Come Back, Shane!

New Clip

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Here's another rough clip from the upcoming Memorial Drive Praise Team CD.

Jesus Messiah

(OK, link isn't working right now for some reason...but you can go to www.memorialdrive.org, click on Resources, Praise Team cd, and listen there)

Slowly but surely, folks. ; )

Hunger and Thirst

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:39:00 +0000

(I posted this on my church website blog today, but thought I'd share it here, too)

Our Wednesday evening meditation class opened this week by feasting on this truth:

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

What is it that you hunger and thirst for? What is it that truly satisfies you? Satan fools us into thinking a lot of different things will fill that void in our hearts. I've found that once the newness of a new "toy" wears off, I'm always left wanting more. So it is with anything this world offers. Food doesn't provide true comfort. Relationships will eventually let us down. Stuff wears out and breaks, or just loses its shine.

It sounds quaint, but time and time again Jesus has proven to me that he is bread and water for my soul unlike anything else. When I feast on Him, I am content and calm. When I neglect that relationship, I am dissatisfied and uptight.

Here are some thoughts from the songs we'll sing together this Sunday:

He has filled my life with sunshine...He has made me what I am

You alone I long to worship

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus

Father, I adore You and I lay my life before You

Lord, reign in me, for I am not my own

This is my daily bread: Your very Word spoken to me

As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after You

I need You more...more than the air I breathe, more than the next heartbeat

Nothing I desire compares with You

When we seek the Father's heart, we will find such blessed assurance

Bread of life from heaven, lover of my soul

O come thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here

Idiosyncrasies

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:57:00 +0000

Each of us is peculiar. Those of us who are willing to admit it have more fun.

Here are a few of my idiosyncrasies:

My closet and drawers are perfectly organized. Everything has its place. Sorting is done by sleeve length, color, style, etc. All hangers must be white plastic and facing the same direction.

Towels must hang straight on the bar, and must be folded evenly.

The paper cutter at the office must be secured. I worry it will spontaneously cut off a finger.

The dishwasher must be loaded a certain way. Joe's cups have their spot, plate location depends on size, etc.

I sleep predominately on my right side because I once heard that was better for your heart (although I've since heard that is a myth...).

If I mess up in my writing at the beginning of a page, I must throw it away and start over.

Symmetry is a necessity!

Like my cat, I thrive on routine.

I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I post this...

What are some of your idiosyncrasies, you weirdos? ; )

Some Musical Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:33:00 +0000

Random Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:16:00 +0000

In no particular order...

I brought some chocolate for an afternoon snack today. Unfortunately, I left it in the car, and it's 72 degrees today (read: 80+ in the car). Guess I'll eat it with a spoon...

I went to Fast Signs at lunch to pick up signs for our new Wednesday night classes that begin tonight. The only problem was that they misspelled a word, so I had to come back again later to pick up the revised sign. The lady apologized over and over. I told her that it really was ok, in fact, if people didn't make mistakes, I wouldn't have a job. : )

Matt Dabbs posted his Top Church of Christ Blogs - November 2009 Edition today. I'm cracking up because we all know Terry's Blog should be ranked higher than mine, but I just might have to have a little fun with those rankings here in the office...

I've been working on the Workshop quite a bit lately. That means I haven't been working on the cd project. This led me last week to the unfortunate realization that the cd project will not be ready for this Christmas season. Boo! But, I learned long ago that we all have a fixed amount of time to work on things, and the wise ones learn how to prioritize.

Regarding the new classes I mentioned earlier, I begin facilitating a class on meditation tonight. We'll be doing a modified form of Lectio Divina. The month of November was chosen specifically for this class because things begin getting so hectic this time of year, and we felt like people need a chance to rest in God's presence. I'm looking forward to it!

A Groovy Fall Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:57:00 +0000

Tonight was the annual Fall Festival at Memorial Drive. A groovy time was had by all!

Training a new Cowboy!

