiritual slavery (John 8:33)?
Note: People in spiritual slavery can't see it because the bondage itself blinds them. (See 9:39-41.)
e. What must happen before a person can be really free?
Note.- Submitting to Christ requires an unconditional surrender (Luke 14:25-33). We must fully submit before He can do anything for us. Example: The sick must submit to the surgeon so that he can do whatever is necessary to produce the cure.
Read John 8:39-59.
9. Why did Jesus say that the Jews who rejected Him weren't sons of God (8:42)? How did He support that assertion (8:37-47)?
10. Do you think it is possible to believe in God and not believe in Christ? Why? What are the characteristics of one who knows God and of one who doesn't?
11. What were the Pharisees thinking at this point about Jesus' identity (8:48)?
12. What was the basis of this judgment?
13. How did Jesus answer them (8:49-59)?
14. In summarizing this chapter, list the main reasons why it is of primary importance to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Monday, June 28, 2010
JOHN 7
The theme of this chapter is the controversy that continually went on over the question "Who is He?"
Read 7:1-52.
1. List the factors that contributed to the people's bafflement on this question, as indicated in the following verses: •John 7:14-15
• John 7:19-20
• John 7:25-27
• John 7:31
• John 7:40-44
• John 7:46-49
• John 7:52
2. To what extent did their confusion result from their preconceived notions about the Messiah? Where do you suppose these preconceptions originated?
Note: Ignorance of the Scriptures and/or failure to understand them (Luke 24:25-27); religious traditions (Mark 7:6-9).
3. Do you think people have similar misconceptions to deal with today before they can come to understand Jesus Christ? What are some of those misconceptions?
4. What clues do you find in this chapter that suggest Jesus was divine?
Note:
• John 7:15-16,46—His wisdom
• John 7:28-29—What He Himself claimed to be
• John 7:31—His signs
• John 7:33-34—His prediction of His resurrection
• John 7:37-39—His claims to give life to others
• John 7:41-42—The prophets
5. What impresses you about the offer Jesus makes in 7:37-39?
a. To whom did He make it?
b. What kind of thirst was He talking about? (See 4:13-14,6:35; Isaiah 55:1-3.)
c. Exactly what was He offering? (See John 14:25-26, Romans 8:9.)
d. How does one respond to this offer? (See Revelation 3:20.)
6. The guards were impressed with Christ's words. How did the authorities try to diminish this impression (John 7:48-49)?
7. What point was raised by Nicodemus, and how did the authorities react to it (7:50-52)?
8. What attitude would you say characterized the authorities? How does this attitude affect objective thinking? (See Psalm 10:4.)
9. What do you think about Nicodemus?
Read 7:1-52.
1. List the factors that contributed to the people's bafflement on this question, as indicated in the following verses: •John 7:14-15
• John 7:19-20
• John 7:25-27
• John 7:31
• John 7:40-44
• John 7:46-49
• John 7:52
2. To what extent did their confusion result from their preconceived notions about the Messiah? Where do you suppose these preconceptions originated?
Note: Ignorance of the Scriptures and/or failure to understand them (Luke 24:25-27); religious traditions (Mark 7:6-9).
3. Do you think people have similar misconceptions to deal with today before they can come to understand Jesus Christ? What are some of those misconceptions?
4. What clues do you find in this chapter that suggest Jesus was divine?
Note:
• John 7:15-16,46—His wisdom
• John 7:28-29—What He Himself claimed to be
• John 7:31—His signs
• John 7:33-34—His prediction of His resurrection
• John 7:37-39—His claims to give life to others
• John 7:41-42—The prophets
5. What impresses you about the offer Jesus makes in 7:37-39?
a. To whom did He make it?
b. What kind of thirst was He talking about? (See 4:13-14,6:35; Isaiah 55:1-3.)
c. Exactly what was He offering? (See John 14:25-26, Romans 8:9.)
d. How does one respond to this offer? (See Revelation 3:20.)
6. The guards were impressed with Christ's words. How did the authorities try to diminish this impression (John 7:48-49)?
7. What point was raised by Nicodemus, and how did the authorities react to it (7:50-52)?
8. What attitude would you say characterized the authorities? How does this attitude affect objective thinking? (See Psalm 10:4.)
9. What do you think about Nicodemus?
Monday, May 24, 2010
JOHN 6
Read 6:1-31.
1. What motivated the multitudes to follow Jesus (6:2,14-15,26-27)?
Note:
• Their physical needs (6:2)
• Politics (6.14-15)
• Material gain—free bread (6:26-27)
2. Do you think these same things motivate people to be religious today?
3- How did Jesus react to these people (6:26-29)?
4. What do you think it was that disqualified them from being real followers of Jesus?
Note: They refused to accept the significance of the signs. They were interested only in the utilitarian side, what Jesus could do for them.
