Matt Brammer

So in honor of Matthew 10:26-27, I want to share a little bit of what God has shown me this semester.

• The way we treat people matters tremendously.  Sometimes, we’re the only Christ people see–we must reflect Him well.
• Grace is knowing that I’ve done nothing. (I know it’s basic, but seriously as God to teach it to you and it makes so much sense and has more power)
• Grace is knowing I’ll never be able to do it. (Again, basic but ditto from the previous point.)
• Seek God in everything and life will fall where it is supposed to.
• I am not as good as I think I am.

If you read this, post what God has been teaching you in the comments.

Grace and Peace.

A new post by Todd Rhoades gives scary statistics that only ten percent of Americans will be in Church on an average Sunday in 2050.  So there is two ways to interpret this: the more popular one, the Church is dying or (the one I agree with more) that more and more house churches are popping up and people realize that Church doesn’t end in a building.

Grace and Peace.

This makes me want to cry. Christ came for the broken and least of these not for the ones who have it together. If you think you have it together odds are you need to be broken by Christ’s love.

Grace and Peace.

Okay, I really don’t mean to critique Perry Noble’s blog of often, but his fourth point in his latest post made me feel uneasy.

Perry, if you are reading this (and I hope you do) please read it and just ask God if you are doing this or not–it couldn’t hurt.

Every one has their pet peeves and I concur with Mr. Noble about the cuddle worshipers.  Seriously, couples that hold hands and embrace each other during a praise time obviously forget about the Holy God they are worshiping.  Most of us cannot stand slow drivers (at least the ones who are impatient), but critiquing “discernment bloggers” for critiquing you is just hypocritical.

Perry said to the bloggers:

I don’t read their sites anymore…but they stop by here everyday, which blows my mind!  :-)  Seriously, you people REALLY need to find something to do with your time…may I suggest…

• Getting a prescription for Viagra (you are obviously a very frustrated individual!)
• Reaching out to people who don’t know Jesus rather than yelling at them…or thinking you are superior to them.
• Understand that if it were not for the grace of God you would be the very person than you condemn.

Perry I agree, we should reach out to people more than yell at each other.  But I am neither yelling or condemning you just asking.  The way you present your points (especially the Viagra comment above) comes across as arrogant and prideful.  You can make your point without causing more distention.  Matthew 5:43-38.  Seriously this goes for my readers too, sharpen me so we can build each other up in Christ.

Creation is amazing.

I love graphic novels. If you haven’t heard of The Watchmen you’re missing out. Make sure you read it before you go and see it in theaters. It’s coming out on 3/6/09.

Let the countdown begin!

Tim Chester really brought a new perspective to the way the Church should act and be.

Grace and Peace.

Bob Franquiz take on ideas in the Church.

After defining churches that “don’t need to look anywhere outside of what has already been established through tradition.” as “Amish Churches” he continues to describe them.

How do you become an Amish church?

- You don’t read anything that wouldn’t be found in a Christian bookstore

- You don’t listen to any music that isn’t “sanctified”

- You don’t look to the business world to get best practices for operations.

- You don’t accept any idea that didn’t originate from your denomination.

- In fact, you are suspect of any idea that didn’t come from you.

Am I saying we should run and follow what the world is doing? No. What I am saying is that we should be open to good ideas, no matter where they come from.

Have an iPhone?

Like the Bible?

Get this.

Grace and Peace.

I read this blog today. I’ve had a difficult time understanding this, her post made it very clear.

Check it out.

Grace and Peace.