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:51:00 +0000

I enjoyed taking Lukas to his first OSU game a week ago. Other than being a little chilly, it was a great night! He got to see OSU beat Missouri and begin learning the Cowboy traditions.

As we left, he told me, "When I go to college, I'm going to OSU!"
His Momma will be proud, won't she, Brenda? : )

What are we teaching here? Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:39:00 +0000

3 years ago, this post caused quite the stir with one. He thought I was just an angry Cowboy. I insisted (and still do) that it had far less to do with the team involved but was instead about the poor example being set.

Tonight I'm taking my own team to task in the same way.

Most of you have probably heard in the news that OSU's star receiver, Dez Bryant, is currently suspended - waiting on a ruling from the NCAA regarding his eligibility. His sin was lying about a visit with Deion Sanders. It was a bad move by Dez, and certainly worthy of some punishment, although the jury is still out on how much.

My complaint is not with Dez, although he was wrong.
Nor the NCAA, although they are often hypocritical.
My complaint is with OSU.

The school reported that Dez was held out of the September 26 OSU-Grambling St. game due to a hamstring injury.

The only problem is that today's reports are that OSU admits Dez was really held out because of the eligibility question.

Does anyone else see the sad irony?

Dez is out for lying, yet OSU lied about why he was out.

I'm really disappointed in my school today. I expect better.

Boo, OSU. : (

*************************
Update 10/15, 9:30 a.m.

I e-mailed OSU Athletic Director Mike Holder last night about my disappointment, asking for his response. Both he and another staff member have already contacted me this morning with an explanation. I am impressed that they would respond so quickly.

I was assured that at no time did anyone with knowledge about the NCAA investigation ever state that Dez was missing the Grambling St. game due to injury. That includes Coach Gundy...I am told if you listen to his press conferences both before and after the Grambling St. game (which are archived on-line at http://www.okstate.com/), you will find that he never made reference to an injury. Yes, assumptions were made as to the reason for Dez being sidelined, but those were neither confirmed nor denied by the few who knew the real reason.

While I still believe it would have been most honorable to set the record straight about the facts rather than let false information spread, I can also understand that sometimes the appropriate answer is "No Comment" and that privacy must be maintained while the process works itself out behind the scenes. I think I would want that respect if I were in the same situation.

So, I'll cut them some slack. Instead of "really" disapponted, I'll modify to "slightly" disappointed.

*************************

Break Time

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Time for a break. The ZOE Conference is my renewal time every year. I look forward to seeing friends from all over the country, traveling with some great people, and worshipping from the depths of my soul.

On to Nashville - see you next week!

Authority - 6

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:25:00 +0000

So we find ourselves in an awkward spot. No longer can we dogmatically declare that if God commands it, we do it. Nor can we claim that we specifically follow all of the examples given in scripture. Instead, we realize that each of us requires some way to determine the relevance and application today for each command and example.

Let me say up front, I am not binding my way of interpreting scripture on you. I am sharing with you what makes sense to me, and how I arrived at that conclusion. If it is helpful to you, that’s wonderful. If you choose not to give it a fair look, that’s your call. If you give it consideration and in the end can’t agree, that’s ok, too. To our own Master each of us will stand or fall.

What if we let Jesus teach us about interpretation?

Let’s consider His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 and 6. I’ll not copy the entire text, but if your Bible isn’t handy, click here.

In verse 17, Jesus begins with a qualifying statement: He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them. That is key.

You see, the first accusation typically lobbed when one proposes a different way of interpreting scripture is along the lines of questioning their commitment to the Word or to God – as if they are trying to weasel out of something. Be assured, no one here is trying to abolish God’s commands or examples. Rather, our desire is to fulfill and accomplish their purpose in our lives.

Beginning in verse 21, Jesus begins to deconstruct their view of what it means to keep a command. “Do not murder” speaks to more than just the physical act of murder…it addresses the heart full of anger towards his brother. “Do not commit adultery” speaks to more than just the physical act of adultery…it addresses the lusts of the impure heart.

