tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51221836949799714132011-09-01T22:14:23.219+10:00GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-37098617177913240162010-02-05T05:17:00.000+11:002010-02-05T05:18:52.431+11:00

Reaction to “Doing Business by the Good Book” by David L. StewardWritten by a self-made African-American entrepreneur, who obviously holds deep convictions about how his faith impacts his life in the business world, this book claims to provide “52 lessons on success straight from the Bible.” David Steward’s life is a “rags to riches” story. Born into a poor family on the wrong side of the tracks,

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-31110568018582415722010-01-30T03:06:00.000+11:002010-01-30T03:07:17.694+11:00

IntroductionThe core of the Jewish understanding about God is revealed in the shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deut 6:4-5) God is revealed as a being with integrity. The response demanded of us is one of integrity. This response is not limited to our religious worship

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-16525050957591667302009-11-06T11:20:00.004+11:002009-11-06T11:23:02.372+11:00

http://geofffolland.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/reflection-on-why-we-are-who-we-are-mission-and-the-people-of-god-by-dr-mark-young/“Why We Are Who We Are: Mission and the People of God” by Dr Mark YoungDr Young’s presentation was a succinct and biblical summary and development of the more thoughtful elements of the missional church conversation that has been occurring for several years . His central

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-66056605887258951242009-11-02T10:06:00.005+11:002009-11-02T10:12:53.293+11:00

http://geofffolland.wordpress.com/Inductive Bible Study: 2 Peter 3:3-131. Literary Context of Passage The passage under discussion begins about two thirds of the way through this short letter. Peter begins the letter positively with an affirmation that God has promised believers everything they need for a godly life and an exhortation to grow in effective and productive godliness. He then

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-86882855641629425662009-10-22T08:06:00.002+11:002009-10-22T08:10:57.933+11:00

There seems little point in debating the existence of a god who has no impact on the contemporary world or on us personally. This paper will argue for the existence of the God of Christian orthodoxy – a personal God who is described as both transcendently powerful over the material universe and immanent in his creation, the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists and capable of supernaturally

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-31310171976348717642009-10-21T03:50:00.001+11:002009-10-21T03:52:01.770+11:00

The 30-Day Leviticus ChallengeAugust 2008, Christianity Today published an article entitled “The 30 Day Leviticus Challenge”http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/august/13.30.htmlI was asked to write a one-page review of it for O.T. Hebrew class.The 30 Day Leviticus Challenge ReflectionStudying the book of Leviticus concentrates attention on two major confusions among Christians. Firstly, what

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-65694049678611175842009-08-24T05:03:00.011+10:002009-08-24T09:20:33.791+10:00

The "Jesus - All About Life" media campaign is about to launch in Sydney, and other regions in NSW. Adapted from Campus Crusade's "Power to Change" campaign (which ran in Canada, Ireland, etc.) the purpose of the campaign is to present a positive image of Jesus to the community and, hopefully, to enable the average, quiet Christian to be able to share their faith.A couple of comments I have are:1

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-34156721035356677212009-08-11T07:35:00.001+10:002009-08-12T22:51:29.826+10:00

I posted my Hebrew Exegesis paper on Genesis 12 here: http://geofffolland.wordpress.com/

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-81517933628644689312009-07-27T00:47:00.003+10:002009-07-27T00:51:25.732+10:00

For my "Foundations of Teaching & Learning" subject I had to read several books. This is a list of interesting quotes I found in each...Gardner, Howard. Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books, 1993. (250 pages)QuotesSeven intelligences listed: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, inter-personal, and intra-personal. [P.8-9]“The purpose of school should be

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-40140668950937652322009-07-08T13:31:00.002+10:002009-07-08T13:42:52.925+10:00

G'day,A few months before I left for seminary I splurged and bought a copy of logos software. It's a pretty full-on Bible study software package that you can customise to suit your needs. It was too resource demanding to fit on my old laptop, but it runs like a dream on my new one. And I tell you, it has saved my bacon during this Hebrew intensive class.Last week I had to write a word study on

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-55882125903485860202009-06-15T14:48:00.004+10:002009-06-15T15:30:48.633+10:00

Moving overseas to a new city and few ties has provided us with an amazing opportunity to find a church to call home for the next year. After being in country for three weeks (and visiting a few churches), Liz and I just started to have a conversation about what we are looking for. The list included some preferences and some non-negotiables. They were: a church that was contemporary style and had

