The past couple weeks, actually I could even say the beginning of the New Year has been awesome, and AWE in every sense of the word.
Have had plenty of study opportunities, especially with the start of the new group I started called ACTing Out ACTS! Also, have had plenty of speaking engagements which have been both a blessing and trying.
So, the latest message that has been on my mind came from the Acting Out: ACTS study, we read through ACTS 1 and 2. Acts chapter one has always had a serious yet humorous tone to me, since we see the disciples at their lowest point after the crucifixion of Christ, (they are confused and seemingly defeated), then at the greatest point, (in which breeds a different form of confusion).
Acts 1 speaks about the proofs we have of the resurrection and the power we have received as witnesses to proclaim the gospel. But, what is the next action- stupefied! The apostles are depicted as being in so much awe of the ascension that they stand staring into the sky. HELLO! We have proof and power, GO!
Such a message for us in these times as well!
I have just read through Shane Claiborne’s book, The Irresistible Revolution for the 2nd time. Yes, the book is that good. I want to share some thoughts…
We seriously need to “experiment with the gospel”, that is what Shane and his community are trying to do. All of this is in an effort to “question the sanity of the consumer culture, the distorted priorities of the global economy, and the methodology of the welfare state…” It is long over due that we begin “rediscovering the Biblical reversal of our social logic”.
I love how Shane compared the “unbelieving activists” and the “inactive believers”. Oh, how these two disturb me and get me fired up! On one end the unbelieving activist needs to see salvation as saving our souls from sin and that salvation does not end with us, but in turn the inactive believer needs to see that we also need to see salvation as saving the world from this even system and that salvation does begin with us doing something!
“…another world is possible”. Isn’t that the rally call of the gospel? I see the problem as does Shane, that we sit at the foot of the cross, cry, worship, and lay our lives down, but never pick the cross up and follow Christ. Without mission, this doesn’t make much sense. Hypocrisy and millions of other “church issues” come from lacking mission, it simply gets boring!!!
The Word of God must not become stale in our minds and hearts. The minute that the Word is not pushing you to a reckless faith, you need to question your “Christian scholarship”. ..Ha ha shout to to Soren Kieregard.
How about Church by this definition? “A people on the margins giving birth to another way of living, a new community marked by interdependence and sacrificial love”. Yeah, that leaves me speechless too!
Galatians 2:20 becomes to hold a new meaning when we truly understand that seeing Christ through us is important to the lost. As Shane references many times the term “Namaste”, which means “I see God in you”. We need to “spend our lives for others”, or even as the book of Isaiah says “pour out our lives unto death”.
Here is my plea from my heart utilizing the words from Shane’s book:
“The doors of normalcy and conformity are dead. The time has come to give up on the doors and find a window to climb through. It’s a little more dangerous and may get you into some trouble, but it’s a heck of a lot more fun. And the people who have changed the world have always been the risk-takers who climb through windows while the rest of the world just walks in and out of doors…”
“We need converts in the best sense of the word, people who are marked by the renewing of their minds and imaginations, who no longer conform to the pattern that is destroying our world. Otherwise, we have only believers, and believers are a dime a dozen now a days. What the world needs is people who believe so much in another world that they cannot help but begin enacting it now” That’s it, honestly, I can sit and quote the whole book to you, yeah once again, its that good! Let the MUSTARD SEED REVOLUTION begin!!! Note- really read about the significance of the mustard seed, one word, Wow!
So in conclusion, as I said in a message I spoke last night. We need to start being risk takers for the Kingdom of God. We need to storm the gates of hell and save the lost and redeem the world all through and for Christ Jesus. As a new wise friend said to me last night, “we need to set up our tents next to hell, and save souls from the fire”. AMEN
Thanks for reading!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Years Resolution
Ok, well it’s the 4th, so therefore it is officially 2010. The weekend is over and now its back to the normal life for 2010. I did some research on New Year’s resolutions and it has been said that 40-45% of Americans make resolutions. If you make a resolution you are more than 10 times more likely to accomplish your goals, than those who fail to make resolutions. Gabriella and I both made signs to put on the wall that list our resolutions (great idea right, ok fine it was her idea!!)
This resolution is my vow to God! In accordance with Psalm 61:8 “Then will I ever sing praise to Your Name and fulfill my vows day after day”.
In 2010 I vow to:
Pursue Righteousness (refer to Matthew 5 and Psalms 119)
Simplify my life
Become a prayer warrior and step my prayer game up (January through March- prayer endeavor, pray the divine hours throughout the year, pray that Psalms, and have more intimate time with the Father)
Love life with Gabriella (live it, love it, and express it)
Live with missional courage and imagination (Acting Out-ACTS, 1st Century Apostle attitude, newsworthy “epic” life, daily ask what God would have me to do)
More relational (spend time with friends actually hanging out rather than meetings and such)
Do P90X with Gabriella (yeah, ask her about that one!!)