One by one, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter regarding various commands and examples that they were familiar with from the Old Law and from Israel’s past.

In doing so, I believe He is providing guidelines regarding how to interpret Biblical commands and examples today.

I believe Jesus is teaching us to determine the principle behind the command or example, and commit to follow that principle to the best of our ability in our lives, rather than merely their expression through those specific commands and examples.

I’ve heard a mistaken view of these words of Jesus taught many times. It goes along the lines of suggesting that Jesus was raising the bar – making the Old Law commands more stringent for the New Covenant He was implementing.

I disagree.

Was it not always sinful to be consumed with anger? Was it not always sinful to be full of lust?

Jesus isn’t raising the bar, He’s explaining to a people who thought they were keeping the law by following the precise letter of the command that they have missed the heart – the principle – of the command.

I think we need to hear that today. Too many seem to believe that if they can just replicate every tiny detail of a command or example from the New Testament as close as possible to how they might have done it in the first century, then they have fulfilled the law’s requirements.

I think it’s possible Jesus might say to them, “Your hearts are far from Me.” Because it’s not about keeping the details to a “T”, it’s about the heart of the individual.

We can find numerous examples in the Bible where God overlooked commands and details that weren't followed precisely when the heart of the individual was right. However Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 15 that it doesn't work the other way. Keeping the details doesn't cover for an impure heart.

Man looks at the outward appearance:
Have they killed anyone? Have they committed adultery?

The Lord looks at the heart:
Is their heart full of anger? Is their heart full of lust?

That’s not quite as easy as following a checklist of outer appearances.

It also opens the door for some disagreement on what exactly the principle is and how it is expressed and fulfilled in our lives. But that’s nothing new…it’s not like we haven’t already had disagreement using other methods to interpret scripture. If we're going to disagree, let's disagree while using Jesus' method, shall we?

So, how does this look in real life?

More clips...finally

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:41:00 +0000

I've hit the cd editing wall over the past, oh, 4 weeks. : (

But, here are a couple of new ones for you to enjoy:

You Raise Me Up
(Jason Thornton on the solo)

Get this widget

Track details

eSnips Social DNA

Think About His Love
(I'm actually not quite finished with this one yet, but close)

Get this widget

Track details

eSnips Social DNA

Authority - 5

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:02:00 +0000

More regarding love from other New Testament writers:

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. – Galatians 5:6

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." – Galatians 5:13-14

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet, "and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:8-10

Are we on the same page regarding the importance of love yet?

In reminding ourselves over and over that sin is sin, and there is no such thing as big sins and little sins, I think we’ve fooled ourselves into thinking the same thing about commands.

Commands are not all equal. Some are more important than others. How else could Jesus declare two to be “the greatest commands”? The greater create the principles for the lesser. (We'll get back to that thought in a future post)

In fact, sometimes in keeping the greater you might break one of the lesser.

And God has been known to approve of that!

At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread--which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." – Matthew 12:1-8

Did you catch that? David and his men did something unlawful, yet according to Jesus they were innocent. The priests work all day on the Sabbath, yet according to Jesus they are innocent.

When we say loving God and loving others is at the top, we mean it. It takes precedence over everything else. Over our positions on instrumental music, communion, wine, church assemblies, EVERYTHING.

That’s why the way we conduct ourselves in a blog comment space such as this is so important. You may practice singing, communion, and bunch of other things exactly the way God intended, but if you are rude, arrogant, and full of pride in your comments here and elsewhere, you have broken the greater command.

-----------------------------

Here's your homework. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and consider how "religious" discussions might look if all parties were committed to following the greatest commands.

Authority - 4

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:45:00 +0000

(I apologize up front for the length of this post. Actually, if you take out the scriptures quoted, it would be brief, but I didn’t want you to have to hunt them down on your own.)

Let’s spend some time working on this concept of love. First, a few teachings of Jesus:

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – from Matthew 10:37-39

All other loves and relationships are secondary to love for God.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – from John 15:12-17

The highest expression of love is to surrender one’s self for others.

