Whatnot

"What other church is there besides institutional? There's nobody who doesn't have problems with the church, because there's sin in the church."

"There's no idealization of the church in the Bible—none. We've got two thousand years of history now. Why are we so dumb?"
Eugene Peterson in a recent CT interview

I'm starting to believe this- particularly the 1st question

"What other church is there besides institutional?"

I'm really starting to believe this.

For a time I thought it was merely woundedness or frustration with our 10 month layover in GA. But it's more than that. I'm different now. And I haven't forsaken my youthful hope and idealism. I just want to see it work within the institution. Because what else is there? really. I want to identify and do identify with a tribe of Christians - I am a Christian from the Tribe of Vineyard.

That statement has in it pluses and minuses. I do not agree with all things Vineyard. I don't even like some things where I attend. But I claim them as my church family and with family, it's a mixed bag. You take what's there and you love it - often "in spite of."

that's all for now...........thanks for reading.

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reading and re-reading Matthew 16:21-28 I see that as Jesus message. You've heard it said in the past in politics "It's the economy, stupid." or "It's national security, stupid."

But Jesus tries to explain his destiny to Peter - that he will suffer and die and be raised up. Peter says "NO WAY, man."

But Jesus says "Yes, way, Peter - don't you get it - it's the kingdom, stupid."

(Above is the TimWheeler Paraphrase)
MSG vs. 24 "Anyone who intents to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering, embrace it."

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us - BUT wait Jesus, how can we embrace suffering
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Jesus (vs. 25ish) Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself?
VS 27 - Don't be in such a hurry to go into business for yourself. Before you know it the Son of Man will arrive with all the splendor of his Father... THIS ISN"T PIE IN THE SKY BY AND BY...
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This is KINGDOM - God's reality is not our reality. Our reality tells us "find yourself, accumulate things, start a business, be successful, ACCOMPLISH." God's reality says things like this "Embrace Suffering." "Self-Sacrifice is the way." "Jesus is in Charge - not me." And when we live life on those terms, God's terms, we are walking in His reality. and it's ever so real - not "PIE in the Sky by and by" but more real than anything we've ever experienced.

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side of house with yard 

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House and garage (garage behind pole) 

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