manna?

The Great Commission

Posted by boyd berends

On Sunday, March 13, one of the things that our teacher/preacher for the day touched on was that of the Great Commission, found in the 16th. chapter of the book of Mark.

I think that most of us have heard, probably often as a matter of fact, the words, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”

Now what do these words mean to the average Christian, or to the average church attendee? I am afraid that all to often we assume that the Great Commission means that we should go forth and tell what is in the Word to those who have never heard. But if one were to read further in the passage we would find more detailed instructions on what Jesus was referring to. Please let me explain.

Verse 16 states that, “he who believes and is baptized will be saved—”: Okay, there should be no question as to whom the reference is made. Then in verse 17 we read, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In MY name (the name of Jesus) they will cast out demons: (isn’t it interesting that when talking about casting out demons Jesus was talking to believers) they will take up serpents; (just like Paul did on the island) and if they drink anything deadly it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”.

When we speak of the Great Commission, why do we not take all of what Jesus said? Do you suppose it is because it is far easier to talk, then it is to act and to believe?

I have been struck with the passage in the Bible when it tells of Abraham hearing from God regarding how he (Abraham) was told to sacrifice his son, Isaac, the son of God’s promises, and because by faith he was willing to do so, it was counted by God unto him (Abraham) as righteousness. (What Jesus (God) has said in His Word we should believe.)

If in the Great Commission Jesus tells us what to do, and what should signs should follow, and we do not believe or see this happening, what is then accounted unto us?

Of course this begs the questions: Are these signs Biblical, and are they for today?

Jesus stated the He came to destroy the works of the devil. Then is it also a fair statement to say that He (Jesus) does not lie, so if He came to do it, then that is exactly what was done.

So, if Jesus destroyed the works of the devil, then we should ask the question, “what are the works of the devil?” What do you think of when asked what the works of the devil are?

Jesus also stated that the things He had done, we would also do, and yes, even greater things. Well what things did Jesus do? Well He preached and taught, and so should we. But did not He also heal, (body, soul and mind)cast out demons, etc?

Did these signs and wonders cease when Jesus left? If they ceased (which from reading the Word, we know did not happen) then a question should be asked. WHY DON’T WE IN THE CHURCH HERE IS AMERICA SEE MORE OF WHAT JESUS PROMISED?

One could easily ask why I make such an issue about signs and wonders. Well it is simply because I have so often been in physical or emotional place where I personally needed what Jesus has said was ours.

Once again I find myself in another of these physical situations and I long for the community (that is what we call the church body, isn’t it) to join their faith with my faith to make a difference.

But if the church does not teach, preach or believe all of Jesus’ Words, then can the church really help when parts of the body really need help?

Quite a thought provoking question isn’t it?

Manna Beach Party (A touch of summer in March)

Posted by Ed Miller

Reserve Friday March 18, 2005. Less than 1 weeks away. (How are we doing making friends)

Save Friday March 18 for a beach party at the Park Theatre. Yes I said beach party. Live music by Los Cobras a surf instumental band from Grand Rapids. (See January article “Surf’s Up” on Manna web site) More details to follow. Invite your friends. If you have none try to make some by March 18th. Start time: how about 7:32PM. See you there.

Ed

P.S. I think the band will play a couple of sets if we’re nice. Behave yourself.

The Starting Point For All Things Jazz by Lou Friedman (Pop Matters)

Posted by Ed Miller

A Review of a landmark jazz LP “Kind Of Blue” by Miles Davis

This disk helped me big time leading worship and letting it “flow”.

Jazz has always seemed elitist, going back to the days when be-bop started becoming the “it” thing. Simple, discordant notes were supposed to have far-reaching ambience, yet remain somewhat esoteric. If that’s confusing to you, that’s certainly understandable. Wander to your major chain record store, and there’s a ton of jazz selections available, from its earliest days to the present. It has an underground following… well, maybe “underground” is not quite the right term. FM stations on the low end of the frequency (i.e. college radio) have jazz programs. Jazz clubs are prevalent in every major city, and they do a nice business. Jazz has always extended itself to crossovers with vocalists from Tony Bennett to Norah Jones. Jazz also covers swing music, and even finds itself in elements of rock (hello, Steely Dan!).

The problem with all this is, if one is not interested in jazz, or one has an ugly preconceived notion as to what jazz is, there’s no bait in the world that would lure one to attach themselves to the hook. And since jazz flies off in all different directions, types, sub-genres, etc., it’s extremely difficult to find one piece of work that would encompass what jazz is all about, and yet allow someone to examine it painlessly.  Ken Burns couldn’t pull off that trick.

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Sunday March 13, 2005

Posted by Ed Miller

Manna meets@ 10:42 AM in the Park Theatre

248 South River Avenue
Holland,Mi 49423

Set up starts at 9:30 AM. Come help if you can.

We’ll be meeting this week and the next (March 20) in the Park Theatre. On Easter Sunday we’ll be be joining Lakeland Community Church at Zeeland High School. The service starts at 10:00 AM. 

The Devil’s Beverage by Seth Worley (Ginkworld)

Posted by Ed Miller

I’m not certain if the following passage is true or not, but the story is relevant so Ill tell it anyway.

In Rome, the clergy appealed to Pope Clement VIII to have coffee banned, calling it “the devil’s beverage.” But when the pope tried it, he liked it so much that he gave it his blessing. Soon the first coffee houses opened in Europe.

I wonder why the clergy got all bent out of shape over this new beverage? Maybe it had nothing to do with the temperature or the caffeine. Maybe it was the reputation that it had, and the threat it held toward their traditional lives. it was something, bold, radical, fresh, new. As Christians, it is easy for us to fear change. It is hard to be versatile in this ever-emerging world. If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop (if you haven’t I want to know how you get internet connection in your cave), you’ve experienced community.

It is an accepting atmosphere, an honest environment, a creative niche. You most likely saw somebody’s art sporadically placed about the honestly-aged walls. You probably saw people that are stereotypically categorized as all owning a pair of black glasses, who were doing anything from drawing in notebooks to reading philosophy books to typing away on their iBooks. Maybe the corporate consumer inside of you escaped and ordered a grande non-fat no-whip white chocolate mocha (with an extra shot), or perhaps your naturalism led you to a house coffee (with two equals), or you could just be there for the cool environment and a hot chocolate (be careful not to spill it on your PC laptop). All sarcasm aside, while you were there, you felt something comforting, yet dangerous.

Something peaceful, yet revolutionary.

Something encouraging, yet honest.

What you felt was community.

This is hopefully what you feel when you walk into church, whether you are in a large sanctuary, a renovated warehouse, or somebody’s living room, the air is filled with gusts of creativity and dangerous exploration. You are welcomed into community, regardless of your social, political, or financial status. You’re encouraged to explore, experience, and express.

Unfortunately, in the modern church, this is not always true. We seem to be afraid of unscheduled, uncontrolled community. This is the difference between a church and a coffeehouse.

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