II Right Assurance: Han Solo Reflecting on the Hand of a Living God

LORD's Supper Day Two: Right Assurance

Captains Log
Written through the Eyes of Han Solo:

Chewie and I were doing a routine flight through the Dogoba System. Chewie, dumb Wookie, accidentally hit the light speed button. I yelled some unprintable words at Chewie. The fear was that we would be burnt to a crisp, as the ship continued to exceed in speed. We seemed to be crashing through the fabric of reality. We felt doom. When, suddenly, we fell into a place of fragile existence,

God's hand gently caught us,

we wavered in midair.

35-48 AD: A NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN AD AGAINST SAUL OF TAURUS

The Apostle Paul the Early Years
A NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN AD AGAINST SAUL OF TAURUS endorsed by the EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
"Borderline Psycho Path Rampaging Zealot..."
That's what friends of the Early Church are saying about Saul of Taurus. And some of our brothers want to speak to him?
Last weekend, Saul of Taurus, agreed to attack Christians, so that he could maintain the purity of the Jewish Faith. He has always stated, "The New should Go, so the Old can Stay."

The fact is: He was there... He was there the record shows that He was there when our brother Steven was stoned to death.
Something just does not add up?
Cat out of the bag Mr Saul of Taurus.
Why would we even make an attempt to talk to him after all his Zealous activities? Barnabas, Peter, Ananias, and James the Just must have fallen on their heads to suggest we continue to talk to Paul. We the brethren of the early christian Church just do not see why we are thinking about discussing our future with Mr. Saul of Taurus. We have worked tirelessly to protect our fellows in these fragile early days.
"Borderline psychopath..."

"Doesn't add up...."

"Cat out of the bag"

"He was there ... the record shows... "

Does Saul of Taurus sound like someone you want to discuss a future with?
We don't care that he has changed?
There must be a mighty wind to change a man Mr. Saul of Taurus ....
or is that Paul... same person different names.... what is he attempting to cover up....
what type of change?
Simple Truth of Antioch states, "Stoner, stoner, stoner, stoner, No Way, stoner, stoner, stoner."

Going Deeper:
Deuteronomy 27:26 21:23
Acts 22:3
I Cor. 15:9
Gal 1:14
Philipians 1:21 3:6 3:12
Romans 10:4

Resources:
Bruce F.F. New Testament History. Garden City, York: Anchor Books, 1972. (234-246)

30 AD: Ieus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorun: King of the Jews

What does it mean to be a religion where our God has been humiliated?

What is the cross?

Why does it matter to us today?

Why does the Cross need to remain pure?

Why won't deodorant take away the odoriferous smell off the cross?

Cicero warned, "Let the very name of the cross be far, not only from the body of a Roman citizen, but even from his thoughts, his eyes, his ears."

This weekend someone stole our two Church signs. These were signs were very important to the community of Redeemer Presbyterian Lakeland. They represented the desire of our community to reach out to those who may need some fellowship. The signs were put up in Love by our church. Our group loves the 863; and we do not make any type of indictment on the 863.

We don't believe in forcing our message down the guts of non believers. We do not try to market God to unbelievers. We believe our role is to witness to the Glory of God. We see this as telling others what Christ has meant for us.

But the Cross does smell! Humanity us humans, are responsible in the death of our Messiah and our God in flesh.

So why would someone steal our signs? How do we explain the anger towards the concept of Church?

How do we combat the human evil the human church has been part of for ever?

How do we show love when Christianity is an Exclusive Truth in a time of Relative Truths?

These are questions our Church and other Churches are working to answer. In the mean time we desire to bring our yearnings of peace and love, and our desire to dialogue in truth with others.

Shelley Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language Waco, Texas: Word Book Publishers, 1982.

100 AD Philly Fanatic Scares St. Andrew

Today we are a nation of cry babies fearing a threat to our bratty ways, our favorite sons status, our slavish hearts. We call ourselves Christians but do not actively campaign against the powers that may be a threat to our religion and our liberty. We spend spend spend even if it jeopardizes our current status. We have become a soft nation.

Lets look at Church History, around 100 AD -500 AD: A disorganized horde came together in unity and order through their love of Jesus Christ. Roman power stood against these Christians. Romans in power feared that the Caesar would no longer be considered God. They feared that their place of empire would not continue. (Republican/Democratic Parties?) They feared that the senate would be no longer be needed. (Capitol Hill may not have the answers?) Strong believers of the faith including St. Andrew the apostle fought the battle against this real threat to their faith. (We are to take the example). Andrew did not waiver and did not fear death onto the cross.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs records Andrew as saying:

"O cross, most welcome and long looked for! with a willing mind joyfully and desirously I come to thee: because I have always been thy lover and have coveted to embrace."

The first believers were enraptured with the beauty of our LORD Jesus Christ. They were willing to witness to the Gospel, even if this meant certain death. Today we look for an excuse to be quite, to not offend, to run away. Today we are a nation of hypocrites who fear everything. We even fear the adorable Philly Fanatic. I ask us to roll our sleeves up and walk the line and work with dignity towards being responsible adults.

950-1350 AD: Our Lady's Juggler

Our Lady's Juggler: Anatole France

The story, Our Lady's Juggler, tells the story of a juggler turned monk who has no gift to offer a statue of the Virgin Mary except for his ability to juggle well. Anatole France chronicled this old medieval legend in 1892. The story shows that one honors God by performing our true calling well.
I am a Deli Clerk. I love the challenge of meeting customers needs. God blesses me in serving others. Like Barnaby (in the story) I struggle to make a living. Like Barnaby I attempt to live an upright life full of hope. The story is true to the protestant work ethic in that one does not need to be called to a "high" position to please God. God is pleased when we are strong and cheerful with our work. Read it for yourself: Our Lady's Juggler .