Athanasius was a bishop in the 4th century with a fierce conviction backed by action to defeat the attacks against Christ's divinity that were prevalent in his time (from The Story of Christianity; Justo Gonzalez; 175, 177-178):
"In A.D. 353, Constantius, who now ruled the whole [Roman] Empire, felt sufficiently secure to unleash his pro-Arian policy. Through threats and the use of force, an increasing number of bishops accepted Arianism. For Athanasius, for the monks, and for many of the faithful, the Arian controversy was not a matter of theological subtleties with little or no relevance. In it, the very core of the Christian message was at stake...If the chroniclers of the time are to be believed, Constantius feared the power Athanasius had in Alexandria, and for that reason sought to remove him from that city without actually banishing him.. Athanasius received a letter in which the emperor granted him an audience that had never been requested. The bishop answered politely that there must have been an error, for he had not asked for suhc an honor, and did not wish to waste the emperor's valuable time. Constantius then ordered the concentration of troops in Alexandria. When the legions were in place and any revoltcould be crushed, the governor ordered Athanasius, in the name of the emperor, to leave the city... Shortly thereafter, when Athanasius was celbrating communion in one of the churches, the govenor ordered the building to be surrounded and suddenly burst into the room leading a group of armed soldiers. There was chaos, and Athanasius ordered the congregation to sing Psalm 136, with the refrain: "For His mercy endureth forever." The soldiers pushed their way through the crowd, while some sang and others sought to escape. The clergy who were present formed a tight circle around Athanasius, who refused to flee until his flock was safe."
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The River church: Mid-December, 2010
We huddled into our humble abode, with kerosene heaters lit and the dessert spread something out of a "What Not To Eat" fitness video; but mind you, not, dear friends-- EAT, we DID! I'll put it this way: leading up to the December 12th event, I was given instructions to buy food for our Christmas party and promptly acquired $114.00 worth of cookies, cakes, candy, apple cider, hot chocolate, and other items everything but our palates regret consuming.
Overall, however, I loved being with our Body together on this day. I don't always have the opportunity to really explore peoples' lives in a deep way on Sunday mornings before or after our service with various duties to which to attend, so this afforded me that chance. I talked well with Dave Ramsey (no, not the Cut Debt NOW! guy), who told me a lot about his training regiment for triathlons that he used to use when he was older. Dave and I chatted for quite a while about fitness and about his techniques during races, which really encouraged me. My prayer coming into this time was that I'd get to connect with people who I hadn't connected with before, which the Lord was beyond faithful in by providing me those conversations.
I had the opportunity to catch-up with Greg Ayers, our worship leader, who lives in Salem, VA. I've been impressed by his effort over this year since beginning as our worship leader at the beginning of the year, something that is always a hefty task for any person to take on. I'm excited to continue through this year with him as he grows in these areas of worship. A few weeks ago, Josh and I went with two of our recently-married friends from college, Colt Emswiler and Josh Wright, and his wife, Claire Wright, to listen to Greg's band do a regular show at Blues BBQ Co. in Roanoke, Virginia, during which we enjoyed listening to Greg jam in a context very different from Sunday morning: loud rooms filled with 30 excited people, cheering loudly for the six-piece band as they lifted their tunes into the Wednesday-night air. Greg has roared about how great of an opportunity this time has been for him to reach out to the music community in Roanoke and accept the charge of being among these men and women who are ravenously devouring the music into which they're pouring their hearts. I was honored to share that night with him and hope to go back some pleasant Wednesday evening from now (every Wednesday, 7:30 PM; see link above for directions).
Our party finished well with a great rendition of "Joy to the World." I was somewhat overcome by the wave of emotion when I realized the contrast from what I've experienced over the last two years during this season: 15 or so satiated saints singing "Oh Come, All ye faithful!" and "Oh, Holy Night" as we packed ourselves into a hotel room to simply celebrate the season together. During those days, we were "satiated" because we were together, exalting the name of Jesus Christ. During this celebration, things felt different, with 50 or so members of our River family crowding the train-car Ministry Center; it was different, but held the same call: men and women gathering to fix their eyes of Jesus, the coming of the heralded one.
What an awesome day to enjoy the presence and the glory of our newborn King!
