tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98734332012-02-16T15:07:32.933-06:00Fallen Scalesa collection of writings, thoughts, and other things...michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.comBlogger1591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-47422924376497503482011-10-13T21:10:00.002-05:002011-10-13T21:12:08.882-05:00Love Talk Part 1
She took a final drag on the Chesterfield and asked with all sincerity, ”So why so much hatred and rage in the name of Christ?”
I thought a moment and jumped off the precipice. "I've often wondered the same thing. The question could be stated like this: "If the Christian God- specifically Jesus- is who Christians profess him to be then why do they act in such horrific and ungodly ways?""There michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-9174401247668253642011-10-12T21:23:00.000-05:002011-10-13T21:23:52.798-05:00Love Talk Part 2
"You know, if you read Matthew's Gospel, Jesus reserves his harshest criticism and condemnation for the 'religious people', the rulers of the religious establishment. Speaking of the Pharisee's, Scribes, and religious leaders of the Jewish people he publicly said these words:'Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So youmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-39688862032998004522011-10-03T21:00:00.000-05:002011-10-03T22:45:36.889-05:00Becoming Like Christ 1.0
As fallen people we have hope.
Our hope of becoming like Jesus and less like our imperfect selves is solely made possible by love. God has loved us to such a great extent! In love He sent His Son to die in our place, paying the price for our rebellion. The Father raised the Son from the dead forever conquering sin and its grip on our hearts. The Gospel- God’s kindness towards in Christ- is our michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-32128210323772907532011-10-03T20:50:00.000-05:002011-10-03T22:45:19.767-05:00Becoming Like Christ 2.0
Corrupted people can only be transformed by God’s Spirit.
I love how
Dallas Willard sums up our underlying issue: “the greatest need you and I
have– the greatest need of collective humanity– is renovation of our
heart.” This reality should instill humility, as the one becoming like
Christ is ever mindful of just how desperately we need Jesus. A posture
of humility should also pervade themichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-41418046067107425292011-10-03T14:55:00.000-05:002011-10-04T14:59:02.054-05:00Beoming Like Christ 3.0
Spiritual formation begins, progresses, and continues in love.
The restoring and perfecting of a broken humanity is accomplished within a Trinitarian reality: the Father purposes salvation, the Son accomplishes it, and the Spirit makes it efficacious. For those who believe, the Trinitarian work of salvation continues in sanctification– our becoming like Christ– so that we can humanity. This michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-79512361192725735642011-10-02T14:57:00.000-05:002011-10-04T14:59:12.971-05:00Becoming Like Christ 4.0
God’s revealed Word fuels spiritual Formation.
One essential distinctive of an evangelical approach to spiritual formation is a high view of scripture. Scripture is a vital presupposition for spiritual formation. Postmodernism undermines and rails against classical truth theory, equating various truths relative to any given individual or culture with the objective truth grounded in the michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-12244347854801486582011-10-01T14:58:00.000-05:002011-10-04T14:59:23.829-05:00Becoming Like Christ 5.0
Community is vital to true spiritual formation and mission.
Jesus chose to gather a small group of men. He knew their growth would occur in his presence as they lived day-to-day together in the Jerusalem and surrounding regions. Like the first disciples, our learning to become like Jesus also occurs in community. Our becoming like Christ is best worked out in marriage, parenting, work michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-48465849133505628132011-08-04T18:27:00.000-05:002011-08-04T18:27:15.759-05:00Theives Like UsWe took what was not our own
We lived comfortably in homes built by the hands of others
We dined at a strangers table and sipped wine from grapes we did not crush
We spent the wealth of others frivolously and without regard
Living as kings we were truly fools, on a fools errand, with nothing but poverty ahead
'Narcissus' by Caravaggio
michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-56469866164730095622011-08-04T18:14:00.000-05:002011-08-04T18:14:11.507-05:00Sea Shore
Edward Hopper 'Rooms by the Sea'
First Movement
In the land where Steinbeck walked, on the roads that swallowed James Dean, I tumbled about as a youth.
The sea and the trees.
The city streets and rolling hills.
Shadows and light.
Wandering far yet always close to home.
Befriended yet alone.
Why so few memories from these days?
Second Movement
My remembrances are sudden and jarred michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-30722357004509630262011-08-04T15:01:00.001-05:002011-08-04T15:02:47.863-05:00Dangerous GameLet's play it safeLie low and take the easy pathNo deception or sucker punches to the heartSmooth sailing not rough seas
I'm prepared for you though disarmedBe gentle when you strike
No tricks or slight of handYou can see everythingThere's nothing left for me to hidemichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-36609015638286076182011-08-04T14:54:00.000-05:002011-08-04T14:54:19.920-05:00YouthThis once was the place where I dwelt
Loved here
Living here among the sleepy grass strewn hills which rolled behind our houses
You were here too
We were younger then and we held the entire world in our fists
How much of what we once possessed did we squander!
Treasures now tumbling in the depths of an ocean, lost forevermichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-55145596418273541742011-07-10T17:00:00.004-05:002011-07-11T17:19:23.226-05:00Excerpt from a short-story"We never told the truth for ten minutes in this house."
Biff Loman, from Death of a Salesman, Act 2
The faint light from the hotel bar danced carelessly on the surface of the pool in the center of the resort property. Mickey was entranced by the patterned randomness of the lights movement amidst the low din of bar chatter flowing from the patrons on the veranda. He thought he heard jazz michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-17825797849027658402011-07-10T16:13:00.010-05:002011-07-11T20:35:05.376-05:00Excerpt from a short-story 2 "We've been talking in a dream for fifteen years."
