Genesis

Great conversation on the last post.  If your just checking this out its worth it to see the discussion still going under, "the Challenge". 

This image was only mentioned at the early service, but the symbolism is too awesome not to share with everyone... 

The sculpture is called "metamorphosis".  It is owned by a courageous missionary serving in a prison in Paraguay.  This is an extremely corrupt place where people are murdered on a regular basis, guards are bought and deadly weapons abound. 

Short story is that when men in this prison give their lives to Christ, as a symbol of their changed lives and hearts they turn over their weapons to John (the missionary).  John took three years worth of weapons and with the help of a sculpture put them together as a image of hope and love.  It is called metamorphosis because, what it did, "was to transform these weapons of hatred into weapons of love." 

Food for thought.  What an awesome image of giving up, surrending that which gets in the way of truly seeing what God has called us to be.  What an example of a changed heart.  Let's pray for this missionary and pray that we would have the courage to turn over the daggers in our hearts. 

If you want to read the article by John on this image, click on, "read more"

Well, here's your chance to respond, to rebuke, to take the challenge.  Some of the key points form this week's word.

    ...faith is deeper than belief. It is defined by our actions

    ...what in my life needs to be addressed, what is the priority?

    ...never underestimate the transfoming power of our God.

    ...what if we were known not for what we believed but for "the way" that we lived?

    ... why is it that -people in- (added based on T's comments) the church so often don't look any different than the world we live in?

    ... do you have accountability? 

    ...I've identified mine, at least one of them.  What's your TV?

    ...how can we as a community hold each other to this?

1 Peter 3:15 - "Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have." 

What do you think? 

If you haven't heard... this Sunday is Stan's last Sunday as our Genesis worship leader.  We are going to have a party afterward to thank him, honor him and of course eat some food.  I'm bringing the botchy ball (if that's how you spell it).  Let's let him know what a great impact he has had for the kingdom of God and on our community!

O.K.  maybe I should have titled this, "Start the discussion."  My hope is that this web site will be a place for all of us to drop comments, share insights and ask questions.  I also know that I don't know the best way for this to be used. 

Therefore, challenge number one: 

Would you offer some comments on what you think would be good things for us to do with this site... ie. Quote of the week, Songs you love, Questions about life, future message series, a What Ben meant to say column, should Stan bring back the goatee look? ...  

In all seriousness, what would benefit you?  What things would you like to hear about, talk about?  What question would you like to hear others respond to?   Click the comment button and let me know what your thoughts are.