Overall, however, I loved being with our Body together on this day. I don't always have the opportunity to really explore peoples' lives in a deep way on Sunday mornings before or after our service with various duties to which to attend, so this afforded me that chance. I talked well with Dave Ramsey (no, not the Cut Debt NOW! guy), who told me a lot about his training regiment for triathlons that he used to use when he was older. Dave and I chatted for quite a while about fitness and about his techniques during races, which really encouraged me. My prayer coming into this time was that I'd get to connect with people who I hadn't connected with before, which the Lord was beyond faithful in by providing me those conversations.
I had the opportunity to catch-up with Greg Ayers, our worship leader, who lives in Salem, VA. I've been impressed by his effort over this year since beginning as our worship leader at the beginning of the year, something that is always a hefty task for any person to take on. I'm excited to continue through this year with him as he grows in these areas of worship. A few weeks ago, Josh and I went with two of our recently-married friends from college, Colt Emswiler and Josh Wright, and his wife, Claire Wright, to listen to Greg's band do a regular show at Blues BBQ Co. in Roanoke, Virginia, during which we enjoyed listening to Greg jam in a context very different from Sunday morning: loud rooms filled with 30 excited people, cheering loudly for the six-piece band as they lifted their tunes into the Wednesday-night air. Greg has roared about how great of an opportunity this time has been for him to reach out to the music community in Roanoke and accept the charge of being among these men and women who are ravenously devouring the music into which they're pouring their hearts. I was honored to share that night with him and hope to go back some pleasant Wednesday evening from now (every Wednesday, 7:30 PM; see link above for directions).
Our party finished well with a great rendition of "Joy to the World." I was somewhat overcome by the wave of emotion when I realized the contrast from what I've experienced over the last two years during this season: 15 or so satiated saints singing "Oh Come, All ye faithful!" and "Oh, Holy Night" as we packed ourselves into a hotel room to simply celebrate the season together. During those days, we were "satiated" because we were together, exalting the name of Jesus Christ. During this celebration, things felt different, with 50 or so members of our River family crowding the train-car Ministry Center; it was different, but held the same call: men and women gathering to fix their eyes of Jesus, the coming of the heralded one.
What an awesome day to enjoy the presence and the glory of our newborn King!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A poem from my friend, Todd
This is a poem that my friend, Todd M. Murden, wrote (I added the sub-title in a move of blatant plagiarism).
I think that it is a great story and I wanted to share it, as I think it inspires people to desire a transformed life. I hope that you enjoy it!
“His Story, our Story"
(A man talks to a boy about life while crossing a rope-bridge leading to the boy's home)
There was once an orphan boy
who lived down the street from me.
He had never seen a play
nor heard any kind of story.
“Remedy that we must,” I said
And with a nod did he agree.
So I began to tell of him and I,
And how we came to be.
(“Ahem,” I cleared my throat to start.)
“The Three in One began with a desire in His heart.
To have a people all his own, a people set apart.
In his mind did he conceive,
All that was and is and is to be.
God knelt down and dirtied his lips to breathe
The breath of life and man conceive.
And from His breath man was brought forth like a dream
To enhance the glory of the One, Yahweh Elohim.
Soiled again his lips would be,
not for Him but thee,
when hence His image and likeness would choose
to kiss a lie and forever lose,
that life that first his breathe supplied,
eternal life, glory, and all, denied.
Good and evil from thence ensued
To encompass all that man should choose.
Glory for that which is not glory exchanged,
For this, our redemption, would He be famed.”
He stomped his feet and shook his fist,
“It makes no sense, if I could just
reach out and grab them they would see
their wrong action, their stupidity.”
“Yes, my child, this is true, this is a very strange thing indeed.
But none could quench our Makers love nor any power impede.”
“And so,” I continued, “as you see,
this is not exactly a story of you and me,
But a story told from the One above,
The story of our Makers steadfast and unfailing love.”
“Where was I again?” I mused.
“Oh yes, ‘Good and evil from thence ensued’…”
“A lie kissed, a lie believed,
Such was the fall of man conceived.
Creation along with him it came,
Pulled by the tide, the undercurrent of shame.
Such would its progress, towards shame, be,
An act of uncreation, and judgement you see.
But ‘Rich in Mercy,’ is one name he bears
And for all his creation, and his beloved, he cares.
Covenants, and promises, to all he provided,
To Noah, Abraham, and David he ensighted,
To be their God, and they his people,
From them, his own, would he make his steeple.
Living stones they are called, a temple of Presence,
A promise and blessing to go forth hence
To all of creation, let the nations rejoice
For our God and King has made his choice.