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served…so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – from John 13:1-5

The full extent of Jesus’ love was shown by serving others. Even the one He knew would betray Him.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” – from John 21:15-18

One way to express love for God is to take care of His people.

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. – from Luke 6:27-36

The true test of whether we love others is in how we treat those who do not love us.

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life…I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. – from John 5:39-42

Love for God goes beyond mere knowledge of scripture.

If you love me, you will obey what I command….Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. – from John 14:15-24

Love includes obedience. Calling disobedience “love” does not make it so.

Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them…Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." – from Luke 7:36-50

Those who fail to see the full nature of their sinfulness believe they have been forgiven little, thus their expressions of love are small. They may have trouble grasping why people would feel called to express their love in a greater way than mere law-keeping.

This woman expressed her love in a way that was never specifically authorized in scripture, yet Jesus says she loved much, not that she was disobedient and offering unauthorized worship.

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. – from Mark 10:17-22

Jesus said this man lacked something that was never commanded specifically by scripture. No where had God specifically commanded His people to sell everything and give it to the poor. The tithe was the command.

By this, Jesus was getting to the heart of the matter. The man loved his possessions and money more than he loved God. Until that was corrected, the rest of his command-keeping was in vain.

"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. Luke 11:42

The Pharisees were known for meticulously keeping the details of the law, yet they missed the boat on the big things.

Yes, the call is to keep them all…not just the little outward details. However, if we keep “lesser” commands in an unloving and arrogant way, are we not exactly like the Pharisees Jesus was speaking to here?

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." – from John 13:34-35

We are to be known as followers of Jesus because of our love for one another. I’ve found us much more often to be known for other things. That tells me we ought to work on our loving skills. It’s a matter of priority…if the greatest commands are to love and that’s not what we’re known for, then it seems we’re not living out the greatest commands very well, are we?

------------------------------

Sorry for the length here. The goal of my life is to be concise! ; )

But loving God and loving others is one of the most important topics we could ever write or speak about. It’s worth our time.

So, if you’ll keep coming back, we’ll continue to work on this concept of love and what it looks like.

Authority - 3

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:05:00 +0000

OK, we’ve deconstructed a couple of false statements. Now let’s move on to some positive content.

I’ll submit two commands that I believe are 100%, positively, for all time binding, without regard to culture or any other qualifying condition.

Matthew 22:36-40
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Love God. Love others.

Can I get an amen? Possibly even unanimous agreement? I mean, Jesus Himself said it all hangs on these two.

Do you realize how much authority is granted to us in those two commands?
Do you see any implications in regards to the so-called “Law of Silence”?

If an action is an expression of love towards God and love towards others, we have our authority, regardless of whether the action is ever expressly commanded elsewhere in scripture or not. No further proof-text is required. Why? Because we are 100% authorized to love God and love our neighbor.

(Paul even commends love as being greater than faith! - 1 Corinthians 13:13)

Now, we still have some work to do in fleshing out what love means, so hang with me a little longer…and remember the ground rules for our discussion…that we all agree the Bible is the standard, we will assume good motives, we will not distract with crazy hypotheticals, and we will be civil in our discussion. If you can't live with that, please lurk or leave.

Authority - 2

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:28:00 +0000

Thanks for raising the level of discussion, friends. Let's keep the bar high.

I’m going to proceed assuming that we have all reached the realization that, at least as judged by our own actions, we believe that not all commands are necessarily binding on us today.

But before we discuss ways to discern which ones are binding, which ones might not be, and which ones are certainly not, we need to revisit our approach concerning Biblical examples in a similar manner.

Would you say that when the Bible gives an example, that example would then be binding on us today?

Surely you wouldn’t answer “Yes”, would you? Did you learn nothing from the previous post? ; )

One way to illustrate this concept is to consider the Lord’s Supper.