Accomplish more Bucket List ideas
These are my vows before you (the reader) and God, in the name of Christ Jesus.
X.) Michael Miano
Also, will be going out today with the endeavor of using the resolution concept to get others to make resolutions and hear the gospel! Pray for Christ to blast His awesome power through 2010!
Also, checkout the latest on Acting Out- ACTS
http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php#
This resolution is my vow to God! In accordance with Psalm 61:8 “Then will I ever sing praise to Your Name and fulfill my vows day after day”.
In 2010 I vow to:
Pursue Righteousness (refer to Matthew 5 and Psalms 119)
Simplify my life
Become a prayer warrior and step my prayer game up (January through March- prayer endeavor, pray the divine hours throughout the year, pray that Psalms, and have more intimate time with the Father)
Love life with Gabriella (live it, love it, and express it)
Live with missional courage and imagination (Acting Out-ACTS, 1st Century Apostle attitude, newsworthy “epic” life, daily ask what God would have me to do)
More relational (spend time with friends actually hanging out rather than meetings and such)
Do P90X with Gabriella (yeah, ask her about that one!!)
Accomplish more Bucket List ideas
These are my vows before you (the reader) and God, in the name of Christ Jesus.
X.) Michael Miano
Also, will be going out today with the endeavor of using the resolution concept to get others to make resolutions and hear the gospel! Pray for Christ to blast His awesome power through 2010!
Also, checkout the latest on Acting Out- ACTS
http://www.weebly.com/weebly/main.php#
Sunday, January 3, 2010
End of 2009 Re-cap
The year 2009, started with plans to start Freaked-Out Fellowship as a ministry endeavor. As I was still working through ideas with the Tribe of Dan Ministry. Looking back at notes from March, my main concern was the strategy and over all idea of the Tribe of Dan. I was beginning to feel as if we were too busy trying to create or build a ministry, when our calling is to DO ministry.
Also, another common theme I see dating back to March 2009, was the search and enhancing of my calling in the Kingdom of God. I had written “Goal- To help people find themselves and express it”. A great impacting throughout those times was the podcasts from Elevation Church.
A Spirit-filled message I received through prayer in April 2009, was “Be prepared for when the blessings come, the vision manifests, because much will be required”. That was an answer to my concerns about my calling, personal ministry work, and even the overall vision. I know the Lord is still at work in me in an effort to build Godly character.
By the end of April 2009, I began to put serious thought into the planning of Freaked-Out Fellowship, and was using Pastor Matt Keller’s book, Up The Middle Church, as a reference guide. A great mentor into my Christian walk was Pastor Alex from First Assembly of God, Fort Myers. He provided so much counseling and discussion time to push me further as a man of God. (I just realized he introduced me to the ministry of Francis Chan, but yet I read Crazy Love before he did, how ironic, ha ha ha).
In May, I had a meeting with pastor Matt Keller from Next Level Church, concerning the start up of Freaked-Out Fellowship. He offered advice into seeking my calling and also gave me the push to start up FOF. Also, Mark Batterson podcast’s were a valuable resource!
In June, I decided to embark on a book of Acts commentary idea. I have to sideline many other Spirit-filled leaders who promise that if you read through the book of Acts as a follower of Christ, you will be renewed, strengthened, and challenged!! I still talk about that journey today, and have my notes listed on the Freaked-Out Fellowship webpage (http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com).
June 22,2009 I gave my own definition to the term “Jesus Freak”- “let all that is in me out for the glory of God”! woohoo! Glory to God in the highest! Much respect and admiration for DC TALK and Voice of the Martyrs for the music and books. Also, in June thanks to the podcasts by Mark Batterson, I developed my “bucket list”. Still at work, slow and steady. Some things I have fulfilled since making it would be:
Open-Air preaching, Creating a street evangelism team, buy something for a complete stranger, become the guy who will talk to anyone, read through the message Bible (New Testament), eat a meal with the homeless, go to church dressed like a prophet, find and thank a teacher for all that they did for me, try Ezekiel Bread, Preach door to door…To be continued.
As far as those goals I could see myself doing this year:
Visit a monastery, have children (ha ha ha just playing Gabriella, not yet..), preach in prison, pray daily times of prayer, go on a cruise with Gabriella, go to the Holy Land Experience, do a 40 day fast, help and witness Gabriella with a bucket list, witness a NT miracle, attend a leadership conference, take Gabriella on an awesome adventure, raise $ for a charity, run/walk a marathon for a cause, visit a new monastic environment. WISH ME LUCK!!!
My personal mission statement developed as “Creating ( or building up) Jesus Freaks”.
Around the middle of the year, I began to meet with an awesome group of guys to study through the Truth Project. We developed relationships and had conversations that will impact eternity! (Shout out to Rob, Paul, Mark, and Cha, we can include Joe as well!)