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-36041946448433753022009-06-10T13:24:00.004+10:002009-06-10T14:41:31.466+10:00

Whereas the Australian summer was characterised by fires, floods and earthquakes, the past two weeks here have been characterised by cold snaps, hail storms and tornadoes.We have continued to settle in well. Philip has built a good friendship with Hayden. In fact, last night he joined a "coach pitch" baseball team with Hayden. This is a version of baseball where the coach pitches the ball to the

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-3622406336698749262009-06-01T22:47:00.002+10:002009-06-01T23:26:54.001+10:00

A few weeks ago the "group sex" incident involving Matthew Johns was headline news. That was only the peak of a much larger story that had been brewing for a while, and continues to bubble along. I saw a headline on the weekend that one woman in Melbourne claims to have slept with between 150 and 200 AFL players.The discussion seems to have formed into two arguments. The first is that Rugby

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-75099504869061725672009-05-29T10:21:00.010+10:002009-06-01T12:00:56.693+10:00

It's now been a week since we left Sydney. Last night was the first time we have had a whole night's sleep. Liz and I were over jetlag in two days, but Philip and Katrise struggled with the changes. Philip cried for two hours each of our first two nights in our apartment. But that is getting ahead of the story.We spent our first weekend in a hotel suite while we sorted out renting the apartment

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-9778108783545778282009-05-24T00:17:00.008+10:002009-05-27T22:22:56.533+10:00

I thought I might write a blog about our trip to the US. It's purpose is more for sharing with those who might be interested in what we are up to than any great insight.Obviously, it's not the first time we've made the trip. In fact, during the 34+ hours of travel, we worked out that this is Philip's 5th trip to the US. He came once when we first adopted him, to meet Liz's dad. Then we had a trip

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-20093695448519760572009-04-09T13:51:00.002+10:002009-04-09T13:56:54.301+10:00

As I was cleaning out my office (in preparation for our move) I found an old pamphlet I'd compiled to give to potential ministry partners in 2004 - five years after taking on the team leader role at Macquarie. Although some of the people have now moved on, I thought I would post it here rather than just trash it. I had to collect more references this week to apply for a scholarship at Denver

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-30851167461513862812009-03-13T15:36:00.002+11:002009-03-13T16:09:48.898+11:00

There is a lot of information to process when it comes to what Liz and I are doing over the next 14 months and so, although I have sought to communicate it regularly and in various ways, it seems we keep being asked the same questions over and over again. That's ok. Here are my definitive answers to those regular questions: 1) Where are you going?Liz and I are moving our family to Littleton,

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-72065148676975213302009-03-11T14:35:00.001+11:002009-03-11T14:39:57.757+11:00

Wednesday 11th March 2009G’day,In July 1999 Liz and I returned from a year in the US to face a ministry where we were the only Student Life missionaries in Sydney. Almost ten years later, there is a ministry with three teams operating on four major universities, with some smaller student-led ministries happening as well. Our roles have changed from focussing mostly on direct one-to-one ministry

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-64842876282652314562009-02-26T13:07:00.003+11:002009-02-26T13:17:46.554+11:00

Tim Keller is recognised as a leading thinker in this area. His work is worth thinking about. I found this article at: http://www.e-n.org.uk/p-1869-A-biblical-theology-of-the-city.htm. I have posted it here so I can find it again easily :)A biblical theology of the city As more and more people become city-dwellers it is imperative that the church understands how to reach out to the expanding

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-8376186888373209142009-02-12T07:48:00.002+11:002009-02-12T07:53:06.090+11:00

I recently received this in an email from Randy Newman - author of "Questioning Evangelism" and fellow CCC worker:Dear Thoughtful Christians,A recent book entitled "I Once Was Lost" may offer some helpful insight about evangelism in our day and age. Written by two Intervarsity staff members, this work reflects the fruit of years of outreach to an ever-changing audience. The basis for their

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-34831095289082647142008-12-23T14:27:00.002+11:002008-12-23T14:29:42.629+11:00

A friend asked me these questions. This was my quick response... better answers would have been achieved in dialogue!What characterises Gen Y? This generation expects everything instantly – email, photos, results. RSVP’s are outmoded because people don’t commit until the very last second. Information is not a scarce commodity or hard to come by. They are overwhelmed with information. The biggest

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-41224766872463110502008-12-17T13:01:00.002+11:002008-12-17T13:04:02.927+11:00

The greatest challenge that faith faces in Australia today is that the dominant metanarrative guiding people's every decision is so pervasively secular that spiritual issues are not seen as being true or false, real or fake, but simply irrelevant.