Someone once asked the following:

“Which of these nine examples of details concerning the Lord’s Supper are binding? It was eaten (1) at night, (2) upstairs, (3) in midweek, (4) during another meal, (5) with no women present, and there was (6) one loaf (7) of unleavened bread, and (8) one cup (9) of Passover wine which could not have been fresh grape juice at that season. Which exemplified details are binding?” (Free in Christ, Cecil Hook, Chapter 2)

Actually, you could add a good number of additional details to that list, but the point is clear enough.

Examples are great. Examples show us one way of doing something. Following examples is “safe” (until you remember that Jesus had some not-so-good things to say about playing it “safe” in a parable once, so on second thought maybe “safe” isn’t quite the goal…).

But examples aren’t necessarily binding.

Authority - 1

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:38:00 +0000

On the heels of some sharp discussion regarding misquoting God...at the request of Jeremy...and, perhaps, against my better judgment...let's explore the concept of authority.

------------------------

Before we begin, we need to get some things clear.

This discussion is based on the Bible as our standard. I assume you agree that the Bible is true and inspired. If you don't, this discussion really isn't for you. Check back later - I'll still post about other topics on occasion.

All commenters will assume the best motives of the other writers. Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't mean they aren't trying to follow God, Jesus, and the Bible to the best of their understanding.

No one is required to answer outlandish hypothetical questions. Let's stick to the heart of the matter, not the peripherals.

No one will be condemned to the hot place or called a swine. Period. That's rude and will no longer be tolerated here. God alone is judge and jury. If you disagree, state why you disagree as positively as possible. If you don't understand what someone is saying, ask questions. If you can't stay on topic and discuss like an adult, please go argue somewhere else. No labels, no name-calling. I can and will delete comments, although I don't expect to have to do that, because I assume your motives are good and you just need this one not-so-subtle reminder.

Those are high standards, but I believe you can do it.

------------------------

OK, let's start with an easy one.

All commands found in the Bible are binding on all believers? Yes or no?

I mean, surely we can agree that if the Bible commands it, we should comply without question, right?

Many would immediately agree. Yes, indeed, all of the Bible's direct commands are required to be followed if one wishes to enter into heaven.

Hmmm. The Bible commands animal sacrifices, abstaining from eating pork, and observing the Sabbath each week. How are you doing at keeping those?

Hold it right there, you say. We are under the New Covenant, not the Old. If the command is part of the Old Covenant, we are no longer obligated to keep that command, for Jesus nailed the Old to the cross and it no longer applies.

Fair enough. Let's say we can agree on that.

So, now we have modified our opening statement to say that if the command is part of the New Covenant, that is, in the New Testament, we must obey it if we wish to enter into heaven.

Having addressed those concerns, many would once again be willing to agree with our statement.
I still say they're wrong.

You heard me, they are incorrect. That statement is false.

Now, before you label me a heretic (which you can't anyway, because it's against the commenting rules...but I know you're thinking it...), consider that every Christ-follower I've ever met agrees with me, too, even if they've never thought about it, realized it, or admitted it.

Here's why:
Romans 16:16 "Greet one another with a holy kiss."
1 Corinthians 16:20 "Greet one another with a holy kiss."
2 Corinthians 13:12 "Greet one another with a holy kiss."
1 Thessalonians 5:26 "Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss."

That's four direct commands in the New Testament. Hard to overlook. Pretty clearly stated.

Question: How many kisses of greeting did you share in yesterday when your church gathered? None? One or two? A hundred?

Interesting.

So, why don't we follow this one? The prevailing answer is that the greeting kiss was cultural. In American culture, the kiss has been replaced with the handshake, or occasionally with the hug. The argument has been for whatever greeting we use to be "holy".

We set aside the direct command to greet ALL the brothers with a holy kiss and instead substitute a different type of greeting.

This isn't splitting hairs. This is a huge point. We must get past this false notion that we follow every single command of the New Testament, for the truth is none of us do. The sooner we can admit that, the sooner we can begin a real, honest discussion about Biblical authority.

