The 12 Stones

Hi, nice to talk to you again. It's been too long.

I've learnt a lot from God since we last were together (always grateful to God for that). Can I share some?

1) In 1 Samuel 3 is the story of when God first spoke to Samuel the prophet (and Israel itself again, after God's previous long absence from speaking during the time of Eli the prophet). Samuel hears God, and then at the end of 1 Samuel 3 the narrative says,

And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19).

That last phrase - and let none of his words fall to the ground - God really hit me with that. I've been praying for that for myself, the ministry team here, and the Moore College mission team that's been at Mittagong this week. How awful that the words I speak could fall to the ground. May God keep them all off it.

2) The 12 stones - from Joshua 4:2-20 - placed by Joshua as a way of remembering God - ultimately that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever (Joshua 4:24). Again, hit me between the eyes and made me take the picture above.

3) I've been entranced by the idea of Christian spiritual formation. What a horrible phrase. It's otherwise known as Christian spirituality or Christian formation. Again, these are all horrible names. Basically it's just the idea of daily Christian living. Living in Christ in his fullness and what that looks like.

So, I've been reading Henri Nouwen, Dallas Willard, Bruce Demarest, Eugene Peterson and Marva Dawn. May I strongly recommend any of these writers. Check them on Google books. I think it's what's been missing from my Christian life and education: simply what Christian living looks like and thinks like and acts like.

Jesus as KING as well as SAVIOUR is what I hope to pass on to others in my preaching and speaking. May God continue the transformation.

Another Thought About College...

...which I forgot before!

There are many different people at college. Some are introverts, some put themselves forward, some are amazingly brilliant, others are not and struggle all the way through college. Over half are boys from private schools with a uni education (like me). Others have no tertiary education. Most have done MTS (Ministry Training Scheme) and know each other as they enter college. Some know no-one.

Friend, work out where you sit in all this. Don't forget who YOU are in relationship with God. It is so easy to compare yourself to others at college and feel inadequate in some ways - or in every way. This is not good for you!All it does is deflate you and demonise the person or people you are comparing yourself to. Remember who you are in God's eyes, his precious child, loved by him for who you are.

Ok - sermon over! The picture is of our dog Soren.

Some Advice To Heed Before Entering College

Some advice that comes to mind for those entering any Bible College:

1) You are about to learn a new language. Remember to keep translating it to your congregation.

2) Knowing more about God does not translate to you knowing God better. Remember Matthew 23 and 1 Corinthians 1 and 2.

3) Pray pray pray and more prayer! Don't forget to speak to God as you learn. This is so vital for how you learn...

4) Your way of reading the Bible is about to be challenged. Be humble and be prepared to have your ideas and things you always assumed to be true about God and his Word to be challenged.

5) You are about to have four years of reading the Bible for information , unlike now where you read God's word for transformation. Be prepared for this!

More advice coming!! Do you have any more to add?

The End of College

Well College is over for this man as of yesterday. It hasn't hit yet as I am still a bit wasted from exam preparation...maybe it will seep through over the next week or so. College was an intense experience. Some spontaneous thoughts as of tonight at least...more will come upon more reflection:

Best Subject (Nominations from Each Year):

2003 - Biblical Theology/Old Testament

2004 - Church History (Reformation)

2005 - Doctrine (in particular, Union with Christ and Church and Sacraments)

2006 - Modern Trinitarian Thought

And The Winner is...

Modern Trinitarian Thought

Highly Recommended

Old Testament in any year - an excellent OT department covered basically all the parts of the OT in a brilliant way over the three years - well done all!

Studying Romans in Year 1 (thanks PWB)

Galatians in Year 3 (PHK)

Extra-Curricular Activities

'Split chapel' (ie splitting when chapel was on to go to Campos/Cafe Connection/Green Iguana - I mean, Kikis - I mean, Phuzes - I mean, what next?). Our group experienced much growth over the period!

Study group for theology (years 2-3) - I didn't understand half of what they said but hey! Got through!

Cricket - without playing at lunchtime my brain would have fried

A couple of amazing friends from college who I played golf with, prayed with, opened up to, gave support to, and loved. Thank you fellas. It meant a lot and still does.

If you went to college, what were your nominations for the above?