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-52514599633339159012008-12-09T09:03:00.002+11:002008-12-09T09:35:54.785+11:00

Give Away 10% of Government's Christmas Bonus to CharityOver these next two weeks the Australian Federal Government will be giving $1,000 per child to parents on low income, and $1,400 to single and $2,100 to couples with a senior card. These government handouts (costing a total of $10 billion) were totally unexpected a couple of months ago.The message from the government is that this short term

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-2804234178217649992008-12-01T08:28:00.003+11:002008-12-01T08:47:32.516+11:00

I sat down this morning to write out my "to do" list for the day. Most of us feel the craziness of the weeks leading up to Christmas. I am no different.In his book, "How To Get Things Done", David Allen talks about some basic principles:1) If it can be done in less than 2 minutes, do it straight away;2) If it will take more than two minutes: a) schedule it for a particular time; or

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-31623587895280701192008-11-25T20:00:00.002+11:002008-11-25T20:03:23.540+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-17136748140337880932008-11-25T19:59:00.002+11:002008-11-25T20:00:43.452+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-72563399495488079232008-11-25T19:57:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:59:06.288+11:00

Geoffrey FletcherAfter war service as a flying instructor in the R.A.A.F. Geoffrey Fletcher was ordained, served in several parishes, and was for ten years the Secretary of the Church Missionary Society.He set up the Department of Evangelism of the Anglican Church in Sydney and launched Life Ministries in Australia (now called Campus Crusade for Christ Australia) through a Church-based lay

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-53421930310459737732008-11-25T19:56:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:57:39.041+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-81035729078396285352008-11-25T19:54:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:55:53.246+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-42010695923157607502008-11-25T19:53:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:54:37.047+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-58981793322510215172008-11-25T19:50:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:52:11.701+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-25216607482309482552008-11-25T19:47:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:50:18.144+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-61172107756564787712008-11-25T19:45:00.002+11:002008-11-25T19:47:38.816+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-36418661340311080462008-11-25T19:44:00.000+11:002008-11-25T19:45:42.553+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-52194503906500224312008-11-25T19:42:00.001+11:002008-11-25T19:43:56.808+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-77486837856935287312008-11-25T19:40:00.000+11:002008-11-25T19:42:12.055+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-29656976989189437022008-11-25T19:37:00.002+11:002008-11-25T19:40:06.581+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-9676859370833804502008-11-25T19:29:00.003+11:002008-11-25T19:36:56.988+11:00

As I entered full-time ministry in 1995 I read a book compiled by Dr Bill Bright entitled, "The Greatest Lesson I Ever Learned". It was a collection of stories from Christian leaders. It inspired me to ask various Christian leaders in Australia that I knew (or, mostly, knew of) for their story. These have been sitting in my computer for 10 years waiting for publication, but I didn't collect

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-4758625093126606162008-11-12T09:12:00.002+11:002008-11-12T09:19:20.687+11:00

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, 'The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'" And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.When it was evening

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-56362652688449527152008-10-27T14:24:00.005+11:002008-10-27T14:38:22.188+11:00

Write a paper of analysis of and response to McLaren, GO, and Carson, BCEC.Thoughtfully read the following pages in each book: McLaren, GO, pp.70-101, and 150 pages of your choice from pp.105-297; Carson, BCEC, pp.45-182, and 188-234.Your paper should include the following three parts:Describe – do not evaluate – the basic arguments and the most compelling major points of

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-74802912968535827922008-10-15T06:43:00.003+11:002008-10-15T06:54:30.323+11:00

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-2370930570755836732008-09-28T12:16:00.003+10:002008-10-15T06:57:04.690+11:00

This website has some very interesting and useful book summaries. There is a mixture of recent and classic, well-known authors and anonymous, familiar titles and ones that you are unlikely to have heard of.And they are all free...http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/past.php

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-40595127278048492222008-09-27T07:35:00.002+10:002008-10-15T06:56:05.215+11:00

When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive?