Therefore, the correct answer to whether a command is binding today is: "It depends."

It depends on the context of the command.
It depends on the cultural setting of the command.
It depends on the audience of the command.
It depends.

And that's where the discussion begins.

What now?

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Hmmm...how to continue to generate the interest here.

I know...let's talk about Obama's health care proposal!

Or perhaps not... : )

Misquoting God

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:12:00 +0000

(Disclaimer: If you do not share my Church of Christ heritage, the specific illustrations given here may not apply to you. You'll have to brainstorm your own.)

God:
"You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

The Serpent:
"Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

Eve:
"We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"

I can't count how many Bible classes I've been in that chastised Eve for her misquote of God. Oh, we expected Satan to get it wrong, after all he is the father of lies. But Eve added the phrase, "and you must not touch it," and we like to look down on her for that mistake.

Here's the problem:

I've seen some of us do the same thing.

The Bible says not to get drunk.
Some have added that you can't drink a sip of alcohol.

The Bible says to sing.
Some have added that the singing must be unaccompanied.

The Bible says they met together one Sunday to break bread.
Some have added that if you take communion on any day other than Sunday it is sinful.

The Bible says not to give up on meeting together.
Some have added that it is sinful to miss any gathering.

I imagine there are more.

Like Eve, I'm sure there were good intentions as these doctrines took shape. After all, if you don't touch, you can never eat and die.

But, instead at times, they have simply opened the door for Satan to confuse, manipulate, cause division, and alienate us from each other and from God.

OSU 24 Georgia 10

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Great day in Stillwater today! Big win for the Cowboys. Here's a little of what we saw:

The Cowboys taking the field

The Defense making a big play

The Boone Bowl full of orange

The Zac Attack

The Victory Formation

The Happy Coffmans

Resonating

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:21:00 +0000

These are the thoughts and lyrics resonating with me after our time together as a church family this weekend:

As a minister, I want to help people hang in there long enough to taste the lemonade God is making out of the lemons in their life. (Thanks, Craig, for this illustration!)

I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on...

How often do I live as if I am "spiritually disabled"...waiting on and expecting others to do everything for me? I can, and I can do. (Thanks again, Craig)

In need of grace...in need of love...in need of mercy raining down from high above

Did we really just have 568 guests from the community yesterday at the Back-to-School Blast? That's more than we have gather together on Sunday mornings. Wow!

Blessed be Your name in a land that is plentiful,
where Your streams of abundance flow

What a great time getting to know Tim & Kim Rush a little better at lunch today.

This is my daily bread...Your very Word spoken to me

How awesome of an event organizer is Jennifer Curtis? She made it look so easy...and always with a smile on her face!

You are the Everlasting God
You will not faint, You won't grow weary

So proud of my wife for sharing in class about her Jesus.calm experience in the midst of the storm of losing her Dad almost 20 years ago

What heights of love, what depths of peace
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease

What's resonating in your mind today after your worship experiences this week?

And Another...

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Amazing Grace / My Chains are Gone

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Definitely one of my favorites!

I've reached the 1/3 point. Yeah!

Another CD clip

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:55:00 +0000

Finally Free

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4 down...11 to go...

Nice Shot

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Wicked

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:20:00 +0000

We saw the musical "Wicked" last Saturday evening with a group of friends. It was an absolutely great production. Marcie Dodd was spectacular as Elphaba, and understudy Libby Servais did an amazing job playing the role of Glinda (I can't imagine the headliner doing any better).

This night on the town is becoming an annual tradition. Longhorn Steakhouse was the opening act this year...Mmmmmm.

We took some time to pose for pictures in front of the banner. Thanks, Krista, for sharing!

On Unity...

noreply@blogger.com (Shane Coffman) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:22:00 +0000

I think one of the biggest obstacles to unity in the body of Christ is the mistaken belief that anyone who disagrees with you is insincere and "not trying".