Gabriella and I, had an awesome year. We experienced a lot of growth, through times of blessing and times of trial. Many people have posed the concept of marriage to us, and that alone has provided area for growth. We continue on as a happy couple, going through the life in LOVE.
When I first came to Christ, I experienced a lot of dreams. I still have a small journal that I had kept record. As I venture through this years thoughts and notes, I realize I haven’t had too many dream occurrences. October 7, 2009, I left a note concerning a series of dreams I had in response to a prayer of God making clear what I should be doing. 1st dream- Proclaim was the word of the day and I defined it. 2nd dream- I was a witness in a courtroom trial. 3rd dream- woke up and started to get ready 3 hours before I had to, couldn’t stop thinking about urgency. PROCLAIM, WITNESS, URGENCY!
Looking through notes of October and November, I see a common theme. Basically, a discontentment with the state of the Church, and our lack of true follower-ship. A study into New Monasticism as well as re-occurring thoughts into the life of the Apostles had caused this. Noticing that we, as the body of Christ, have compromised the mission and the gospel. Thinking through ideas of the persecuted church also had impacted this.
Late November and heading into December, up until now, has been a journey into defining discipleship. I am currently working on some ideas for re-creating discipleship in the lives of believers and non-believers. Acting Out- ACTS!
Look forward to New Year resolutions!
Great books I read in 09’:
The Renegades Guide to God by David Foster
The Unexpected Adventure by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg
The Gospel According to Starbucks
Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram
The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon
Primal by Mark Batterson
And finishing off the year with, The Year of Living Like Jesus by Ed Dobson.
Also, another common theme I see dating back to March 2009, was the search and enhancing of my calling in the Kingdom of God. I had written “Goal- To help people find themselves and express it”. A great impacting throughout those times was the podcasts from Elevation Church.
A Spirit-filled message I received through prayer in April 2009, was “Be prepared for when the blessings come, the vision manifests, because much will be required”. That was an answer to my concerns about my calling, personal ministry work, and even the overall vision. I know the Lord is still at work in me in an effort to build Godly character.
By the end of April 2009, I began to put serious thought into the planning of Freaked-Out Fellowship, and was using Pastor Matt Keller’s book, Up The Middle Church, as a reference guide. A great mentor into my Christian walk was Pastor Alex from First Assembly of God, Fort Myers. He provided so much counseling and discussion time to push me further as a man of God. (I just realized he introduced me to the ministry of Francis Chan, but yet I read Crazy Love before he did, how ironic, ha ha ha).
In May, I had a meeting with pastor Matt Keller from Next Level Church, concerning the start up of Freaked-Out Fellowship. He offered advice into seeking my calling and also gave me the push to start up FOF. Also, Mark Batterson podcast’s were a valuable resource!
In June, I decided to embark on a book of Acts commentary idea. I have to sideline many other Spirit-filled leaders who promise that if you read through the book of Acts as a follower of Christ, you will be renewed, strengthened, and challenged!! I still talk about that journey today, and have my notes listed on the Freaked-Out Fellowship webpage (http://www.freakedoutfellowship.weebly.com).
June 22,2009 I gave my own definition to the term “Jesus Freak”- “let all that is in me out for the glory of God”! woohoo! Glory to God in the highest! Much respect and admiration for DC TALK and Voice of the Martyrs for the music and books. Also, in June thanks to the podcasts by Mark Batterson, I developed my “bucket list”. Still at work, slow and steady. Some things I have fulfilled since making it would be:
Open-Air preaching, Creating a street evangelism team, buy something for a complete stranger, become the guy who will talk to anyone, read through the message Bible (New Testament), eat a meal with the homeless, go to church dressed like a prophet, find and thank a teacher for all that they did for me, try Ezekiel Bread, Preach door to door…To be continued.
As far as those goals I could see myself doing this year:
Visit a monastery, have children (ha ha ha just playing Gabriella, not yet..), preach in prison, pray daily times of prayer, go on a cruise with Gabriella, go to the Holy Land Experience, do a 40 day fast, help and witness Gabriella with a bucket list, witness a NT miracle, attend a leadership conference, take Gabriella on an awesome adventure, raise $ for a charity, run/walk a marathon for a cause, visit a new monastic environment. WISH ME LUCK!!!
My personal mission statement developed as “Creating ( or building up) Jesus Freaks”.
Around the middle of the year, I began to meet with an awesome group of guys to study through the Truth Project. We developed relationships and had conversations that will impact eternity! (Shout out to Rob, Paul, Mark, and Cha, we can include Joe as well!)
Gabriella and I, had an awesome year. We experienced a lot of growth, through times of blessing and times of trial. Many people have posed the concept of marriage to us, and that alone has provided area for growth. We continue on as a happy couple, going through the life in LOVE.