Biff Loman, from Death of a Salesman, Act 2
Speaking softly giving tremendous thought to the words I was about to breathe I began, "It's like we were once perfectly beautiful. Do you know what I'm saying Tom?" But I sensed Tom didn't know. He didn't understand.
"Not beautiful in the sense of being young and handsome, physically michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-32141378561853913432011-07-10T14:11:00.002-05:002011-07-11T19:21:19.484-05:00Excerpt from a short-story 3"He had the wrong dreams. All, all wrong."
Biff Loman, from Death of a Salesman
Mickey had been staring at the unopened envelope on the side table next to the chair positioned to where he could see the tree line beyond his backyard fence. He was alone in the house. He seemed to spend much more time alone on these brisk fall evenings. As the watery bourbon slid down his throat he committed michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-10528447318275765342011-05-30T12:29:00.002-05:002011-05-30T12:52:35.829-05:00Forming A Missional Order 1.0The Father: We glorify.
Like Jesus, we live to bring glory to our father and to make him known to others.
The Son: We are Christocentric not Theocentric.
There are two ways to read the Bible. The one way to read the Bible is that it’s basically about you: what you have to do in order to be right with God, in which case you’ll never have a sure and certain hope, because you’ll always know you’re michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-85284247865105985872011-05-30T12:08:00.001-05:002011-05-30T12:10:30.679-05:00Jesus Basics
"Feed my sheep"
The Way of Jesus can be summarized in the following 7 commands given to his disciples
• Repent, believe and receive the Holy Spirit (regeneration) (Mark 1:15; John 3:16; John 20:22)
• Be baptized and live the life that it initiates (ongoing transformation) (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 6:1-14)
• Love God, neighbor, believers, enemies (forgive) (Matt. 5:43-48; 22:36-40; John 13:34-35,michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-4028934310971774002011-05-30T10:04:00.001-05:002011-05-30T10:07:32.604-05:00Accountability
Emmaus
The following scriptures begin to give us a basis for accountability in community.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-2252949566187432152011-05-20T07:53:00.001-05:002011-05-20T07:53:54.959-05:00Live By Faith (11:1-40)1. Faith explained (11:1-3)The point of this section isn’t necessarily to define faith; rather, it provides essential characteristics of faith that underlie the author’s argument. Faith always involves the unseen and holds a certain conviction (v. 1). Verse 2 reveals that approval from God is what’s hoped for (cf. Heb 11:6). The concept of faith gaining God’s approval is the theme of chapter michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-36961366945560181902011-05-14T17:31:00.001-05:002011-05-20T07:54:29.551-05:00An Exhortation to Patient Endurance (12:1-29)1. Examples of Patient Endurance (12:1-3)
The “great cloud of witnesses” are the Old Testament saints of chapter eleven acknowledged by God because of their constancy of faith. It is better to understand these witnesses as examples whose lives are to be viewed by the runners rather than spectators watching the runners. Verses two through three provide a superior example of faithful endurance. michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-73004750712475547832011-05-14T17:28:00.001-05:002011-05-20T07:54:57.352-05:00Concluding Exhortations and Remarks (13:1-25)A. Foster a Gospel Response (13:1-6)This section connects to the exhortation of Heb 12:15 to foster an environment that suppresses the emergence of any “bitter roots.” There are four main community commands: (1) maintain fraternal love and hospitality; (2) remember the prisoners and mistreated; (3) respect marriage and the marriage bed; (4) abstain from greed and learn contentment for our God michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-69719865105353790032011-05-14T17:24:00.003-05:002011-05-14T17:25:39.656-05:00Hebrews: SummaryThe Epistle to the Hebrews centers on the superiority of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and the promise of salvation for those who follow with faithful and enduring allegiance. There is nothing or no one greater than the person of Jesus Christ and salvation is found only in Him. This letter is a strong warning for any professor of the faith who would turn from Jesus to serve lesser things. The results michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-45237470674017344092011-05-08T16:22:00.002-05:002011-07-26T09:11:17.359-05:00undefiled Remaining undefiled, or "staying clean” (taken from 1 John):
Holiness (1:6-7)
Walk in the Light.
Confession (1:9)
Come clean continually.
Obedience (2:3-6)
Do what Jesus said to do.
Love (2:9-11)
Love Christ’s church.
Devotion (2:15-17)
Love Jesus supremely not the world.
Doctrine (2:21-24)
Hold fast to sound doctrine.
Fidelity (4:21)
Keep yourselves from trusting, obeying, revering, and michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-32394189604101736252011-02-05T19:53:00.000-06:002011-02-05T19:53:34.657-06:00Joel 1.0: The Bigger Picture
The Book of Joel in light of the greater redemptive narrative.
The Minor prophets give us twelve unique variations on the general theme of Israel’s failure to love their God more than anything else: they were unfaithful lovers with hearts quick to turn from their true Love. They whored after other gods and lived immorally. They were disinterested in the things of God becoming dull in their love michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-31050819368322854172011-01-30T12:54:00.002-06:002011-01-30T16:32:44.697-06:00The BelieversScripture from the Letter to the Hebrews
We are those who are to inherit a great salvation (1:14; 2:3), who heard the Gospel witnessed by miracles and received gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit (2:3-4), who share in a heavenly calling (3:1), who have believed (4:3), who have a great high priest (4:14), that have served and loved fellow saints (6:10), sanctified once for all by the once for allmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-26623040716766063252011-01-15T00:00:00.000-06:002011-01-15T00:00:08.847-06:00On Sanctification Pt 1
Solitude by Marc Chagall
The Inward Life
The unexamined life is a life devoid of the opportunity for true growth, of any true formation of our souls. My desire to look inward, to flush out that which is in my innermost being, begins with a desire to be transformed: to be different than I am today. I yearn to be more like that which I have been promised to become. In the life of the believer michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-84645482283578465912011-01-14T23:59:00.000-06:002011-01-14T23:59:47.921-06:00CompelWhat compels me?
