Ethereal Jesus

Hi Guys,

The holidays are over, so I thought I'd start posting again. I've just finished reading ReJesus the new book from Hirsch and Frost, fabulous book really insightful, and as usual when I got to the end of it I could hardly articulate in my mind one thing that stood out to me in the book, some times I think I read too fast and don't digest enough.

So I resolved this time to re-read the book and underline and note my thoughts and reflections, and I thought it might also be helpful to post some of them here too.

The first chapter of the book is titled 'How Jesus changes everything' and it explores how vital having a true understanding of who Jesus was/is is to our lives as disciples and followers. The authors, make a very valid point that over a period of time the Church has over emphasised the divinity of Jesus resulting in an otherwordly, ethereal Jesus who we can worship but can't follow, which is ironic because Jesus in the Gospels calls the Disciples to follow him on a number of occasions but never demands their worship.

In reflecting on this point it occured to me that this kind of Jesus is quite convenient for many of us middle class christians because on the one hand we can write lovely songs about our love and devotion (queue the Hillsong CD) for this Jesus, and get all the good feelings we like and on the other minimise the call to follow him because well he's God and he's not really human like us.

Thinking about this has made me realise how I still have a long way to go when it comes to identifying with the real Jesus as the writers of the Gospels describe him. The authors suggest that we need to be studying and reading and dwelling on the Gospels and seeking to be captivate by the flesh and blood Jesus found there.

Cheers,

Nigel

Hi all, 

I'm really looking forward to seeing you all this weekend. Have felt challenged to do more writing and reflecting in general and I guess this blog site is as good a place as any to write on and you can all ignore it or comment if you like.

 The importance of writing, speaking, reflecting etc. has come as I read Brian McLaren's book 'Everything Must Change'. He talks about how we need a whole new framing story- I guess that is like a world view, because we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light and so we should no longer view things in the same way, with the same values and assumptions. As Christian it's easy to insert believing in Jesus and accepting personal salvation into our western, consumerist, busy lifestyle and our individualistic mindset. But McLaren argues that we need a whole new way of seeing and new habits of thinking along with transformed ways of living. But we need courage to believe against and beyond the dominant system of our day. A system that is animated by greed, power, self interest, fear, domination and violence. To oppose this system we need to undermine its power by refusing to believe in its assumptions and live out a new framing story a new way of seeing, believing and living that is empowered by love, reconciliation, liberation, hope and faith. So the battle begins in our minds and hearts. We need to tell different stories and play different songs. We move to the beat of different drum. So the work of the Kingdom begins with imagining  a new future and helping each other see God the Father and his Kingdom the way Jesus teaches us to see. We need to 'be transformed by the renewal of our minds'. Therefore, writing, and speaking and story telling and sharing are not just words but good deeds.  Rom 8:6 'The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace'. May our words and our fellowship be controlled by the Sprit of Christ so that we spread  life and peace around.

Rachael

Family/Children's time at retreat

Bec and I have been working and come up with some stuff to do over the retreat. We will be looking at Lamenting in the context of Easter. Are you Intrieged (probably more about my spelling than anything else).


We will be bringing some quiet time activities for children to use such as puzzles books colouring sort of stuff. Could each family bring their own outdoor and or sporting equiptment that they might like to bring.

Looking forward to catching up with you all and retreating.
Blessings Katrina

Hi everyone,

I hope this gets through to everyone ok!

Scott and I have been planning the input for quite some time and as the time gets nearer want to share with you what we have been working on. In light of the Missional Collective, our aims/objectives/daily practices etc, we thought that it would be appropriate to spend time looking at the Beatitudes but also the book of James as there are significant similarities.

In preparation for the retreat in around four weeks time, if possible, it would be helpful if everyone was able to read the book of James and also the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). Scott will be in touch in a little while with a few questions/things to ponder to help us in our discussions/reflections. Several of the couples seem to have the book "Plan B" by Dave Andrews which focuses on the Beatitudes. It is a fairly small book and readable in a limited time frame. From what I gather, the Schirmer's, Litchfields (S&R) and Tretheways all have a copy. If others who have not had a chance to read it to date could do so before the retreat this may be a valuable thing to do.

In some ways it may seem like a lot of "homework", but hopefully it will be seen in the light of background information that would help to form/shape our time together rather than having to spend hours reading while together.

At this stage, if we were to adopt a similar program to last time, we have thought it would be a helpful thing after arrival and afternoon tea, to spend time sharing as a group what has been happening in our lives since we met and spend time praying for one another. Then, we would have an introduction time of an overview of James etc. In the evening after the kids have gone to bed, we would perhaps have a deeper discussion based on the readings. Then, in the morning, either before or after our "acts of service", we would continue on.

Who is responsible for putting the overall program together this time? Last time Katrina and Bec kept things ticking along. Therefore, does this mean it is Scott and my turn seeing as we have the main input spot or shall we leave it fairly flexible?

We are not sure who is included in this email and wonder whether it may be possible for members to be pass this on to others who are considering joining us over the weekend too.

Take care,

Adam and Scott