When I first came to Christ, I experienced a lot of dreams. I still have a small journal that I had kept record. As I venture through this years thoughts and notes, I realize I haven’t had too many dream occurrences. October 7, 2009, I left a note concerning a series of dreams I had in response to a prayer of God making clear what I should be doing. 1st dream- Proclaim was the word of the day and I defined it. 2nd dream- I was a witness in a courtroom trial. 3rd dream- woke up and started to get ready 3 hours before I had to, couldn’t stop thinking about urgency. PROCLAIM, WITNESS, URGENCY!
Looking through notes of October and November, I see a common theme. Basically, a discontentment with the state of the Church, and our lack of true follower-ship. A study into New Monasticism as well as re-occurring thoughts into the life of the Apostles had caused this. Noticing that we, as the body of Christ, have compromised the mission and the gospel. Thinking through ideas of the persecuted church also had impacted this.
Late November and heading into December, up until now, has been a journey into defining discipleship. I am currently working on some ideas for re-creating discipleship in the lives of believers and non-believers. Acting Out- ACTS!
Look forward to New Year resolutions!
Great books I read in 09’:
The Renegades Guide to God by David Foster
The Unexpected Adventure by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg
The Gospel According to Starbucks
Holy Ambition by Chip Ingram
The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon
Primal by Mark Batterson
And finishing off the year with, The Year of Living Like Jesus by Ed Dobson.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Intension of Mission in New York (and some other thoughts)
The Intension of Mission in New York
This last week, I visited New York. Gabriella and I went to see friends and family, but I wanted to follow Christ for the Spirit of Christmas. I decided I wanted to go to NYC and spend time with the homeless.
“In the poor we find Jesus in His most distressing of disguises” – Mother Teresa
This idea started with the concept of spending three days on the streets of Manhattan. I had many ideas from open air preaching, loving on the homeless, and other books of Acts activities. As the weeks closed in on the time I would be going, plans got changed and I had to go for 2 nights in NYC. Still had all the anticipation in the world!
Finally, the day came. A friend of mine had said he wanted to join me, and I took this as a perfect opportunity to share the gospel and work toward discipleship. So, that day he decided not to wake up until 4pm. At the train station we met with some Christians evangelists who offered prayer and the million dollar bill tracts. So all in all, we ended up getting out there by 7pm.
As we set foot in NYC, I felt a sense of discouragement. I struggled against it and said I have committed myself to mission. We met a man who was raising money for a homeless charity, he himself was homeless. We talked with him for a while, shared testimonies (He had more faith than many Christians I know). Then, I met a man at McDonalds. He was very much in a hurry and just wanted $5 to get something to eat, so I gave him the money, asked his name, and prayed for him. (His name was really long and hard to pronounce- I know him as the guy who kind of looked like Borat).
As the time went on, I just didn’t feel the push like I originally had. I remember walking quietly behind my group of friends, and praying “But God I checked my motives, my attitude, and the concept makes perfect sense, where is the “Holy Spirit shove”?
We stayed in NYC until 3am that night, yes it was freezing, very bearable though.
That night I prayed and cried to God, why didn’t this go as planned? That was it!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9)”.
Quite humbling. Just when I think I have been humbled enough by the Lord, He continues to showing me it is Him who is Lord. Thanks be to God!
My Personal Survey of the Homeless People in NYC
To be quite honest, the homeless seem to be going at things pretty well. Most the homeless people in New York City are working as boosters or asking for change, quite boldly might I add. This trip I didn’t not see not even 1 sign that the homeless are famous for, as compared to the sign I bought right here in Fort Myers, Fl, from a homeless man.
I would extend thanks and support to the churches and outreaches in NYC that seem to be caring well for the homeless and the needs.
A Letter to My Friends and other Long Islanders
This past week I spent time on Long Island. I write this with the intension of sharing my thoughts during this trip.
Before I ventured to NY, I prayed that God would give me the wisdom to act in the ways needed to further the Gospel in the lives of my friends and loved ones. One particular thought that came to mind was that I needed to be relatable. In the words of Scripture, “All this to all men, that way I might save a few (I Corinthians 9:22-23)”. Last visit, I somewhat distanced myself, this visit I would “hang out”.
We had some good times and some rough times. But as I began to drive home, entering into the state of New Jersey, I began to think, “Did I make it serious enough? Today is the day of salvation!”
My heart and insight for Long Island is this:
You all need an elevated mindset. I wish I could take you into the Spiritual realm and show you why certain things you are doing and not doing just don’t make much sense. There is so much more. I can’t help but feel as if many of you are just getting by rather than truly living life. You only have one life to live, and I’m not talking about going “buck wild” but what about the greater things in life. Don’t push off importance until tomorrow.
Jesus Christ said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” There is another way to do life, there is another truth to understand, and more purpose-filled life to be lived.