The urgency of the times
Those who have not heard
The love of cultures and peoples in the world
The adventurous life
Obedience
The church
Others
Nearness to my Lord
Sanctification
A greater purpose
For the Glory of God
michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-21004370526340537712011-01-14T22:34:00.000-06:002011-01-14T22:34:52.170-06:00Forever and EverFather, complete the good work which you have begun.
Bring joy and restoration to your people!
Remember Your promise and give us life.
Forgive our sin and fill our hearts with the hope of Your Son.
To Him be all praise and glory.
Forever and ever.
Amen.michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-74906834635918975392010-12-23T16:29:00.000-06:002010-12-23T16:29:03.681-06:00Angel of the Lord
Jacob Wrestling with God- Rembrandt
Terminology
Malakh (Hebrew) messenger, angel. The basic meaning is that of a sacred messenger whether human or supernatural. It can denote a prophet (Mal 1:1; 3:1; Hag 1:13) or a priest (Mal 2:7). But generally the term refers to a group of celestial beings called angels, which probably include cherubim and seraphim.
Scripture
Gen 6:11-23; 16:7; 21:11; 22:11michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-50687355265129303962010-12-23T15:55:00.001-06:002010-12-24T12:52:14.060-06:00The "You Are's" (Matthew 5:13-16)"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-16588942237538057812010-12-23T15:08:00.002-06:002010-12-24T12:11:15.710-06:00Angels, Demons, Humanity and the Fall
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Exodus by Marc Chagall
If I have failed You so be it. God forgive me for my lack of patience. My intolerance of others sin. My propensity to please others often avoiding confrontation. Forgive me for speaking when I should have listened. For disregarding authority, my desire to do things my way, and my tendency not to bend towards a direction I find disagreeable. Forgive me for being michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-50171625022587676782010-07-20T22:16:00.007-05:002010-12-24T12:51:06.035-06:00John the Baptist & Jesus’ public ministry (Matthew 3:1-23)Key verse. 3:11, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Prophetic Scriptures. 3:3 (Isaiah 40:3).
For some four hundred years the Jewish people had not heard from God through his prophets. This four hundred year interval is often called "the dark periodmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-55382693934368427672010-07-07T18:03:00.009-05:002010-12-24T13:02:04.375-06:00The Birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-23)Key verse. 2:2, ‘saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”’
Prophetic Scriptures. 2:6 (Micah 5:2); 2:15 (Hosea 11:1); 2:18 (?).
Matthew continues the story of Jesus’ birth. The events include the visit of the Eastern Magi who follow a star in search of the King of the Jews and King Herod’s response to this revelationmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-20687955462234765592010-06-26T15:43:00.006-05:002010-07-09T08:45:56.128-05:00The Birth Announcement (Matthew 1:18-25)Key verse. 1:21, ‘She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’Prophetic Scriptures. 1:23 (Isaiah 7:14).This section of narrative teaches about Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents, and how God informs them of his plan for his only Son to enter time as Jesus the God-Man. Matthew also introduces various significant theological ideas: the michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-55174236404308399812010-06-26T12:21:00.005-05:002010-06-26T16:09:59.845-05:00The Genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17)Key verse. 1:16, ‘and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.’Matthew’s purpose for the Genealogy. Matthew begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus. It is structured in three sets of 14 generations. Jesus’ genealogy goes from Abraham to David (1:2-6), from David to the Babylonian exile (1:7-11), and from exile to Jesus who is called the michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-58944009097333274522010-06-16T18:11:00.005-05:002010-06-26T16:06:21.378-05:00Introductory thoughts on MatthewMatthew’s Purpose for WritingMatthew records certain events from the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in order to confirm to a Jewish audience that he was the Messiah King and to explain God’s Kingdom program in light of Israel having rejected her King.Date of Authorship60 A.D. or earlier.The point of Matthew’s GospelThis gospel is written to the first century church, mainly Jewish believers. michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-18324505290661989742010-05-12T09:10:00.003-05:002010-05-12T09:19:51.734-05:00Love Extenguished the Inferno by John ForbesHis love was creative and the world came to beand it was goodHis love was inclusive and we came to beand it was very goodHis love was generous and we inherited the earthand it was just getting started, but thenHis love was questioned and then rejectedwe were deceived and then a choice was madeThen we were naked and we covered our shamesensing the separation He came looking for usit was her fault,michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-80089515779369750112010-03-24T12:00:00.004-05:002010-03-24T12:18:19.954-05:00Exploring Faith in GenesisOften times we define terms in the Christian faith in a manner that may not accurately encompass what the entirety of Scripture might have to say about any given term. How would we answer this simple question: What is faith? Perhaps we would turn to Luther who wrote that "faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man would stake his life on it a thousand michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-91834975402418435502010-01-25T21:43:00.001-06:002010-05-29T10:30:17.572-05:00Holy: an attempt to explain God's holiness to a 9 year-oldPeople like to worship things. You could say that we are made to worship. People worship all kinds of things: athletes, super heroes, people, and animals. What makes something worth worshiping? Often times we like things that are like us but much better or more perfect. We like Super Man because, although we have strength, he’s SUPER STRONG! We like our teachers because they are SUPER SMART! We michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-53528616641992098712010-01-24T21:26:00.002-06:002010-01-25T00:13:48.481-06:00following Love: random thoughts‘Love Incarnates’ (Philippians 2)Compassion doesn’t just reach down into suffering; it lives right in the middle of it. It laughs and cries with it. It incarnates. It intimately identifies with those that it seeks to love.Thought: Love produces love but at a cost.