5. What do you think Jesus was really trying to teach the crowd when He fed them (6:27)?
6. Jesus attached a second meaning to both that bread and the manna Moses gave the Israelites. How would you explain that second meaning? (See Isaiah 55:1-2.)
John 6:32-58.
7. What do you think Jesus was implying when He referred to Himself as "the bread of life" (John 6:35,51)?
Note:
• He is from above—the supernatural world (6:38,41,42).
• He gives life to the world (6:33).
• He satisfies our hunger and thirst (6:35).
• He is eternal (6:51,54).
8. How can a person get some of this "bread" (6:51-58)?
9. What do you think Jesus means by "eat my flesh and drink my blood"? Note: It is an individual act. A person must take Christ as the "staff of life." (See Galatians 2:20.) This chapter is not referring to Communion. With whom did Jesus break bread at the Lord's Supper? For what purpose? (See Luke 22:14-23.) The Lord's Supper was intended to provide a permanent remembrance of the hour of His death. Jesus told the multitude in John 6 that they had to eat and drink of Him for a very different reason. What was it?
10. Why is it impossible for Jesus to be merely a teacher or a philosopher and say what He says in 6:35-38?
Read 6:59-71
11. Why didn't Jesus try to smooth things over when He saw that His followers were offended by what He said (6:60-66)? (See also Matthew 15:8-9, Acts 28:26-27.)
Note: The people were only superficially accepting Jesus. He wanted all or nothing. He did those people a favor by sending them away. They had long been under the illusion that they were "followers of Christ." But Jesus' nonnegotiable terms are, "Give Me your whole self or forget it!"
If Christianity were something we were making up, of course we could make it easier. But it is not. We cannot compete, in simplicity, with people who are inventing religions. How could we? We are dealing with Fact. Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about.> —C.S. Lewis
12. When Jesus asked His twelve disciples why they didn't leave along with everyone else. Peter summed up their position (John 6:68-69). What was his answer?
13- What do you think he meant by that?
14. Have you learned anything new about being a follower of Jesus Christ through this Gospel?
1. What motivated the multitudes to follow Jesus (6:2,14-15,26-27)?
Note:
• Their physical needs (6:2)
• Politics (6.14-15)
• Material gain—free bread (6:26-27)
2. Do you think these same things motivate people to be religious today?
3- How did Jesus react to these people (6:26-29)?
4. What do you think it was that disqualified them from being real followers of Jesus?
Note: They refused to accept the significance of the signs. They were interested only in the utilitarian side, what Jesus could do for them.
5. What do you think Jesus was really trying to teach the crowd when He fed them (6:27)?
6. Jesus attached a second meaning to both that bread and the manna Moses gave the Israelites. How would you explain that second meaning? (See Isaiah 55:1-2.)
John 6:32-58.
7. What do you think Jesus was implying when He referred to Himself as "the bread of life" (John 6:35,51)?
Note:
• He is from above—the supernatural world (6:38,41,42).
• He gives life to the world (6:33).
• He satisfies our hunger and thirst (6:35).
• He is eternal (6:51,54).
8. How can a person get some of this "bread" (6:51-58)?
9. What do you think Jesus means by "eat my flesh and drink my blood"? Note: It is an individual act. A person must take Christ as the "staff of life." (See Galatians 2:20.) This chapter is not referring to Communion. With whom did Jesus break bread at the Lord's Supper? For what purpose? (See Luke 22:14-23.) The Lord's Supper was intended to provide a permanent remembrance of the hour of His death. Jesus told the multitude in John 6 that they had to eat and drink of Him for a very different reason. What was it?
10. Why is it impossible for Jesus to be merely a teacher or a philosopher and say what He says in 6:35-38?
Read 6:59-71
11. Why didn't Jesus try to smooth things over when He saw that His followers were offended by what He said (6:60-66)? (See also Matthew 15:8-9, Acts 28:26-27.)
Note: The people were only superficially accepting Jesus. He wanted all or nothing. He did those people a favor by sending them away. They had long been under the illusion that they were "followers of Christ." But Jesus' nonnegotiable terms are, "Give Me your whole self or forget it!"
If Christianity were something we were making up, of course we could make it easier. But it is not. We cannot compete, in simplicity, with people who are inventing religions. How could we? We are dealing with Fact. Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about.> —C.S. Lewis
12. When Jesus asked His twelve disciples why they didn't leave along with everyone else. Peter summed up their position (John 6:68-69). What was his answer?
13- What do you think he meant by that?
14. Have you learned anything new about being a follower of Jesus Christ through this Gospel?
Monday, May 10, 2010
STUDY #6—JOHN 5
John 5
Read 5:1-18.
The most ancient known documents do not include verse 4. This suggests that it may have been interpolated later to explain the phenomenon of the pool.