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-65756610454468317762008-09-22T09:51:00.003+10:002008-10-08T06:26:11.477+11:00

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go

GeoffFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09512321847659243661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5122183694979971413.post-33987065151628295022008-09-17T09:48:00.003+10:002008-10-06T10:10:54.053+11:00

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?And which of you by being anxious can

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Part Two:"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”Matthew 5:6 (ESV)"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied."Luke 6:21 (ESV)While teaching the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to hunger. This is not a physical hunger, but a strong desire for righteousness that is best described by the gnawing ache we have

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Hungry in the DesertThese thoughts have been provoked by a sermon I heard recently, which linked in with some reading I have done over the past few years in the areas of church history and spiritual disciplines. As I write I become keenly aware of how impossible it is to perfectly communicate truth. Only Scripture is able to do that. I have errors in my understanding of the material and failures

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Last Monday Mark Driscoll spoke at a Ministry Training event for young leaders. I was hoping to go, but it was the day before my Greek exam. But I am pleased to see that at least one of his sessions has been published at the link below:http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/insight/driscoll_18_obstacles_to_effective_evangelism/As I read his comments I had a few thoughts:1) I am old! Not in the "near

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Healed and ServingThis is an interesting verse in the Gk because there are three actions being described. The first is that Jesus came to her. The second is that he took her hand. The third is that he raised her up. Apparently the Gks did not like to use more than one main verb in a sentence, so two of the verbs are written as participles (i.e. "having done this...")προσελθων (2nd Aorist, Active,

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The Feverish Mother-in-LawMark's point in adding this change of scenery is to record another example of Jesus demonstrating his authority, in the healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law. That is the primary purpose of including this verse.However, there are two details that provide additional insight into the historical situation in which Jesus was doing ministry that are provided by this

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A Change of SceneAs mentioned earlier, the word "immediately" is characteristic of Mark's writing and can generally be ignored. Here it serves to note for us that this next event occured on the same day at the synagogue preaching and healing. It seems Mark is giving us a description of a typical day of ministry for Jesus, especially at this early phase of his ministry.Edwards wrote:"Mark presents

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Paul's Practical Tips on EvangelismIntroduction:I grew up in a church that taught that we should seek to share our faith with others. I remember my initial feeble attempts to share while I was in high school. Most strongly, though, I remember two defining moments during my time at uni that have shaped me from then on.The first was in my first year of uni. I developed a friendship with John,

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Have you noticed?He was there at the beginning/He will be there at the endHe is one/Three personsPerfectly perfect/Wholly lovingI chose Him/He chose meNever makes a mistake/He made meWrote the book/Spoke the wordsAngry at sin/Died for sinnersBeyond comprehension/Effectively revealedBeyond words/Beyond natureMade the Law/Forgave the transgressorTranscendent/ImmanentAwesomely glorious/Humble

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The Spreading Fame of JesusMark concludes the episode with a statement of the outcome. Jesus becomes "famous".The popularity of Jesus is a major context issue when reflecting on his ministry. It affected his actions. It determined how he did ministry. The oft-raised, but largely discredited, theme of the "Messianic secret" in Mark's gospel relies on Jesus' popularity with the masses.Jesus lived

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Amazed in the SynagogueThe major point to note in this verse is what provokes the reaction of those in the Capernaum synagogue. Why were they were amazed!The crowd in the synagogue were surprised at what Jesus said and did. He spoke a new teaching... not like their scribes. And he had command over evil spirits... not like their exorcists.The emphasis is on Jesus' revealed authority. His authority

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The Battle WonJesus' commands were simple: be silent and come out.But the unclean spirit reacts violently.He cries out with a loud voice, but no words are recorded.He causes the man to spasm, to convulse before coming out.What is the significance of these two responses from the unclean spirit? Why, if Jesus has such authority, does not the spirit leave meekly and immediately?The account, as Mark

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Jesus' RebukeI have not had a direct experience of demon possession. I have never seen anyone possessed by a spirit, nor have I seen an exorcism. But Mark records for one episode, which is supposed to provide a glimpse into the nature of Jesus' whole ministry. And exorcism was common a enough element of Jesus' ministry for Mark to include it in his summary statement in Mar_1:34.The words that the

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The Unclean Spirit's ChallengeThe unclean spirit uses the man's mouth, etc. to formulate speech which could be heard. And he expresses himself, firstly, using an idiomatic phrase (that comes from the Hebrew) - a phrase that in the Gk reads "τι ημιν και σοι", literally "what [is it] to us and you?" The question clearly expects a negative answer... we have nothing in common.The use of the plural is

