Earlier this morning I was reading from the book of John 20:10-17 , and came across the scene where Mary explodes in tears b/c the body of Jesus is not in the tomb and all that was left was the linen clothes he had worn. In this scene there are two angels and they are telling her that prophecy foretold of his death and resurrection, but still she kept crying. And on the other hand, Jesus shows up and is clearly talking to her but she still crying b/c she thinks this guy is the gardener who has taken His body away. Eventually, Mary turns around and realizes that this man is not the gardener but Christ himself resurrected. Then of course, the first thing anyone would like to do is go and touch the man who a couple of days ago had been horribly killed, but his response is “do not hold on to me” or as the World English Bible has it “don’t touch me”….. 

With that being said it’ll be cool to get some opinions as to why Christ denies Mary from holding/touching him.

But, other then that in the 17th verse, I love how Christ demolishes religion and articulates a welcoming statement declaring himself as the bridge/mediator to the Father clearly becoming our eternal hero. His Father is now our Father. His God is now our God. This makes it clear that we are “adopted” into his Kingdome and all thanks to His blood shed. 

9.21.08

Take it to the streets…………………………Amj

Song of the redeemed ……………………….F#m

Love is here………………………………………Em

Clinging to the cross………………………….Bbmj

History on Ephesus…..according to Christian’s Classics Ethereal Library

• The city of Ephesus, a Grecian city on the Asiatic coast almost exactly east of Athens, was a great commercial metropolis in the first century, and the capital of the Roman province which was called by the name of Asia.
• Its greatest distinction hitherto had been, not its commercial pre-eminence, but the splendid temple of Diana, which was counted one of the Seven Wonders of the world.
• It was written at a time when Paul was a prisoner. Tychicus was the messenger to whom, on the same journey, were entrusted both this (6:21) and the Epistle to Colosse (Col. 4:7).

About Tychicus……According to Russell Kelfe 

• The letter encyclical or “circular” letter, one addressed to one church, but intended to be read in all the churches in Asia. For that to happen, two things must take place. Someone reliable must see that it was delivered to each church, and that someone must be so discerning that he could not only read the letter, but answer questions and respond to inquiries about the Apostle and the issues discussed in the letter.    
• Paul describes Tychicus as “dear brother and faithful servant” in the Lord, who would tell the assigned churches everything. And was always there to do the least important things in the most dependable way.
• His real motivation for sending this particular man was that this particular man could share Paul’s heart as well as Paul’s ministry. He knew the man, and he knew the mission.

Echo groups recently spitted and we are starting to dive in the book of Ephesians. In response to this study I am hoping to post some cool/interesting information about the content of this book/letter.

I believe that by digging in deeper we can gain in our understanding of how the lives or places revealed in this book are inspiring examples for the everyday Christian walk and for the upcoming Christ followers in the Greenville area. But most importantly this research can/will contribute to boost the wonder of the Father’s love, revealed in Christ; and the never-ending significance of His sacrifice: the Cross, for both who don’t follow Christ and those who do. 

9.14.08

We have all we need in you…………………………………Emj

Beautiful Jesus ……………………………………………………Fmj

Center…………………………………………………………………Fmj

By His wounds…………………………………………………….Fmj

9.07.08

Spring of Life by Stanfill………………………………………………Amj

                                        Psalm 40:2     

                           He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

                           out of the mud and mire;

                           he set my feet on a rock

                          and gave me a firm place to stand.

Lift us up the fall by 10^th Avenue …………………………………Dm

Psalm 145 by Shane & Shane………………………………………..Dm

Message: Of blood and fire

Jonah by Jimmy Reeves…………………………………………………Bm

Psalm 59:9-10

9.O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.10.My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.

Enemies come in various forms, it can either be sin that WE can’t seem to avoid performing, sickness, relationships, school or finances. We all know that there are ton of conditions that can become our enemies which damage/limit harmony with our Creator and even with friends and family. But great news! That is why the Father sent his Son Jesus, b/c He understands our enemies/struggles which is why He tells us in Mathew 17:5  “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

And Christ in return says:  28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. WE CANNOT DO IT BY OURSELVES, WE NEED CHRIST. We can only achieve victory through Him.

And when we understand this concept we can then understand the reason behind a song.

 16.But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and  a refuge in the day of my distress.17.O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.

8.31.08

Sing, sing, sing by Tomlin………………………….……..Dmj

Savior King by Hillsong…………………………….……Dmj

I love you Lord by Laurie Klein …………………………Dmj

Message

How deep the Father’s love……………………………….Fmj