‘The cost of following love’ (Luke 9)Dying to self.Submitting to another (other led).Obedient to love.Thought: Pay the price so that michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-79818168758660762232010-01-08T21:17:00.006-06:002010-01-08T21:50:14.223-06:00The Purpose of Signs in John's Gospel Pt 1 of 4The purpose and the meansUnlike the synoptic Gospel of Luke where he states his purpose in writing an orderly account begins his Gospel, John gives his clear purpose for writing towards the end of his Gospel as a climax to which everything prior leads. Primarily, John didn’t set out to add anything to the synoptic accounts, neither is it a critique against the Cerinthian heresy nor a polemic michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-64990825787618822182010-01-08T21:07:00.004-06:002010-01-08T21:17:01.503-06:00The Purpose of Signs in John's Gospel Pt 2Jesus is the divine Son of GodN.T. Wright describes the meaning of the Signs as follows; “The whole point of signs is that they are moments when heaven and earth intersect with each other. The point is not that they are stories which couldn’t have happened in real life, but which point away from earth to a heavenly reality”. This heavenly reality that Wright speaks of is manifested proof of John’michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-37414114941370503392010-01-08T20:59:00.007-06:002010-01-08T21:15:41.345-06:00The Purpose of Signs in John's Gospel Pt 3The opportunity to believeThe signs do not merely display Jesus’ miraculous power or supernatural ability. John records these things to provoke a response: an expression of personal faith by believing in Jesus. Through the seven sign events we find both the author’s evangel and discipleship purposes as well as instances where belief is expressed but perhaps not in a saving sense, and instances ofmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-5464821291059355642010-01-08T20:53:00.003-06:002010-01-08T21:13:36.981-06:00The Purpose of Signs in John's Gospel Pt 4The fruit of John’s purposeThe signs recorded by John display His eternal glory and mastery over human challenges, the laws of nature, and death itself thereby proving that Jesus is the divine Son of God. The signs also prove to be the means of realizing John’s desire for people to believe that Jesus is the messiah, the One sent by the Father to give life and give it abundantly. In addition to michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-19139683440068931522010-01-08T20:18:00.004-06:002010-01-08T20:33:28.047-06:00HonestlyWe're all smiles and honestly I have to admit its the sun that makes me shineWould that you were here to hear the song that I singIn the end, it doesn't mean a thingA melody you would remember and perhaps enjoyO' if you were here before the winterIts harsh and wet and coldDon't fret as you continue to readThink of us and and smileIf you're weary hope is nearClose your eyes and loose yourself in michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-10596112321704178362009-09-29T16:00:00.002-05:002011-01-14T23:39:56.211-06:00Confession 2.0: GenerosityI have never really given you anything. This truth is not hidden as you know the matter well. I truly long to repay you, yet it is funny how you never even hint at repaying you for what you freely gave. Nevertheless, I find myself shuffling around my room searching for something, anything, that I might give to you in return as a token of my appreciation. Rummaging around I find a piece of cut michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-31560485769537756132009-07-08T16:05:00.006-05:002010-01-08T11:58:38.610-06:00While you were on the journey...While on our recent Journey to Kenya, I pray that you glimpsed...A God who is bigger than you or I believeJesus building and empowering his churchThat you are significantThat one action- whether big or small- mattersThe lostThe world as it isThe world through God’s eyesThe gospel at workThe power of prayerYour need for communityYour need for faithYour reliance on God for all thingsA calling to michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-88903474040579751432009-06-25T17:02:00.009-05:002009-06-25T17:22:14.210-05:00Thoughts on the Kenya JourneyThe Journey Team returned yesterday afternoon safe and sound. I want to thank everyone for praying throughout this entire journey process. Serving with a team made up from two different churches was a true blessing. I want to thank every team member for making this Journey a special one. I’d like to share some highlights from the trip. World Orphans believes in the local church: both here and michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-16103908248224668352009-06-22T12:37:00.001-05:002009-06-22T14:04:40.838-05:00Journey Team Kenya!The team is doing great! On Sunday, pastor Doug Miller gave a great sermon on the first service held at the new Fountain of Life church property: the entire service was extraordinary.Today, the team enjoyed a safari to the beautiful Rift Valley region.The team departs Nairobi Tuesday night arriving in Denver at 4:10pm on United flight 939 via London Heathrow. The team should be at passenger pick michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-17472466365501122782009-06-18T10:54:00.003-05:002009-06-18T11:27:08.713-05:00Journey Team Update!I'm writing this update from our guest house quarters at approximately 7pm Thursday evening!'Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from from your relatives and from your Father's house, to the land which I will show you..."' (Gen 12:1) For many of us on this Journey Team we have left home, comforts, and the known and have come to a foreign and unfamaliar place.However, formichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-68021055078376345642009-06-13T10:28:00.002-05:002009-06-13T10:34:26.621-05:00Prayer in AdvanceWe are a day away from embarking on our Kenya Journey! Please lift up the following prayers from some of our team members:Veronica V"my prayer for this trip is that we will touch someone's heart and we will come back impacted and touched by God!"Beth M"I am struggling with sinus congestion, sore throat and cough as of yesterday. Could you please ask people to pray for my health! Thanks!"michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-8268838740767453302009-06-12T14:02:00.004-05:002009-06-12T14:11:12.511-05:00And We're Off...Hey friends,Please read a great piece on our upcoming Kenya Journey from Stace Riley, a Plum Creeker who's going on the Journey.Blessings!MichaelAnd We're Off...by Stace RileyT-minus 2 days and counting.In two short days, we'll be on our way to the airport for our trip to Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa.In our last team meeting we discussed a section of the John Piper book, "Let the Nations Be Gladmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-13196429827540708192009-06-11T07:36:00.003-05:002009-06-11T07:38:32.112-05:00Plum Creek Kenya Journey TeamPlease pray for our team while we serve the church, child, and communities in Nairobi from June 14th to the 24th.Appreciate your support!Michaelmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-48587575450185402272009-06-09T10:42:00.008-05:002009-06-09T13:25:53.471-05:00Kenya Journey Update!Isaiah 1:17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.On June 14th two churches will embark on a journey to Narobi, Kenya to live out the words from Isaiah. Plum Creek Community Church and Waterstone.I will be posting team updates here so be sure to check in!Michael michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-42372592608435458252009-05-12T00:02:00.004-05:002009-05-12T00:16:23.314-05:00Middle East UpdateWe arrived safely in Jerusalem after a couple of uneventful flights via Vienna. This is my second trip to Israel and I wasn’t real clear about what exactly I hoped to gain from this second chance to be in the Holy Land. We are accomplishing some very practical and necessary ministry initiatives on this trip to the Middle East and Turkey:1) Shaping our partnership with New Hope in Moldova where wemichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-89185082930444218102009-03-04T17:23:00.006-06:002010-06-01T17:28:12.213-05:00Red Sun RisingOn my recent trip to China, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma, I was overcome by the tremendous issues facing the peoples of South East Asia; particularly the children. The plight of many boys and girls who are being sold into the sex trade along with the all too common challenges of poverty, HIV/AIDS, and hunger. And,in addition to these daily challenges they are living in countries and communities michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-82093662473046207132009-01-28T18:53:00.003-06:002009-01-28T18:57:09.338-06:00HeldO’ my soul from whence tears well!That I might seek Your faceAnd find you near!Wipe my eyes for I long to see.Sooth my rage and quiet my heart.In You there is light.May darkness be never more.Child in arms.Child at peace.michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-51666399844251582642009-01-15T13:38:00.003-06:002009-01-15T13:46:46.488-06:005 ReasonsHi friends,I wanted to share a great post from Tim Nelson, our new Regional Director of Advocacy. I hope it encourage and challenges you as it did me.Peace,MichaelFive Reasons the Church Can’t Ignore the Plight of the Orphan Any Longer1. Scripture. James describes the care of orphans as being “pure and faultless religion.” The prophet Jeremiah laments that there are men among God’s people michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-81491145020682584142008-12-17T19:45:00.004-06:002010-05-29T10:34:44.272-05:00Seeing ChristIn the book of Psalms we find the substance of other books in the Bible. We learn of God’s creating work in Psalm 19 and 24. We recount the great Exodus from Egypt in Psalms 87, 105, 106, and 114. God sends Moses, Aaron, and the plagues in Psalm 106: 26. In Psalm 29 we read of the Tabernacle and the Priesthood; the doings of Joshua of Nun in Psalm 105; the Psalmist has the Kings in mind in Psalm michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-39208902049901768522008-12-17T14:21:00.003-06:002008-12-17T14:29:39.333-06:00Lingerfirst movementMother cries while airy sounds of angels linger in my earsVisions change to an almost tangible feelingYouth without love- dividedYouth indestructible, but without love- incompleteAlone without her...stagnant and coldI needed you thensecond movementIt was sounds of angels...boys don't dream of warm touches and innocent kissesYour lips- now- almost one with minelove so true and simplemichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-55814376440998031052008-12-13T11:37:00.006-06:002010-06-01T17:29:11.220-05:00Heart-Work'A reflection of prayer and devotion, that we might obey the command of God'God is love‘Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.’ (1 John 4:7-8)God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit eternally coexist in a perfect relationship of love. Let us michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-2386933627680812362008-12-05T14:05:00.002-06:002008-12-05T14:09:04.693-06:00CorruptionThere is something wrong with our story. What ‘is’ was not meant to be. It was not meant to be like this. Men have dreamed great dreams imagining wonderful and terrible things. We have danced around fires and catapulted ourselves to the moon. We have unlocked many of nature’s great mysteries and slowed the decay and demise of our bodies. We have chased off myths, discredited fairy tales, and michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-53166745982051034682008-12-01T23:52:00.015-06:002010-05-29T10:42:33.822-05:00Cultivating ChristPhilippians 4:1-9From the Series: AscendLink to Small Group discussion questionsIntroductionToday we find ourselves in Chapter 4 of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, signifying the beginning of the end of this letter to his dear friends. We have arrived at the beginning of Paul’s PARTING INSTRUCTIONS to the church, his final parting words, 1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, mymichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-9378828975134171722008-12-01T00:53:00.002-06:002008-12-02T00:59:38.334-06:00Cultivating Christ: Small Group DiscussionSmall Group Questions “Cultivating Christ”Philippians 4:1-9 This week’s questions: 1. In this week’s message we talked about the Gospel being of primary concern to Paul; more specifically, the advance of the Gospel in Philippi. Start off this week’s Journey Groups by answering these questions: 1) What is the Gospel? And, 2) how is it active in your life? 2. Paul desires for the Philippians michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-69277406811846601592008-11-17T14:51:00.003-06:002008-11-17T15:11:27.211-06:00This