Really..Look around? Heroin Epidemic, job loss, everyone making babies,….etc,
What do you have to lose?
The Million Dollar Question
The million dollar question is: Where will you go when you die?
Many Christian evangelists use these million dollar bills as gospel tracts and I would like to add some detail. I myself, have taken a vow to no longer just hand out tracts that have the whole you are a sinner, repent, and be saved “gospel” on them. The gospel of Jesus Christ has a lot more to say than just you are a sinner, repent and be saved. Actually, the good news is that even thought you will always be a sinner, there is another way to live. We do need to repent, and live a life through missional transformation. The gospel truly is: there is abundant life in following Christ and being transformed and renewed as you follow Him.
We need to add the abundant life aspect and follow-ship to the gospel when we hand out these tracts or else we are misleading the lost.
I have blogged about this view of the gospel before:
http://newsfromthetribe.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-is-this.html
This last week, I visited New York. Gabriella and I went to see friends and family, but I wanted to follow Christ for the Spirit of Christmas. I decided I wanted to go to NYC and spend time with the homeless.
“In the poor we find Jesus in His most distressing of disguises” – Mother Teresa
This idea started with the concept of spending three days on the streets of Manhattan. I had many ideas from open air preaching, loving on the homeless, and other books of Acts activities. As the weeks closed in on the time I would be going, plans got changed and I had to go for 2 nights in NYC. Still had all the anticipation in the world!
Finally, the day came. A friend of mine had said he wanted to join me, and I took this as a perfect opportunity to share the gospel and work toward discipleship. So, that day he decided not to wake up until 4pm. At the train station we met with some Christians evangelists who offered prayer and the million dollar bill tracts. So all in all, we ended up getting out there by 7pm.
As we set foot in NYC, I felt a sense of discouragement. I struggled against it and said I have committed myself to mission. We met a man who was raising money for a homeless charity, he himself was homeless. We talked with him for a while, shared testimonies (He had more faith than many Christians I know). Then, I met a man at McDonalds. He was very much in a hurry and just wanted $5 to get something to eat, so I gave him the money, asked his name, and prayed for him. (His name was really long and hard to pronounce- I know him as the guy who kind of looked like Borat).
As the time went on, I just didn’t feel the push like I originally had. I remember walking quietly behind my group of friends, and praying “But God I checked my motives, my attitude, and the concept makes perfect sense, where is the “Holy Spirit shove”?
We stayed in NYC until 3am that night, yes it was freezing, very bearable though.
That night I prayed and cried to God, why didn’t this go as planned? That was it!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9)”.
Quite humbling. Just when I think I have been humbled enough by the Lord, He continues to showing me it is Him who is Lord. Thanks be to God!
My Personal Survey of the Homeless People in NYC
To be quite honest, the homeless seem to be going at things pretty well. Most the homeless people in New York City are working as boosters or asking for change, quite boldly might I add. This trip I didn’t not see not even 1 sign that the homeless are famous for, as compared to the sign I bought right here in Fort Myers, Fl, from a homeless man.
I would extend thanks and support to the churches and outreaches in NYC that seem to be caring well for the homeless and the needs.
A Letter to My Friends and other Long Islanders
This past week I spent time on Long Island. I write this with the intension of sharing my thoughts during this trip.
Before I ventured to NY, I prayed that God would give me the wisdom to act in the ways needed to further the Gospel in the lives of my friends and loved ones. One particular thought that came to mind was that I needed to be relatable. In the words of Scripture, “All this to all men, that way I might save a few (I Corinthians 9:22-23)”. Last visit, I somewhat distanced myself, this visit I would “hang out”.
We had some good times and some rough times. But as I began to drive home, entering into the state of New Jersey, I began to think, “Did I make it serious enough? Today is the day of salvation!”
My heart and insight for Long Island is this:
You all need an elevated mindset. I wish I could take you into the Spiritual realm and show you why certain things you are doing and not doing just don’t make much sense. There is so much more. I can’t help but feel as if many of you are just getting by rather than truly living life. You only have one life to live, and I’m not talking about going “buck wild” but what about the greater things in life. Don’t push off importance until tomorrow.
Jesus Christ said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” There is another way to do life, there is another truth to understand, and more purpose-filled life to be lived.
Really..Look around? Heroin Epidemic, job loss, everyone making babies,….etc,
What do you have to lose?
The Million Dollar Question
The million dollar question is: Where will you go when you die?
Many Christian evangelists use these million dollar bills as gospel tracts and I would like to add some detail. I myself, have taken a vow to no longer just hand out tracts that have the whole you are a sinner, repent, and be saved “gospel” on them. The gospel of Jesus Christ has a lot more to say than just you are a sinner, repent and be saved. Actually, the good news is that even thought you will always be a sinner, there is another way to live. We do need to repent, and live a life through missional transformation. The gospel truly is: there is abundant life in following Christ and being transformed and renewed as you follow Him.
