Mark 1:1-3

Where else does one begin than at the beginning. Mark draws from creation imagery to begin the narrative of Jesus' life - a good news story. And as in the original beginning, G-D continues to be the main character.

In verse 3 we have an interesting construction. Is the voice calling "in the desert" or is the way of the L-RD to be prepared "in the desert"? Verse three could read (1): "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the L-RD'. OR it could be read (2): "A voice of one calling, 'In the desert prepare the way for the L-RD'. Nearly all translators have gone with the first reading; John's voice cries out in the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus. But if read the other way (2), we can see a call for all who are preparing a way for G-D must begin in the wilderness.

I wrote a previous blog about the wilderness, and one does not have to search the Bible and life to see that G-D prepares His people and His leaders by leading them into the wilderness. Where else could Jesus have gone, really?

Mark: An Introduction

Jeff Sproles and I are taking up a new project. We will memorize the book of Mark this year. Some of you may be asking, "Is that all?" While others say, "Why?" The first question is easy to answer - "Yes, that is all." The second, however, requires a little bit more of an explanation.

Jeff is on fire for Jesus right now, and it's contagious. Apparently, the book of Philippians wasn't enough for him - he's whizzing through that and needs more.

I had committed to memorize the four Gospel narratives by age 27 when I was 21 to a group of 87 students and faculty at Focus on the Family Institute. Well, I'm 28, and I only have one memorized.... And so, I'm picking it back up.

Along the way, I hope to share with you some insights I glean from my memorization as well as things I've picked up from my travels and studies.

And so, without further adieu, the book of Mark.

In Waiting

It's tough to be in waiting, wondering where G-D will lead. I have three part-part-time jobs - worship ministry, blinds, and Sunday night teaching. Jamie is working her hardest at a job she hates. The in-laws are in our house. We are in my parents' house. Just kinda stuck....

G-D prepares people in the wilderness and as glamorous as I make it sound in my thoughts or through words, when you are personally there, it's hard. I wonder what G-D has around the corner. I wonder where it will be. And in the midst of that wonder I wait, and wait, and wait. (And memories of Casablanca come into my head.)

But this time does afford possibilities. I'm learning new things, getting back into memorizing, and generally enjoying sleeping in till 8am. I am not reading as much as I should, so hopefully will get into that soon.

I can't wait to see what G-D will do next!

House

It's official. Jamie and I have purchased our first house, and we're really excited about it. We've already ripped out some things in the guest bathroom, but hope to have it back up to par by the time Jamie's parents get here this weekend.

In other news, school has resumed. I'm taking some good classes this semester and look forward to the learning. We have a new puppy name Reyah Mousse who is a cute chocolate lab.

I think that covers our average lives up to date;-)

Classes

Well, I've completed the first week of course work, which is always the easiest because all we usually do is go over syllabi. I'm excited about the semester, and should be learning a lot!

Here are some things to chew on regarding church models:

1) Legacy churches. These churches are event-driven places that focus on large gatherings (usually every Sunday). Emphasis is placed on participation in the various sponsored activities.

2) Cell-based churches. These churches place importance on both small-group meetings and large assemblies. Events are still important, but equally granted is the emphasis on community.

3) House churches. These churches take place in a home, and they focus primarily on community and ministries within their spheres of influence.

4) Residential churches. These churches live life together. The focus is to commune together on almost all levels of living (eating, working, playing, etc.).

One can see differences and similarities between these. Some churches are hybrids of these four basic models. Shifts from "church" as "place" and "church" as "people" is more evident as one moves down the list.

A good way to see where you are (in your mind) would be to ask: Did I feel guilty about missing "church" Sunday? Or, do I have close friends around with whom I can share my life (job, house, meals) for extended periods of time?

Just food for thought....

Shalom,

Geoff

Classes

I've officially registered for classes; here they are: Spiritual Formation with David Wray, Introduction to Philosophy of Religion with Fred Aquino, Managing Conflict in Churches with Charles Siburt (pending), and Growth in Established Churches with Kent Smith.

I'm excited about the semester!

Shalom aleikhem (peace be upon you all)!

Jamie and I are moving into the mother-in-law suite behind my parents' house, and the process has been a little slower than we thought. STUFF adds up, and we're STILL unpacking. We're trying to get things in order, but the boxes keep showing up in odd places. Fortunately, however, we have cleared space in the closet and in our "bedroom" space, so at least we're making progress.

Other than that, we're loving TX, and this little apartment is growing on us all the time. Poncha Bear has been a little stressed with the move, but he and Lucy (my family's dog) have had some good quality time and have calmed down.

Jamie's doing well, but is still on the search for a job. We've hoped to hear from ACU, but so far, no nibbles. We'll keep trying and see where G-D leads.

I think the L-RD likes it when His children are in this position of dependence.

And so, the journey continues....