Thursday, December 10, 2009

Become a Future Citizen


When we submit to Jesus’ authority through his word, he does to our “inner person,” what his earthly ministry did to sickness, storms, and demonic possessions.

The Sermon on the Mount ends with the crowds “amazed at his teaching” because he had authority. This authority was not just that he spoke louder voice, but that he spoke as the King into the hearts and lives of all people.

Then, in the next chapters, he proves this authority:

· He heals a leper who says to him, “if you are willing…”

· He heals the centurion’s servant with a word, marveling at how the centurion recognizes his authority

· He rebukes the wind and waves, leaving the disciples astounded, “who is this man that even the wind and waves obey him?”

What is the common denominator to his authority? In every case, Jesus offers a glimpse of the New Creation. The healed sick are roadway signs of what is coming down the road in the future when there will "be no more sickness". The calmed sea gives a foretaste of a sea of glass before the throne. And what is happening in nature – the turning a chaotic storm to glassy serenity—and sickness—the turning writhing pain to humble rejoicing—is also happening whenever disciples submit to the authority of his word in the Sermon on the Mount and obey it.

When we obey we are not just following rules and regulations of Jesus. We are becoming a new creation.

And if you have ever seen Christians model the life described in the Sermon on the Mount, you get a glimpse of the wonder that this new creation holds.

by David Niblack

Monday, December 7, 2009

How Can We Help The World's Poor?


“The number of bleeding hearts has soared exponentially over the last decade. Celebrities embraced Africa, while conservatives went from showing disdain for humanitarian aid (“money down a rat hole”) to displaying leadership in the fight against AIDS and malaria. Compassion became contagious and then it became consensus.”

To read more of this NY Times article, click here.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Deerfield History and Civil Rights: A Panel Presentation

The following presentation is happening tonight. Several Trinity students are attending, including the Justice floor. We hope to post reflections soon!

The 1959 Deerfield Integration Case: A Commemoration

Thurs., Dec. 3, 7:15 p.m.

"The efforts to build an open housing development in Deerfield, a development that would make property available to African-Americans, met with massive resistance in a time when fears of integration were high. In this panel discussion and multi-media presentation, residents will share their remembrances of civil rights, the fear of outsiders by community members, faith-based responses to integration, and the progress that Deerfield has made up until the present." (taken from a flyer)

Place: Caruso Middle School Auditorium
1801 Montgomery Road
Deerfield, IL 60015

The event is free and open to the public.

Co-Sponsors: Common Ground Deerfield, Committee on Interfaith Housing in the Northern Suburbs

Here is another link.