We need to add the abundant life aspect and follow-ship to the gospel when we hand out these tracts or else we are misleading the lost.
I have blogged about this view of the gospel before:
http://newsfromthetribe.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-is-this.html
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Primitive Christianity
I just finished reading Mark Batterson’s latest book, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. To be completely honest, when I first received the book in the mail and read the back and inside panel, a sense of disappointment gripped me. “A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity” is a very deep saying, and a similar quest is going on in various circles as we speak. When I read the brief descriptions, I questioned whether or not Pastor Mark would be able to give “primitive Christianity” its due respect.
As I read on, I realized I was wrong. Mark Batterson was to bring us back to simplicity and remind us of the most important aspects of the faith we claim. As stated by Batterson,
“Many Christians settle for simplicity on the near side of complexity. Their faith is only mind deep. They know what they believe, but they don’t know why they believe what they believe. Their faith is fragile because it has never been tested intellectually or experientially”.
We all know the Great Commandment that which I think we fail to internalize, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength”. How many times have we recited this without thinking it through? Mr. Batterson breaks down the deeper thought of heart, mind, soul, and strength in ways I have never thought of.
As with all his books, Mark describes and explains things so well. Reminds me of a parable being told by Jesus Christ Himself, even if you don’t understand what he says, read further and you will. That’s the faith we can have in Mark Batterson as a writer.
The four elements that Mark described Great Commandment Christianity with, on the inside cover of the book, began to take on new meaning as you read through the book. Sure, you know and can define compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power, but let me say the way Mark Batterson adds personal testimony and descriptive insights of an intelligent mind, give you a sense of a true quest.
If I had to say one thing about how this book showed me a sense of primitive Christianity and the character of the author, Mark Batterson, I would say this;
Mark Batterson is an excellent example of a modern day apostle equipped with experiential stories, vast knowledge told in a parabolic way, and truly a life worth talking about. Without being to “blasphemous”, let me say, this book is a great addition to the Book of Acts!
Go out, get this book for the beginning of 2010. Read it, and let’s “start a coup de compassion the likes of which has not been seen since the first century”.
As I read on, I realized I was wrong. Mark Batterson was to bring us back to simplicity and remind us of the most important aspects of the faith we claim. As stated by Batterson,
“Many Christians settle for simplicity on the near side of complexity. Their faith is only mind deep. They know what they believe, but they don’t know why they believe what they believe. Their faith is fragile because it has never been tested intellectually or experientially”.
We all know the Great Commandment that which I think we fail to internalize, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul, and strength”. How many times have we recited this without thinking it through? Mr. Batterson breaks down the deeper thought of heart, mind, soul, and strength in ways I have never thought of.
As with all his books, Mark describes and explains things so well. Reminds me of a parable being told by Jesus Christ Himself, even if you don’t understand what he says, read further and you will. That’s the faith we can have in Mark Batterson as a writer.
The four elements that Mark described Great Commandment Christianity with, on the inside cover of the book, began to take on new meaning as you read through the book. Sure, you know and can define compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power, but let me say the way Mark Batterson adds personal testimony and descriptive insights of an intelligent mind, give you a sense of a true quest.
If I had to say one thing about how this book showed me a sense of primitive Christianity and the character of the author, Mark Batterson, I would say this;
Mark Batterson is an excellent example of a modern day apostle equipped with experiential stories, vast knowledge told in a parabolic way, and truly a life worth talking about. Without being to “blasphemous”, let me say, this book is a great addition to the Book of Acts!
Go out, get this book for the beginning of 2010. Read it, and let’s “start a coup de compassion the likes of which has not been seen since the first century”.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Prophetic Imagination and the Gossip of a Missional Christian
Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and King!
It has been a while, I hope everyone's "holy day season" is being blessed and will continue to be.
Well, to get right into it, I cannot begin to do this topic proper justice, but I will make an attempt. I seek to express my heart of these 2 vitally important aspects of our walk with Christ.
What is "prophetic imagination"? Basically the imagination Jesus Christ had, even more so the essence of God. Think about it. God uses some seriously interesting ways to reach people, a burning bush, a talking donkey, and the best of all, God putting on flesh! As stated by Shane Claiborne, "Until we have the sort of imagination that Jesus had to upstage hoarding and to celebrate a dream more liberating than the American dream, nothing will change".
If I had to define prophetic imagination, I would say its using the Holy Spirit creative force to reach the masses with the Gospel. Picture all the ideas...!!!
Just to reference, and now I am ashamed I even attempted to write this blog before reading..
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann.
Now, using the prophetic imagination think about the mission. As Christians we are commanded to be on mission, spreading the gospel of Christ Jesus. All of us!!!