1. Why do you think Jesus chose that particular lame man out of the multitude of diseased people (5:7)? (See also Luke 19:10.)
2. Did the lame man demonstrate any faith? Why might this be significant?
3. Why do you suppose Jesus asked, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). Why wasn't that a stupid question?
4. Imagine being a paralyzed beggar waiting thirty-eight years for an improbable cure. Yet Jesus spoke of "something worse" (5:14). What could it be? (See Matthew 16:26.)
5. Is it possible to quit sinning? (See Romans 7:14-20.) Why didjesus tell him to stop? (See Romans 3:19-31,7:21-25.)
Note: Imagine how the man felt when he found himself sinning again after Jesus' warning. But he had to try to stop on his own to be convinced that he couldn't stop. It usually takes such a stubborn, independent attempt before we try God's way. The man had to realize that it was impossible for him not to sin unless he changed his very nature. He had to be born again (John 3:3).
6. Why didjesus deliberately violate the sacrificial laws (5:16-18)? (See also Matthew 12:1-14.)
Note: Centuries of tradition had obscured what the Old Testament actually taught regarding the Sabbath. Jesus was merely giving the Sabbath its proper interpretation. One of the characteristics of tradition is that it eventually becomes authoritative. (See Mark 7:6-9.)
7. What do you observe about Jesus from John 5:17-18?
Read 5:19-30.
8. What observations can you make about Jesus' relationship with His
Father (5:19-23)? (Compare 8:28,12:48-49,14:10.) In what sense was He dependent on His Father?
9. What do you see Jesus promising in 5:24? How does one receive these promises?
10. How would you reconcile 5:29 with the teaching that spiritual life comes through faith and not works? (See 6:28-29,15:5.)
Note: The life must come first, for it is the life that produces the works.
Read 5:31-47.
11. Jesus presented five witnesses who attested to His deity (5:31-39). Who or what were they?
Note:
• Jesus Himself
• His own works
• John the Baptist
• The Father
• The Scriptures
It is possible to isolate these witnesses, casting doubt on them individually. But when they are called to the stand together, although they do not prove the divinity of Christ with human proofs, they become irrefutable.
12. What obstacle to faith do you observe in 5:44? (See also 12:42-43.) How does this still hinder people?
Read 5:1-18.
The most ancient known documents do not include verse 4. This suggests that it may have been interpolated later to explain the phenomenon of the pool.
1. Why do you think Jesus chose that particular lame man out of the multitude of diseased people (5:7)? (See also Luke 19:10.)
2. Did the lame man demonstrate any faith? Why might this be significant?
3. Why do you suppose Jesus asked, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6). Why wasn't that a stupid question?
4. Imagine being a paralyzed beggar waiting thirty-eight years for an improbable cure. Yet Jesus spoke of "something worse" (5:14). What could it be? (See Matthew 16:26.)
5. Is it possible to quit sinning? (See Romans 7:14-20.) Why didjesus tell him to stop? (See Romans 3:19-31,7:21-25.)
Note: Imagine how the man felt when he found himself sinning again after Jesus' warning. But he had to try to stop on his own to be convinced that he couldn't stop. It usually takes such a stubborn, independent attempt before we try God's way. The man had to realize that it was impossible for him not to sin unless he changed his very nature. He had to be born again (John 3:3).
6. Why didjesus deliberately violate the sacrificial laws (5:16-18)? (See also Matthew 12:1-14.)
Note: Centuries of tradition had obscured what the Old Testament actually taught regarding the Sabbath. Jesus was merely giving the Sabbath its proper interpretation. One of the characteristics of tradition is that it eventually becomes authoritative. (See Mark 7:6-9.)
7. What do you observe about Jesus from John 5:17-18?
Read 5:19-30.
8. What observations can you make about Jesus' relationship with His
Father (5:19-23)? (Compare 8:28,12:48-49,14:10.) In what sense was He dependent on His Father?
9. What do you see Jesus promising in 5:24? How does one receive these promises?
10. How would you reconcile 5:29 with the teaching that spiritual life comes through faith and not works? (See 6:28-29,15:5.)
Note: The life must come first, for it is the life that produces the works.
Read 5:31-47.
11. Jesus presented five witnesses who attested to His deity (5:31-39). Who or what were they?
Note:
• Jesus Himself
• His own works
• John the Baptist
• The Father
• The Scriptures
It is possible to isolate these witnesses, casting doubt on them individually. But when they are called to the stand together, although they do not prove the divinity of Christ with human proofs, they become irrefutable.
12. What obstacle to faith do you observe in 5:44? (See also 12:42-43.) How does this still hinder people?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Speaking truthfully to one another
COL 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
EPH 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
ROM 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.
COL 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
EPH 4:25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
ROM 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.
COL 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
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