Monday, April 06, 2015

Video Devotions: Discipleship Moments

“Discipleship Moment” videos from Bishop John Bradosky and other executive staff of the North American Lutheran Church are published regularly. These short videos can be used before worship on Sunday mornings, as an introduction to Sunday school or Bible study times, or for personal use.
Reflections on what the word “discipleship” really means, and what it means to be “mission-driven” are just a few of the many topics you will hear about. There will be personal stories from local congregations, international missions and personal ministry experiences featured.

To access the full list of videos visit:  http://thenalc.org/discipleship-moment/
 
Some of the first Discipleship Moments:

 
 
 
 

Saturday, April 04, 2015

Video and Article: Stop saying the church is dieing

The common quote - 'the church is dieing' Ed Stetzer argue this is neither true theologically or statistically....
He argue there is a transition.....

Take a listen to the video



and read his article at Christianity Today

Then think about
What does this mean for us?
What can we learn from this and the branches of Christianity that are growing?




Quote: A response to a well used excuse of not coming to church

At funeral, weddings, Christmas, Easter and often in evangelising in the community I am regularly told....ahh I come to church the roof will collapse or the walls will be destroyed...and my response recently has been that has received some good reactions...You don't need to worry about that because we have the cross holding up the church....and God says nothing can destroy that...not even my or your sin!!!
Pastor Richard Schwedesw

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Video: The Big story for Kids The bible in 5 m

The bible in 5 minutes for kids


The Big Story from The Gospel Project | LifeWay on Vimeo.

Book: Cooking with the bible

Humans are visual and sensory people...so visuals and the senses are great ways to lead people to listening to and discussing stories from the bible...Cooking with the bible can be a great way to do this for people who love cooking and talking

Cooking with the bible provides a feast for the body, mind, and spirit, introducing contemporary cooks to recipes for eighteen meals described in the Judeo-Christian bible. Each chapter begins with the menu for a biblical feast, followed by a brief essay describing the theological, historical, and cultural significance of the feast. Next are separate recipes for the dishes served in the meal, followed by more commentary on the dish itself, preparation methods used in biblical times, and how the dish was served.

Since biblical times, the Judeo-Christian lifestyle has centered on meals. Extending hospitality to both friends and strangers was a divine command, and an invitation to dine was sacred. The Judeo-Christian bible is peppered with stories of meals; these range from simple meals put together quickly in order to feed a few unexpected guests, to elaborate feasts carefully prepared to please dozens of partygoers for many days. Cooking with the Bible looks at eighteen of these meals found in the Scriptures, providing full menus and recipes for re-creating some of the dishes enjoyed by the peoples of biblical times. While describing how ancient cooks prepared their foods, Cooking with the Bible also explains how contemporary cooks might use modern techniques and appliances to prepare each of the eighteen meals. To set the scene for each meal, the book examines the scriptural text in detail, describes the backstory for each, and, in the process, traces Judeo-Christian history from the ancient city of Ur to the lands of Egypt to the holy city of Jerusalem. Along the way, the reader will learn about the history of the bible itself. In the Middle East, eating was not and is not for daily sustenance alone—it is a way of life, and Cooking with the Bible reflects that reality, providing multiple feasts for the body, mind, and spirit. More information is available at: www.cookingwiththebible.com.

Each chapter begins with the menu for a biblical feast. A brief essay describing the theological, historical, and cultural significance of the feast follows. Next come separate recipes for the dishes served in the meal, followed by more commentary on the dish itself, preparation methods used in biblical times, and how the dish was served. Recipes for a wide variety of breads, stews, rice and lentil dishes, lamb, goat, fish and venison meals, vegetable salads and cakes are detailed, all of them carefully tested. Make delicious dishes such as Rice of Beersheba, Rebekah's Tasty Lamb Stew, Date and Walnut Bread, Ful Madames and Scrambled Eggs, Pistachio Crusted Sole, Bamya, Goat's Milk and Pomegranate Syrup Torte, Haroset a la Greque, Pesach Black Bread, Watermelon Soup with Ginger and Mint, Date Manna Bread, Oven-baked Perch with Tahini, Braided Challah with Poppy Seeds and Lemon, and Friendship Cake.