So, if we use this "prophetic imagination" in our everyday life, to fully persuade others of the truth that is in the gospel, what would our conversations be like.
I truly believe, that if we as Christian, devoted Christ-followers, begin to fully understand and live out the mission of Christ, we will "turn the world upside-down", just as the Apostles did in the 1st Century!
We have to become missional, and this will radically revolutionize everything we think we understand about the "Christian life".
Our Church gathering will be more than a song, dance, and sermon - rather it will be a time to gather as Believers and share and express all that the Lord is doing through us in our community.
Our lives will be so consumed with purpose we will not have as much worry or complacency of the whole sin matter.
Our Gospel (Good news of Christ) will make so much more sense to the world that so desperately needs it. Rather than repent and believe, it will be repent and live. Live this life that makes so much more sense.
And our conversation....
What did you and fellow Christians talk about after Church this week? gossip?
Consider, this...We will actually be able to gather and impact lives by all that the Lord is doing through us..Think of all the stories the 1st Century Believers could share! Or even more, think of the Chinese Church and how many stories they can tell! We have fallen short!
If and when we begin to follow the Jesus Christ, that SENT OUT the Believers, we can begin to be CHRISTIAN SUPER-HEROES!
Yes more to come....
Love to the body of Christ,
and a broken heart for the lost,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
Michael Miano
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. (I Thessalonians 2:8)
It has been a while, I hope everyone's "holy day season" is being blessed and will continue to be.
Well, to get right into it, I cannot begin to do this topic proper justice, but I will make an attempt. I seek to express my heart of these 2 vitally important aspects of our walk with Christ.
What is "prophetic imagination"? Basically the imagination Jesus Christ had, even more so the essence of God. Think about it. God uses some seriously interesting ways to reach people, a burning bush, a talking donkey, and the best of all, God putting on flesh! As stated by Shane Claiborne, "Until we have the sort of imagination that Jesus had to upstage hoarding and to celebrate a dream more liberating than the American dream, nothing will change".
If I had to define prophetic imagination, I would say its using the Holy Spirit creative force to reach the masses with the Gospel. Picture all the ideas...!!!
Just to reference, and now I am ashamed I even attempted to write this blog before reading..
The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann.
Now, using the prophetic imagination think about the mission. As Christians we are commanded to be on mission, spreading the gospel of Christ Jesus. All of us!!!
So, if we use this "prophetic imagination" in our everyday life, to fully persuade others of the truth that is in the gospel, what would our conversations be like.
I truly believe, that if we as Christian, devoted Christ-followers, begin to fully understand and live out the mission of Christ, we will "turn the world upside-down", just as the Apostles did in the 1st Century!
We have to become missional, and this will radically revolutionize everything we think we understand about the "Christian life".
Our Church gathering will be more than a song, dance, and sermon - rather it will be a time to gather as Believers and share and express all that the Lord is doing through us in our community.
Our lives will be so consumed with purpose we will not have as much worry or complacency of the whole sin matter.
Our Gospel (Good news of Christ) will make so much more sense to the world that so desperately needs it. Rather than repent and believe, it will be repent and live. Live this life that makes so much more sense.
And our conversation....
What did you and fellow Christians talk about after Church this week? gossip?
Consider, this...We will actually be able to gather and impact lives by all that the Lord is doing through us..Think of all the stories the 1st Century Believers could share! Or even more, think of the Chinese Church and how many stories they can tell! We have fallen short!
If and when we begin to follow the Jesus Christ, that SENT OUT the Believers, we can begin to be CHRISTIAN SUPER-HEROES!
Yes more to come....
Love to the body of Christ,
and a broken heart for the lost,
in the name of Jesus Christ,
Michael Miano
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. (I Thessalonians 2:8)
Monday, November 16, 2009
What is this?
Yes, thats the title, because that is what I am sitting here saying about this whole thing we call "Church". Suprised?
Well, its been a while since I blogged so a little update...I finished reading "An Irresistible Revolution" (yes, the book was awesome, thats a whole other topic in and of itself). I have been listening to alot of Francis Chan sermons, so I have been getting fed some serious Spiritual meat. Also, been delving into mennonite studies and New Monastics. So, its safe to assume, this will be a "radical" blog.
Main thought- WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
So lately I have been thinking, what really is the good news? Is it the Spiritual "pie in the sky" message many preach, or how about the plain and simple, "social gospel"? It's very clean that we need to be clear on this because Scripture makes it quite clear that there are true and false gospels out there (2 Corinthians 11:4 & Galatians 1:9; and the devil is not a complete idiot to try and pass off something that is totally out there).
Yes, I put my study skills to use. Through studying I realized that the true Gospel of Christ Jesus is very Spiritual and also very practical, but in no way is the gospel tracks of I have seen the gospel of Christ. So I have taken a vow not to hand out these "gospel tracks" anymore. Bye Bye, "This could be your last 5 minutes alive" (that was the title of my latest set of 100 tracks).