LoveWith this love I give my soulWith this love I forget meWith this love I loose myselfWith this love I forgive theeWith this love I no longer am aloneWith this love I close my eyes and seeWith this love I give myself to theeWith this love I cry a tearWith this love I know I am aliveWith this love I pray for theeWith this love I amAll the days of greyWalking in a never ending stuporBlind to the roadmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-85249409976261338252008-11-17T14:37:00.003-06:002008-11-17T14:50:58.361-06:00Memories in the Postmodern 2.0*WARNING: Please do not read this post. This is another fragmentary entry towards a larger piece of work.I saw in a vision a man afraid, walking so very cautiously through a long dark corridor. There were no doors or windows. There was just enough light to see a few paces ahead. He was overwhelmed with confusion; confused by not knowing where he was or who he was. i could see the trap he was in. michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-80077451428920083102008-11-14T11:55:00.003-06:002008-11-17T14:36:51.640-06:00VoiceFather,I know you are doing something new. You are taking me to a place where you will test me, and love me, refine me, and shape me into the likeness of Christ. I know that there will be a cost. I know that you will demand much of me and I openly admit that I am anxious, having been matured by Your grace and Your wisdom.I give You thanks. I esteem You above all else. I desire to do your will, tomichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-48962328196697425162008-09-22T22:28:00.008-05:002010-06-01T17:30:57.767-05:00RelateWe serve a unique God. If we profess faith in the Father of grace, the risen savior Jesus Christ, and the sent Holy Spirit, then we confess this God to be uniquely Trinitarian: One God in three distinct persons. This God has always been. He has always enjoyed fellowship and has never lacked anything. He is perfect. He is love perfected within Himself. God relates eternally and internally as love.michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-82327057360008749162008-09-01T05:00:00.007-05:002011-01-14T23:39:23.838-06:00Confession 1.0A Confession to God in response to reflecting upon 'Why I need the orphan?'
"The mercy of the Lord is everlasting."
"O' Father, I need NOT save You and your grace. Your goodness. Your love. Your mercy and Your forgiveness. Your discipline and Your guidance. Your Spirit and Your power. You O' God need not yet you commune with, reside in, and love your children."
'Who are you O' God who, lackingmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-15737590362081808152008-08-21T09:10:00.003-05:002010-02-22T16:29:15.953-06:00CompassionIn a former post, The Good Samaritan, we gleaned missional insights from the parable of the Good Samaritan. We found instructive and challenging truths which our Lord imparts to us, the Church, as God's means for proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. Here's a summation of the insights:The foundation of a missional life is a missional God who graciously gives new life to the unregenerate: michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-10962567465075322222008-06-30T12:15:00.005-05:002011-10-09T07:33:37.154-05:00Touch
One of the more impacting moments in India was the time we spent with lepers and their children. These people live in colonies, away from everyone else. I'm reading the Gospel of Luke and wanted to share some reflections on the story of the leper’s healing. Jesus shows us the need for complete healing, complete restoration. He shows us that ministry must be comprehensive, ministering to the michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-3444308055083888962008-06-14T21:12:00.009-05:002008-06-14T22:00:13.431-05:00India, so far...Max and I are high up in the mountains staying in the town of Ooty. Today is Sunday, and we'll be leaving in a few hours for Coimbatore, Jaipur and finally Bombay. We're half way through our journey and wanted to share some highlights with you all:Starting in the city of BangaloreWe were graciously received by our hosts, Thomas and Markutty Samuel, who allowed us to stay in their home. Their son michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-65633042430455527492008-06-08T21:51:00.006-05:002008-06-09T07:37:02.854-05:00India Prayer JourneyOur team departs today for India. Pray with us over the next several days as we travel through Southern India. Intercede for the church in India, the plight of the people, and against the spiritual strongholds of darkness covering nearly 1 Billion people (1/6th of the world's population).You can link below to each day's prayer focus beginning today, Monday, June 9th:June 9,10Travel to Bangalore,michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-13447836083547900422008-06-08T21:50:00.008-05:002008-06-09T07:33:23.896-05:00India Prayer June 18th - 20thJune 18,19,20Spend time ministering in the slums of Bombay.Now known as Mumbai, this is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. With an estimated population of thirteen million, it is the most populous city in the world. Mumbai holds the dubious distinction of being home to Asia's largest slums where, according to government statistics, 60 percent of all city residents live. In 2003 theremichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-83337104312001363012008-06-08T21:50:00.006-05:002008-06-08T23:35:56.252-05:00India Prayer June 16th & 17thJune 16,17Visit the city of Jaipur where tensions between India and Pakistan resulted in 7 bombs ripping through the city.Our time here will be spent prayer walking Hindu and Buddhists temples and shrines. This city is under a cloak of spiritual darkness. Millions of gods are worshiped daily out of fear, in the hopes of attaining something better (the next time). False philosophies and twisted michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-36008146984015143702008-06-08T21:50:00.005-05:002008-06-08T23:35:07.341-05:00India Prayer June 13th - 15thJune 13,14,15Travel to Ooty to visit our friend and partner Murli Menon. His church ministry rescues girls from infanticide.I can't begin to understand how anyone could intentionally murder their baby daughter. No matter what the circumstances of the parents, nothing can justify the taking of an innocent life. I fear that I may be overcome with great sadness seeing the faces of girls who were michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-77413321805134462442008-06-08T21:17:00.005-05:002008-06-08T23:34:28.159-05:00India Prayer June 11th & 12thJune 11,12Spend time with our friend Thomas Samuel in Bangalore then go to Quiet Corner retreat for prayer teaching and time of intercession.This city is home to some 5.2 million people. Poverty runs deep into the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Some 10% of Bangalore's population lives in one of over 500 slums throughout the city1.When I am faced with the tragedy and reality of extreme michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-47982019748251375042008-06-08T15:30:00.002-05:002008-06-08T23:33:42.618-05:00India Prayer June 9th & 10thJune 9,10 Travel to Bangalore, India.My prayer..."Father, you have revealed yourself to us in the person hood of the Son. You have taken us out of the grip of this world. You have given us to the Son and we desire to continually obey your word. We know that all things come from you Father. By the Spirit we have believed the Word of life. By the Spirit we believe that Jesus if the Son of God. michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-16976146267006459122008-06-02T18:00:00.004-05:002008-06-02T18:09:28.552-05:00AdvocateOur 11 year old daughter Veronica wrote the following poem for a school project. I wanted to share this in the spirit of advocacy- advocating for those who have no voice.AFRICA'Oh this place of poverty, of sickness, of death.When will their souls be relieved?Who will aide them in their time of need?Who will help the widows and orphans?Who will take a stand for those who can't?Will I be the one tomichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-4973209426339363752008-05-02T07:06:00.003-05:002008-05-02T14:28:49.335-05:00National Day of Prayer 2008I'd like to share the prayer that my wife prayed yesterday at our cities National Day of Prayer event. She was one of ten people who were asked to pray on the steps of the city hall. Here is her prayer for families...Father God, creator of all things. From the beginning of time you created us as men and women to unite & create families. You created marriage & you alone can sustain it.Reclaim & michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-19882897875656975352008-04-01T20:25:00.004-05:002008-04-08T15:59:27.973-05:00Church and CultureQuestion: Describe why you believe conservative evangelicalism may have a negative attitude toward culture. What should the church’s attitude toward culture be?My attempt to answer this question will come mostly from anecdotal thoughts and grand over generalizations about conservative evangelicals and an assumed negative attitude they may have towards American culture. First off, I came to faith michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-56240575609432589022008-03-09T10:07:00.003-05:002008-03-09T10:20:31.607-05:00Thoughts on Prayer 1"Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy (xapa) may be full."Xapa (khar-ah') cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness, greatly (exceedingly)The peace of giving over our burdens to God, the joy of releasing our deepest needs, desires, concerns: joy"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."When we ask michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-30557386207617587102008-02-20T15:45:00.004-06:002008-02-20T16:20:23.488-06:00The Good SamaritanMissional thoughts from the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).The parable of the Good Samaritan would imply that eternal life is not earned but is given to those whom God has mercy upon. The foundation of a missional life is a missional God who graciously gives new life to the unregenerate: those who show mercy and compassion to others were first shown mercy and compassion by the michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-8388566372318556652008-02-05T01:10:00.001-06:002008-02-27T16:51:38.683-06:00Shaping a Theology of Mission Part 3Read Part 1Read Part 2Teleological Trinitarianism: "In the beginning God..."The Biblical statment, 'In the beginning God...' necessarily indicates an end to God's purpose as well. If we understand the Bible as the meta-narrative in which all of history is being played out (with absolute truth), than how we are oriented to that grand story will greatly impact the life and mission of the church. michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-64348789626375952212008-02-05T01:03:00.000-06:002008-02-05T01:21:39.085-06:00Shaping a Theology of Mission Part 2Read Part 1The CreatorI am therefore inclined to begin with the Creator, the Triune God of the universe. There is much to understand about this God who eternally exists in relationship. He is perfect community. He is relationship and eternally relational.Question: Could a strictly monotheistic god have created anything? Could a monotheistic god be beneficent, creating out of the overflow of his michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-37594819014249460902008-02-05T00:52:00.001-06:002010-12-23T15:04:16.225-06:00Shaping a Theology of Mission Part 1Paradigm
It has been stated that "all reading of Scripture occurs within a paradigmatic understanding of the whole." This is the reality in which we approach Scripture, how we understand within a larger frame work that which we are reading. Ben Witherington III postulates that regardless of our paradigm, there will always be Scripture which is difficult to fit within our paradigm. I do not think michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-77863828251718436122008-01-15T23:16:00.000-06:002008-01-16T22:03:36.026-06:00Doctrine of GodThere are three Persons(1) in the Godhead, namely God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, co-equal(2), consubstantial(3), and co-eternal(4) , a dynamic interpenetrating community(5), indivisible yet distinct; for there is only one God not three gods. In love, the inimitable(6) Triune God has graciously revealed Himself to humanity(7). Within the Holy Trinity(8) there is order in michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-81627582058867596912008-01-12T04:38:00.001-06:002008-01-12T04:55:22.580-06:00Citra Hill'The rain stopped just long enough for us to walk up the hill.We ruined our shoes in the mud and I believe one of the children slipped and spoiled thier pants.We reached the top just as the first drop began to fall.Stone on the ground. Stone in my heart.I caught your eyes as we turned to walk back to the house.I smiled as I passed