Angels and Demons and Devils Oh My!

My church has asked to do a Sunday School series about Angels and Demons. I have to be honest this isn’t a subject that particularly interests me, but they wanted to do it so here it goes. Does anybody know of some good resources on the issue, or maybe have a good idea on how to approach the topic(s)? The majority of angel/demon language appears in the Gospels (mostly Luke) but then there is the principalities/powers language in the Pauline literature and I’m debating how to deal with that mostly because I still have a lot of questions myself. Anyway, I’m wondering if anyone has some advice or help?

Us and the US Empire?

In Richard Horsley's book Jesus and Empire he offers some pretty scathing critiques of the United States economic and political policy in comparison with the Pax Romana and how it was kept. One thing that he pointed out that I thought was interesting was how we often talk about Roman roads and peace providing means for Christianity to spread so quickly, but we don’t talk about the backs upon which the roads were built or the peace that was made through innocent blood. I have no doubt that God used that evil to spread the Gospel. I have no doubt that God uses American Imperialism for his good purposes. Well, it is an interesting book and he raises some very important issues. I think his reconstruction of Jesus’ program is lacking, but his Roman/American parallels are shocking. I would recommend if not the whole thing the first and last chapters of the book. I love you guys. I miss you and thought this might generate some discussion. What do we do living in an evil empire and the Kingdom of God?

What is the our response in a culture that feels this way? How do we respond? What types of conversation stem from this postcard and the attitude it represents? It is overwhelming how many people hold this attitude. Something went wrong somewhere.

from term papers to tall pulpits

Since most in this community of bloggers are juggling roles as students and pastors I feel that it would be helpful to bring up this topic. How, in our local churches, do we convince (strong word, I know) people that such disciplines as hermeneutics are of value? Do we assume too much when we think it already is? How do we create a atmosphere which regularly engages in well-thought out discussion of scripture? I think the answer is more than just "teach a small group by reading your principles of interpretation notes" because all that would do is transfer information. I want to know how we get people to care about thinking for themselves, once that is done we'll teach them how. Please tell me this is possible and that we are not chained to teach series proclaiming "3.5 weeks of purpose" and "7 trendy ways to fancy up your guest room before summer".

HELP!!! QUICK!!

I am at lincoln Christian College this weekend talking with some who are interested in joining a long term team to west africa, but on my way here i got a call from a lady from the church I preach at telling me that our head elder's wife died. The funeral is on monday, but this makes things for sunday different as well. My sermon was finished, but it is not excactly what they need to hear write now. It is saterday morning and i dont have time to write a new sermon. Do I? Any quick bits of wisdom or suggestions I would appreciate.
Epp, if you have anything to say I would rather you keep your mouth shut because what you said about texas. :) Okay, not really. I could use any help I can get, even from a pagan. Thanks folks.

the trouble with conviction

A full calendar year has not even rolled by since I was given a degree from Ozark CC and I am already beginning to lose my touch. No, no... my faith is not unraveling before my eyes or am I forgetting all the information I learned during my time in the classroom. In fact, going straight into graduate work has helped me continue to sharpen my mind and has been a joy along the way. My struggle lies in my inability to see things as clearly as I once did. My education was grounded very much in a black and white world, but I have overturned more gray than I thought existed. Do I still believe in the inspiration of scripture? Of course! What about the virgin birth? Yes! Literal miracles? Yes, so I am sorry to disappoint if you were looking for a little more action or debate! I think that what I struggle with is finding the means I need to execute my convictions outside of the classroom. How can I flirt with an anti-war viewpoint when I have two brothers enlisted in the US military? How can I call others to sell everything and give it to the poor when I really love my ipod? And is it possible to pursue selfish ambitions and kingdom issues at the same time? If not, I've been trying to figure out a way. And how do these thoughts change the way I teach? Write? Love my wife? Disciple? Pray? Recycle? View non-Christians? And I can't help but wonder how do they change the way we approach this blog?

Bring on the headaches!!

After consuming 10 shots of espresso in under 4 hours I have a historic announcement to make. I am taking a week fast from coffee. Yes it is true. Indeed, caffine in general (coke, tea, red bull, pills, etc) I will restrain from consuming. I would like to tell you that I am doing it for some noble purpose like praying for the missionaries or something like that, but really, it is just to prove to myself that I am not addicted to caffine. I will allow myself to drink one decaf cup a day if necessary. (I know people say it is not caffine free, but it contains such a small amount that it would not affect a toddler on an empty stomach.) In a day and a half I am going to have some major headaches, I am sure! If you see me, I could use the encouragement! Welp, here we go. 7 days and counting. . .