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A Man with an Unclean SpiritJesus is teaching in the synagogue. The people were amazed at his authority, but ignorant of his true identity. Now Mark introduces another character who will emphasise both Jesus' authority and identity.Mark uses his usual construct of "immediately", which has the effect of strengthening the contrast between the people and the man with the unclean spirit.The term "

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Teaching in Capernaum's SynagogueThe focus of this account is not on the content of Jesus' teaching but on the character of his teaching and the people's reaction to it. Jesus taught in their synagogue and, whatever he said, they were amazed. Why? Because he spoke as an authority. And why was that amazing? Because their scribes did not. The emphasis is on contrast: the contrast between what they

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Teaching in Capernaum's SynagogueCapernaum was a city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, which had a large harbour to support its fishing industry. It benefited from being on a major trade route between the Mediterranean coastal plain and Damascus in the north. It was reasonably prosperous. Its population was mostly Jewish, but there was a small garrison of Roman soldiers. The relations between

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Jesus Calls James and John Part 2The description of James and John provides some clues about them.Firstly, they are working in the family business with their father. This should not be thought of as unusual in 1st C Palestine - it would be normal. But it appears their father is still working, and that would suggest that James and John are still fairly young. (Traditionally, John is understood as

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Jesus Calls James and JohnMark follows the report of the calling of Simon and Andrew with a very similar report of the calling of James and John. The effect of this repetition, with such slight variation, is to emphasise the key points by saying them twice. What are the key similarities?The similarities are:+ Jesus walking by the sea+ Jesus seeing the men working (as fishermen)+ Jesus calling

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The ResponseIt is easy to skip over the response of James and John. Mark covers it in 8 Gk words - translated into 8-10 English words.This verse reflects two key characteristics of Mark's writing: his brevity and his use of the word ευθεως ("immediately" or "at once").But don't miss the significance. If the call was centred on Jesus, it involved him changing them and it was a call to mission, the

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The Call to FollowAs mentioned earlier, this was not these men's first encounter with Jesus. They were familiar with him and the role he was assuming - even if they didn't understand God's purposes for Jesus and themselves.1) The focus of the call is upon the person of Jesus. Jesus says "Come after me" and "I will do this". The focus of attention is on the person being followed and the person who

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Jesus Calls His First DisciplesThis account begins Jesus interaction with other human beings. So far he has come from Nazareth to be baptised in the Jordan, been sent into the wilderness and returned to Galilee to preach.We know from John's gospel that this is not Jesus' first interaction with these disciples. They were invited to "come and see" at the beginning of John's gospel. Jesus was

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A Summary of the Launch of Jesus' Public MinistryWe continue with Mark's summary of Jesus' ministry by now examining the content of his message.Jesus was saying three things:1) "The time is fulfilled"2) "The kingdom of God is at hand"3) "Repent and believe in the gospel"What do these mean?1) "The time is fulfilled"As mentioned several times in the opening verses of this gospel, Mark clearly

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A Summary of the Launch of Jesus' Public MinistryThere is an implied break in the timeline between the end of v.13 and the beginning of v.14. The preparation for ministry was completed with the conclusion of the 40 days in the wilderness. John's gospel records a Judean ministry that probably fits here. But Mark skips straight to when Jesus launches his public ministry, which is sparked by the

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The Populated Wilderness - Satan, Wild Beasts and AngelsThe wilderness was a place devoid of people, uninhabitable, but this verse highlights three other occupants that affected Jesus' time.The temptations of Satan are not detailed here. But the point is clear: Jesus - devoid of any companionship, encouragement or accountability - is asked to face his primary adversary, Satan. Jesus is alone,

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The Spirit drove Jesus into the WildernessThis account features key characteristics of Mark's writing - brevity, and the use of "immediately".The dramatic commissioning for ministry did not provide Jesus with a moment's rest. He is sent on his first assignment - to the wilderness.The word "εκβαλλει" that is translated "he/she/it drove him out" is the same word used when Jesus "cast out" demons.