you.You will never know the tears I cried as I wiped the rain frommichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-27305480490603119042008-01-09T13:12:00.000-06:002008-01-11T00:03:58.357-06:00The Doctrine of God (draft)There are three Persons in the Godhead, namely God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, co-equal, consubstantial, and co-eternal, a dynamic interpenetrating community, indivisible yet distinct; for there is only one God not three gods. In love, the inimitable Triune God has revealed Himself to humanity through His Son, Spirit, and Word. Within the Holy Trinity there is order in michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-44062971744967823742007-12-12T22:01:00.000-06:002007-12-21T20:41:24.118-06:00Stream of Consciousness: RwandaVisiting the poor mud church on Tuesday car breaks taxi ride full of Rwandan’s dirt road mud church rain on a tin roof remembrances of Kibera woman congregation of men women children waiting for hours dressed in their best prayed for us starting at 5 a.m. prayed through the morning songs of praise words of encouragement faces bright children beautiful so much in the midst of nothing sadness and michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-6545740530344097872007-12-08T00:07:00.000-06:002007-12-12T12:46:41.872-06:00In BurundiI had not even thought of or even knew where Burundi was in Africa. Being here now, I have so little understanding and a complete absence of any context with which to think about this place and these people. Arriving and driving through Bujumbura, this appears to be the most impoverished country that I have visited in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city appears to be fading from what it once was- no michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-28924978472316725002007-12-07T23:53:00.000-06:002007-12-07T23:58:16.141-06:00Let Us Trust In the LordFriends,I’m writing to you from East Africa where I am attending meetings in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya. Paul, Scott, Alan and myself arrived in Rwanda two days ago and are on our way to Burundi. In the next few days I hope to share some thoughts from my first day in Rwanda at www.fallen-scales.com but at this point I would like for you to join me in prayer:While we are traveling, please michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-83070571528333722822007-12-04T11:47:00.000-06:002007-12-04T11:59:52.837-06:00Memories in the postmodernI remember a time when I knew nothing of God's love and mercy. Grace was foreign to me and I walked the earth as one who is dead without even knowing it. But somewhere in the deep places I always knew. I always felt a great sense of lack. Lack of something real, tangible, and c0mplete. I was incomplete. Separation creates a void, an incompleteness that remains as a residue of the soul. Like a michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-80632402188060248142007-11-28T00:50:00.000-06:002007-11-28T00:55:04.057-06:00The Washing Of The FeetIn the Gospel of John, Jesus gives His Church a model for serving each other and the world we live in. He who had much humbled Himself, removed His garments and took the posture of a servant. He, who should be served, served others.We the Church must maintain a posture of humility, serving the least and the lost.With water and a towel, He who was clean washed the feet of the dirty. The service michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-19395335763169344942007-11-19T18:03:00.000-06:002007-11-19T18:07:41.662-06:00Encouraging church to church ministryContext: 2 Corinthians 9The Apostle Paul gives direction and encouragement to the church at Corinth to partner with the church at Jerusalem. As the saintly intermediary, facilitating the gospel witness that comes from churches partnering with each other, he writes:Reflection on the Scripture‘Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readinessmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-36774640399230897492007-11-14T17:14:00.000-06:002007-11-14T17:16:08.794-06:00Priorities: a reminderFirst, value and esteem the Godhead above all things.Die to self.Love your family.Serve the church of Jesus Christ.michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-12741499919486927912007-11-11T15:02:00.000-06:002007-11-11T15:06:00.064-06:00Minister as you go: a prayerMay we remember why we have been called by the Lord- to be a blessing to others.May we never become hardened to the faces right in front of us- that they may know Christ.May we never become too comfortable, assuming we have more time than we might- for we do not know the day or the hour.May we come in contact with Christ by touching the sores of this world- for whatever you did for the least of michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-58633958451450007212007-10-26T09:33:00.000-05:002007-10-26T09:41:57.810-05:00On ScriptureA Personal Doctrinal Statement on Holy ScriptureI believe the Holy Scriptures to be the sole source of written divine revelation as God’s self disclosure to man . I believe that the word of God is wholly inspired by God and was not sent or delivered by the will of man, but that men spoke from God as the Holy Spirit carried them along to write the scriptures . I believe that the Holy Scriptures, michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-37066020487305263252007-10-15T17:26:00.002-05:002010-06-01T17:34:11.811-05:00FriendshipMy Son,I want to talk to you about friendship.I have come to the realization that in most cases, I am never quite the friend that my friends are to me. To clarify, what I mean is that in most cases my friends are better friends to me than I typically am to them. I’m not proud of this and I’m also not beating myself up over it- it’s just a reality that I am willing to admit. As I grow older, I am michael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9873433.post-33852262216352429632007-09-05T09:58:00.000-05:002007-09-05T11:50:10.975-05:00The Prayer of the Righteous Availeth MuchTomorrow Paul, Scott, and myself meet with the president of Compassion International and his program managers to discuss a partnership between Compassion and World Orphans. Please keep us in your prayers: for an affinity of the Spirit, passion for the Kingdom, and for God's will to be clear- moving us to action. 'LET US RISE UP AND BUILD' (Neh 2:18)As the bookmichael vinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01161866144497681123noreply@blogger.com2