As Christians would should be displaying the "kingdom of heaven on earth". Thats what this is all about "the kingdom of God" (refer to my first couple blogs). We yell to the unbelieving masses, "There is another way!!!". Most people are unsatisfied and are living a life totally outside God's best for them. Basically, feeding the pigs (read through Luke 15:11-31).
Th ultimate message of the Gospel of Christ is "come home", be who God created you to be, and live the life God has predestined for you. Why you ask? Because you know that this world has nothing to offer, look around, look within yourself...Let's be real!
Here is a brief essay I wrote the other day titled "A Compromised Mission".
Have we, the Christians compromised the mission? Do we focus on seemingly insignificant things in an effort to avoid having to deal with the real issues (lets say post-modernism)? I.E.- Materialistic culture, apathetic Christianity, lukewarm faith which has led us to a lack of persecution, lack of care and concern for the lost, this new version of "churchianity". Or even worse, do we focus on these things as a cover-up because we like what we have now, rather than going back to the ways of the 1st Century church? Look at the fruit then!!!
I always say "its not necessarily what you do that is sin, but rather what you dont do". Think about the gospel centered life, is it about being a sinless puritan or rather in the gospel a message of a whole different way of life? Doesnt scripture teach us that God will prune us of sin? Was sin a NT church focus? What does the church in China have to say about "our gospel"? What do they focus on? The mission! What if we focus on the mission, and allow God to do the work in us, rather than have a self-centered, create a partal sanitized life gospel?
Dont compromise the mission!!!
What about our faith is worth dying for? What is the "gospel"?
The unbeliever says- "wow this life sucks!"
Christians following Christ should be yelling back- "There is another way, the kingdom of
God stands in opposition to the ways of this world that dont lead to happiness. Where this world leads to death and destruction, the gospel of Christ leads to peace and abundant life!
Well, its been a while since I blogged so a little update...I finished reading "An Irresistible Revolution" (yes, the book was awesome, thats a whole other topic in and of itself). I have been listening to alot of Francis Chan sermons, so I have been getting fed some serious Spiritual meat. Also, been delving into mennonite studies and New Monastics. So, its safe to assume, this will be a "radical" blog.
Main thought- WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
So lately I have been thinking, what really is the good news? Is it the Spiritual "pie in the sky" message many preach, or how about the plain and simple, "social gospel"? It's very clean that we need to be clear on this because Scripture makes it quite clear that there are true and false gospels out there (2 Corinthians 11:4 & Galatians 1:9; and the devil is not a complete idiot to try and pass off something that is totally out there).
Yes, I put my study skills to use. Through studying I realized that the true Gospel of Christ Jesus is very Spiritual and also very practical, but in no way is the gospel tracks of I have seen the gospel of Christ. So I have taken a vow not to hand out these "gospel tracks" anymore. Bye Bye, "This could be your last 5 minutes alive" (that was the title of my latest set of 100 tracks).
As Christians would should be displaying the "kingdom of heaven on earth". Thats what this is all about "the kingdom of God" (refer to my first couple blogs). We yell to the unbelieving masses, "There is another way!!!". Most people are unsatisfied and are living a life totally outside God's best for them. Basically, feeding the pigs (read through Luke 15:11-31).
Th ultimate message of the Gospel of Christ is "come home", be who God created you to be, and live the life God has predestined for you. Why you ask? Because you know that this world has nothing to offer, look around, look within yourself...Let's be real!
Here is a brief essay I wrote the other day titled "A Compromised Mission".
Have we, the Christians compromised the mission? Do we focus on seemingly insignificant things in an effort to avoid having to deal with the real issues (lets say post-modernism)? I.E.- Materialistic culture, apathetic Christianity, lukewarm faith which has led us to a lack of persecution, lack of care and concern for the lost, this new version of "churchianity". Or even worse, do we focus on these things as a cover-up because we like what we have now, rather than going back to the ways of the 1st Century church? Look at the fruit then!!!
I always say "its not necessarily what you do that is sin, but rather what you dont do". Think about the gospel centered life, is it about being a sinless puritan or rather in the gospel a message of a whole different way of life? Doesnt scripture teach us that God will prune us of sin? Was sin a NT church focus? What does the church in China have to say about "our gospel"? What do they focus on? The mission! What if we focus on the mission, and allow God to do the work in us, rather than have a self-centered, create a partal sanitized life gospel?
Dont compromise the mission!!!
What about our faith is worth dying for? What is the "gospel"?
The unbeliever says- "wow this life sucks!"
Christians following Christ should be yelling back- "There is another way, the kingdom of
God stands in opposition to the ways of this world that dont lead to happiness. Where this world leads to death and destruction, the gospel of Christ leads to peace and abundant life!
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