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A Voice from HeavenThe three members of the Trinity are present and active at this momentous occasion - the commissioning of Jesus. The first sign at Jesus' baptism was the rending of the heavens. Then the descent of the Spirit. The third sign is the voice from the Father in heaven.The Preacher Commentary identifies three parts to the Father's words to Jesus: "I claim you. I love you. I am proud

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The Descent of the SpiritThe activity, the baptism, continues with this verse. Jesus has just submitted to John's baptism and been identified with his community, those who are longing for the coming of the kingdom and the Messiah.Mark writes, "as he came up out of the water". There is an interesting juxtaposition within the verse between "αναβαινων" and "καταβαινον" at the end. As they were

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Jesus Came & Joined JohnFollowing the impressive build up of the first eight verses, we come to the statement "In those days". John had been performing his ministry for a little while (some say around six months, but I have no evidence on which to base a judgment of that) when Jesus comes to him.This is the only verse in Mark's gospel that mentions Nazareth as Jesus' hometown (although Mar_6:1

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Comparison between the Baptist and the Messiah, part 2.John's ministry is summed up as being preaching and baptising. John does not mention the coming Messiah's preaching ministry, but he does contrast his own ministry of baptism with the coming one.John's baptism was a water baptism of repentance for (or into) the forgiveness of sin.The Messiah's is a spiritual baptism - "in the Holy Spirit".

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Contrast between the Baptist and the MessiahMark's record of John the Baptist's ministry is brief and focuses on one aspect - his anticipation of the coming Messiah.John is hugely popular, and Jesus describes him as the mightiest born among women, but in comparison to the Messiah, he is unworthy to perform even the most menial duty (one usually reserved for a Gentile slave).John's message

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John, the last great OT ProphetJohn was the last of the prophets under the old covenant, and he presents himself as such. There had been over 400 years of silence from God since he sent the last true prophet (Malachi). Then John bursts on the scene.John's message had been to call God's people back to a faithful relationship with him. Included in that message was a rejection of the formal religion

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Popular and PurposefulMark continues to set the scene for us. The beginning of the gospel recounts the promises God made in the OT. It follows with the arrival of John the Baptist, and his ministry of proclamation and baptism. It continues with the account of its impact: huge!The first sentence indicates very succinctly that John the Baptist was hugely popular. Although there is probably some

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John Came"John came" is the opening line of this verse. Immediately following the OT quotation he bursts on the scene with dramatic purpose.This verse clearly links the ministry of John the Baptist with the promised activity in Isaiah and Malachi. It is a bare bones description that focussed on the core elements and ignored the complex and complementary activities described by the other gospel

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Prepare the WayThe major theme of Mar_1:2-3 has got to be identified as "PREPARE THE WAY".In other words, you cannot understand John the Baptist's ministry unless you understand how and why he was preparing the way for the coming of Jesus.Jesus was the powerful soveriegn YHWH arriving to estasblish the kingdom of God on earth. He deserves to be properly received. And so John the Baptist came to

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The Old in the NewThis is the only time Mark quotes the OT in his gospel, aside from when Jesus quotes it. This makes sense, given that he was writing for predominantly Gentile believers in Rome.This quote fits with the culture he was writing to. A herald would have been a normal expectation for an arriving dignitary - and still is today. By ascribing John the Baptist the role of herald, Mark is

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What follows are a series of reflections from my Quiet Times on Mark's gospel. They have been largely unedited, and I recognise they now contain some errors, but I want to preserve them as a record of my thinking at one point...Eight Words Of VictoryThese 8 Gk words start the account of a whole new phase of history. Before this was B.C., now it is A.D.Only four books in the Bible begin with the

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Recently I was asked what positive contribution theology made to ministry. Of course, there must be some sympathy with the question. Theology can often seem dense and confusing. It feels like it takes understanding the Christian faith beyond the grasp of the average person. It seems to reside in a world of dispute and academia.And evidence seems to support the criticism. Studies have shown that

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It appears that, over the past 10 to 20 years, leadership has become the one big thing that has attracted so much attention in evangelical circles. Why is that? Is it a good thing, a bad thing or neutral?Leadership FocusA quick search of Amazon.com or Christianbook.com reveal dozens and dozens of books written on the subject of leadership. There are even books being written about the books

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I was recently asked by a soon-to-be team leader for advice on how to lead a team.My first rule is: keep your team happy.Why is this the most important rule? Without a happy team you wont be able to do good ministry. If the team is in conflict - with each other or with you - they wont be able to put good energy into their ministry to students. Also, students they meet may end up loyal to the team

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