He will plead our case and establish our right
Be in awe of his mercy, justice, and foresight.
“But cold and stiff necked his people would be,
“He is taking a long time, why can we not see?”
They said, “his arm too short. We have no right and no way,
Nothing but silence from the Prophets, no one to say,
‘The word of the Lord I have, come hear,’
Silence, all silence, to Your heart are we dear?”
And in this silence, heaven breathed deep in awe,
As God, the Word, came forth, to crawl.
Not like the serpent, but as a child he came,
The fullness of God, and man, the same.
Holding their breath, the angels they cry,
‘Behold Immanuel, a baby, born to die.’
The sick are healed, and the blind they see,
“But the Son of Man,” the Father says, “He came for me.
To reveal my heart, to lay it bare to the world
Because on him would my wrath be poured.
Peace to you, my peace I proclaim,
I have come to free you from your sin, guilt, and shame.
Listen to me, all who will hear,
I am drawing you, and all creation, I am drawing you near!”
And so, the Son of God, Jesus, he came
To show the Father’s love and bear the blame.
The hosts and the heavens were silent and hushed
When, for the sins of man, the Son was crushed.
“How could this be done for me?
I have never had a father or family…”
I knelt down and looked my friend in the eye,
“This is what love does, it does not pass by,
When in need it sees its own to be,
It supplies all, gives all, out of its capacity.”
“The cross, the cross!” He danced and cried.
“There I see the Son, my Savior, my life, he died.”
And with all his heart, did my friend he sing
Of our Savior’s love, ‘where, O death, is thy sting’?
“One more thing,” I said, “One more thing to know,
Our God, and Father, did this to show,
The richness of his kindness and grace,
We now, in Christ, get a foretaste
Of what’s to come in life without end,
When we will be one with our Father and spend
All our days searching the treasures of his heart
Walking perfectly in His Spirit, knowing fully, not in part.
Jesus rose from the dead, He’s alive you see,
And he is inviting you in, inviting you into the family.”
“I always thought life to be a great story,
Told by a Story Teller, with adventure and glory.”
And smiling did my friend he say,
“With him, my Jesus, I await the day,
When the life intended but our sin denied
Eternal life, glory, and all supplied.
For me, for me, I can’t believe.
A child of God? A family?
An orphan all my life I’ve been,
A slave of doubt, unbelief, and sin.
Now, to Thee, my good Father, I cry,
I do not wish for this love to pass me by.
As Thee gave, all, I lay,
Before Thy throne of grace I say,
‘Jesus Christ is Lord of all indeed,
To Him all glory and honor proceed.
This will be the shout of all,
When in the end, before thy throne, we fall.”
And this my charge to thee, Beloved,
Can you in this way receive
The glory of this gracious love
Hung upon a tree?
For it is this love, the Crucified,
He, so longs to pour
Into thy heart, His indwelling Spirit,
With thee forevermore.
Like a child, Beloved, you must be,
To marvel at this great wonder, for His and our glory.
Todd M. Murden
Winter 2010
I think that it is a great story and I wanted to share it, as I think it inspires people to desire a transformed life. I hope that you enjoy it!
“His Story, our Story"
(A man talks to a boy about life while crossing a rope-bridge leading to the boy's home)
There was once an orphan boy
who lived down the street from me.
He had never seen a play
nor heard any kind of story.
“Remedy that we must,” I said
And with a nod did he agree.
So I began to tell of him and I,
And how we came to be.
(“Ahem,” I cleared my throat to start.)
“The Three in One began with a desire in His heart.
To have a people all his own, a people set apart.
In his mind did he conceive,
All that was and is and is to be.
God knelt down and dirtied his lips to breathe
The breath of life and man conceive.
And from His breath man was brought forth like a dream
To enhance the glory of the One, Yahweh Elohim.
Soiled again his lips would be,
not for Him but thee,
when hence His image and likeness would choose
to kiss a lie and forever lose,
that life that first his breathe supplied,
eternal life, glory, and all, denied.
Good and evil from thence ensued
To encompass all that man should choose.
Glory for that which is not glory exchanged,
For this, our redemption, would He be famed.”
He stomped his feet and shook his fist,
“It makes no sense, if I could just
reach out and grab them they would see
their wrong action, their stupidity.”
“Yes, my child, this is true, this is a very strange thing indeed.
But none could quench our Makers love nor any power impede.”
“And so,” I continued, “as you see,
this is not exactly a story of you and me,
But a story told from the One above,
The story of our Makers steadfast and unfailing love.”
“Where was I again?” I mused.
“Oh yes, ‘Good and evil from thence ensued’…”
“A lie kissed, a lie believed,
Such was the fall of man conceived.
Creation along with him it came,
Pulled by the tide, the undercurrent of shame.
Such would its progress, towards shame, be,
An act of uncreation, and judgement you see.
But ‘Rich in Mercy,’ is one name he bears
And for all his creation, and his beloved, he cares.
Covenants, and promises, to all he provided,
To Noah, Abraham, and David he ensighted,
To be their God, and they his people,
From them, his own, would he make his steeple.
Living stones they are called, a temple of Presence,
A promise and blessing to go forth hence
To all of creation, let the nations rejoice
For our God and King has made his choice.
He will plead our case and establish our right
Be in awe of his mercy, justice, and foresight.
“But cold and stiff necked his people would be,
“He is taking a long time, why can we not see?”
They said, “his arm too short. We have no right and no way,
Nothing but silence from the Prophets, no one to say,
‘The word of the Lord I have, come hear,’
Silence, all silence, to Your heart are we dear?”
And in this silence, heaven breathed deep in awe,
As God, the Word, came forth, to crawl.
Not like the serpent, but as a child he came,
The fullness of God, and man, the same.
Holding their breath, the angels they cry,
‘Behold Immanuel, a baby, born to die.’
The sick are healed, and the blind they see,
“But the Son of Man,” the Father says, “He came for me.
To reveal my heart, to lay it bare to the world
Because on him would my wrath be poured.
Peace to you, my peace I proclaim,
I have come to free you from your sin, guilt, and shame.
Listen to me, all who will hear,
I am drawing you, and all creation, I am drawing you near!”
And so, the Son of God, Jesus, he came
To show the Father’s love and bear the blame.
The hosts and the heavens were silent and hushed
When, for the sins of man, the Son was crushed.
“How could this be done for me?
I have never had a father or family…”
I knelt down and looked my friend in the eye,
“This is what love does, it does not pass by,
When in need it sees its own to be,
It supplies all, gives all, out of its capacity.”
“The cross, the cross!” He danced and cried.
“There I see the Son, my Savior, my life, he died.”
And with all his heart, did my friend he sing
Of our Savior’s love, ‘where, O death, is thy sting’?
“One more thing,” I said, “One more thing to know,
Our God, and Father, did this to show,
The richness of his kindness and grace,
We now, in Christ, get a foretaste
Of what’s to come in life without end,
When we will be one with our Father and spend
All our days searching the treasures of his heart
Walking perfectly in His Spirit, knowing fully, not in part.
Jesus rose from the dead, He’s alive you see,
And he is inviting you in, inviting you into the family.”
“I always thought life to be a great story,
Told by a Story Teller, with adventure and glory.”
And smiling did my friend he say,
“With him, my Jesus, I await the day,
When the life intended but our sin denied
Eternal life, glory, and all supplied.
For me, for me, I can’t believe.
A child of God? A family?
An orphan all my life I’ve been,
A slave of doubt, unbelief, and sin.
Now, to Thee, my good Father, I cry,
I do not wish for this love to pass me by.
As Thee gave, all, I lay,
Before Thy throne of grace I say,
‘Jesus Christ is Lord of all indeed,
To Him all glory and honor proceed.
This will be the shout of all,
When in the end, before thy throne, we fall.”
And this my charge to thee, Beloved,
Can you in this way receive
The glory of this gracious love
Hung upon a tree?
For it is this love, the Crucified,
He, so longs to pour
Into thy heart, His indwelling Spirit,
With thee forevermore.
Like a child, Beloved, you must be,
To marvel at this great wonder, for His and our glory.
Todd M. Murden
Winter 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
My dog, Boomer.
On Friday, my family made the decision to put down Boomer, my dog of 17 years. She's been getting worse walking around in circles and getting dementia, to go with her deafness and blindness. It was just time to say good-bye. Below is a picture of Boomer and the family together at Thanksgiving. We are blessed to have had her and her energy contributing to our family for so long.
Boomer, "Queen Boomer", "Boomer-dog": 1993-2010
Boomer, "Queen Boomer", "Boomer-dog": 1993-2010
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